Publications

81 Birmingham is situated at the hub of an emerging network of innovation, diversity and growth that spans the Southeast. Alabama Power is in the perfect position to help foster a tech workforce that is as diverse as our state. Enter Bronze Valley: a new nonprofit organization for the express purpose of creating an education-to- opportunity pipeline for ethnic minorities and women. Part of our technology-based economic development strategy, Bronze Valley will serve communities that are underrepresented in technology careers, as entrepreneurs and in other fields where innovators will lead the way in creating the jobs of the future. In 2018, Birmingham was awarded a Smart Cities Readiness Challenge Grant, and Alabama Power was and is at the forefront of making that challenge a reality. A smart city is a community that incorporates information and communication technologies to enhance the quality of life for its citizens. This summer, the company spearheaded strategic planning workshops with other civic, community and technology leaders to brainstorm how to use technology and data for the benefit of Birmingham. Projects already underway include smart street lighting, bus rapid transit and community Wi-Fi. Bronze Valley Smart Cities Readiness Workshop "The efforts during the workshop will ultimately incorporate digital technology to help improve public safety, community health, economic empowerment, transportation, energy and more." – Jonathan Porter, vice president, Birmingham Division "To unlock the full potential of Alabama's 21st century innovation, we need to support the development of a broad and inclusive base of entrepreneurs and future business leaders." – Houston Smith, vice president, Governmental Affairs

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