News & Events

Read the Fall 2026 resident newsletter (PDF)

Housing moves forward

The Legacy at Graymont School closed on September 30, 2026. Contractor mobilization is underway for 101 senior homes, including 80 replacement homes for Smithfield Court public housing. Groundbreaking is planned for December 2026.

Phases 2 and 3 at the A.H. Parker sites plan 116 and 175 family homes. Construction starts are targeted for 2027, subject to financing and approvals. See grant progress and project renderings.

People and neighborhood

HABD and The Ascent Project connect Smithfield Court residents with employment, education, health and family support. Through the second quarter of 2026, the program reported 84 cumulative job starts and 38 training completions. Contact the team for current opportunities and schedules.

The Revive & Thrive home repair and Storefront Improvement programs target an initial rollout in the first quarter of 2027. Program details and applications will follow when available.

Read the CNI overview   |   Contact the Smithfield Choice team

Community history

2025: Spring break cultural field trips connected young residents with Alabama wildlife and Birmingham history. The March 14 Passport to Success Fair brought 21 partners and 55 participants together. HABD, TAP and Birmingham City Schools also met in February to coordinate education support.

March 25, 2025 community update presentation

February 2024: Congresswoman Terri Sewell visited Smithfield for a CNI update and a separate $2.1 million Housing Choice Voucher mobility grant announcement.

2023: Birmingham received the $50 million Choice Neighborhoods grant on July 26, following the January application and April finalist selection. WBRC award coverage | CBS 42 coverage | Resident perspectives, September 6

Transportation history: March 2023 SMART grant coverage; February 2023 RAISE application; and the February 2023 Reconnecting Communities planning award. These are historical records, rather than current funding or construction announcements.

2022 resident planning: More than 200 neighbors contributed to the grant application. Engagement summary | December 16 presentation | Pushing for Better Housing. Meeting recordings appear below.

Watch the documentary I’m Still Here, a story of College Hills residents, resilience and civil rights history.

HABD and the City of Birmingham are co-grantees. The City leads the neighborhood component of the transformation.