Still no funding from city for the Selma Redevelopment Authority

With no funding from the City of Selma, the Selma Redevelopment Authority will continue to rely on funding from the Education Fund of America, the SRA Board learned last week. 

The city is operating under last year’s budget because Mayor James Perkins Jr. filed an injunction preventing the budget for 2023 from taking effect. As a result, SRA Board Member Sylvia Smith told the board that the SRA has received no funding from the city. 

SRA Board Chairman Martha Lockett told the board it has been confirmed that SRA can continue to use its remaining Education Fund of America funds for anything but salaries. 

In a related action, on a motion by SRA Board Member Mandy Henry seconded by SRA Board Member Clay Carmichael, the SRA voted to relocate its office from Trustmark Bank to a site to be determined. 

SRA has been asked by Selma Planning and Development Director Danielle Wooten to help survey owners of downtown businesses and buildings. 

Lockett asked SRA board members to think about “low-hanging fruit,” something the board could accomplish that “would make a difference.” She asked the board to consider a project to clean up downtown. 

Lockett said an SRA training session with Alex Flachsbart of Opportunity Alabama will be held on a date in May to be determined. 

In attendance were Carmichael, Henry, Lockett, Smith and Community Advocate Susan Youngblood. Absent was Jimmie Coleman. 

There was no update on filling vacated SRA board seats by Elizabeth Hollie and Cicely Curtis. 

The next SRA board meeting will be on May 18.