Restart Tuscaloosa

Updated Jun 08 2021

Summary

Restart Tuscaloosa is an initiative to invest $15 million through 2022 into public safety, neighborhoods, small businesses, the experience economy, and local agencies. Restart Tuscaloosa works as a catalyst to jumpstart Tuscaloosa’s economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic by setting a strong foundation for Tuscaloosa businesses and residents.

Small Business

Elevate Economy helped local businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic by investing $1 million with the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Relief Fund.

A second round of up to $400,000 of funding was provided to assist lounge establishments impacted by closures. This funding was distributed to businesses through the city's Lounge Assistance Program.

Neighborhoods

Based on analysis of existing road conditions and City Council input, 66 local roads, sidewalks, and drainage projects have been identified to receive $7 million of improvements over two years to keep Tuscaloosa neighborhoods in excellent condition.

Experience Economy

A total of $2.6 million will be invested into tourism and sports to expand Tuscaloosa’s experience economy. Expect more live music, events, festivals, and sports that will enhance life for Tuscaloosa residents and draw visitors here.

Public Safety

A total of $4 million will be invested into equipment, vehicles, and cyber technology to ensure the safety of our community.

Project Status

Though most existing Elevate projects and initiatives will continue to progress with minimal impact, the Mayor has recommended changes to some timelines. The status of each project has been assigned a green, yellow, or red light at this time. Green light projects will move ahead as planned with little or no delay. Yellow light projects will proceed with their study phase. Red light projects will pause.

See the project status document presented by the Mayor to the City Council on April 28, 2020.

Goals and Impact

Infuse direct financial support into local businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic
Provide an economic stimulus for the community by investing in key areas outlined above
Keep the city's public safety assets updated and modern during the pandemic and in its aftermath

Project Updates

Timeline

Hover to see details

Key Milestones & Events

Up Next:

Completed:

Small Business

A $1 million funding investment was approved on May 12, 2020 and final funding was distributed on August 14, 2020. Download the report on the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Relief Fund.
On September 15, 2020, assistance of up to $400,000 was approved through the city's Lounge Assistance Program. Download the report.

Neighborhoods - street repaving projects

Bids were opened on September 23, 2020 (view documents here)
The contract was awarded on September 29, 2020 to ST Bunn Construction
Review the list of projects in the 2020-2021 street repaving plan.

Project Materials

Costs

Cost Summary

Spent:

$2,534,245

Approved:

$5,616,684

Budget:

$15,000,000

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Spent: The amount paid on this project to-date.

Approved: The amount that has been approved by the City Council to be spent for a specific contract or purpose on this project. In city accounting terms, this is spent + encumbered.

Budget: The total amount of money that the City expects to be spent to complete this project. This amount is only finalized once sufficient planning on the project has been completed.

Financial Information

Cost Details

Elevate Tuscaloosa Fund: City funds dedicated to Elevate Tuscaloosa which are allocated to this project.

Other City Funds: City funds from non-Elevate Tuscaloosa sources allocated to this project.

External Funding: Amounts from sources outside of the city, such as grants, or donations from citizens or private companies.

Overall Funding

Funding Summary

Elevate Tuscaloosa Fund:

$8,250,000

Other City Funds:

External Funding:

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