The future of Birmingham, as told by us
By Wade Kwon
Often in this space, we focus on Birmingham’s present and past, but perhaps not often enough on its future.
Where is the city headed? Where do we want it to be in 50 years?
The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham marks its 50th anniversary on May 11. This nonprofit organization is a public endowment, a savings account for the community, using gifts from donors to make grants to nonprofit organizations in Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Blount and Walker counties.
As part of its anniversary celebration, the foundation has launched Imagine, a blog to capture the wildest dreams for Birmingham. What could happen? What should never change?
Foundation officers asked dreamers, including Wade on Birmingham, to write and share their vision. (The utopian one, not the apocalyptic sentient-robots-enslave-humanity future.) Here’s an excerpt of our contribution, “A walk to the library”:
April 27, 2059
…
On the way, I see children hurrying to Miriam Witherspoon Elementary, the nation’s top-rated public school. It must be Science Fair Day, because they’re all carrying fusion-powered gizmos and genetically engineered slaw.
The air is clearer than I ever remember. Thank goodness we curbed power plant emissions and car exhaust through smart planning and regulation. Everyone can breathe more easily, and spend their time on things other than trips to the doctor and the pharmacist.
Read the rest of the story and then contribute your own.
What do you want for Birmingham in the next 50 years? Tell us in the comments.
