Selma Redevelopment Authority gets city funding, asked to be part of economic development team | News

The Selma Redevelopment Authority (SRA) Board of Directors may receive a financial shot in the arm from the city of Selma, and SRA Community Advocate Susan Youngblood has been asked to be a part of the city’s economic development team.

Youngblood reported at the SRA Board of Directors teleconference meeting Sept. 23 that the SRA is slated to receive $25,000 in the city’s 2022 budget, which should begin Oct.1. She said the funds will allow SRA to pay the advocate salary, get a new computer, purchase office supplies and rent, and attend out-of-town meetings.

The city council is scheduled to consider the budget at its Sept. 28 meeting.

Youngblood said the SRA received “extra recognition” from the council and mayor when she was appointed to serve on the city’s economic development team.

Youngblood said she is working with Selma City Councilwoman Jannie Thomas and the Blackbelt Benefit Group to get a grant for a playground and park in Thomas’ ward across from Selma University.

“This is something that’s been needed for a long time, and Councilwoman Thomas has not had real good success in getting any consideration on,” Youngblood said.

Maxwell said the SRA needs to see what it can do to assist the city with green spaces on Broad Street. She suggested the area needs low maintenance plants that would not grow too high.

Maxwell asked Youngblood to propose a fundraising letter campaign and grant opportunities at the next meeting for additional façade enhancement grants.

Attending the meeting by teleconference on Sept. 23 were Maxwell, Youngblood, Clint Wilkinson, Martha Lockett, Johnny Moss Jr. and Johnny Moss III.