Pray for Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham, Alabama, faces economic disparity and social inequalities, emphasizing the need for unity and healing. Prayer, a source of comfort and strength, becomes essential.

James 5:16 in the Bible states, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective,” underscoring its significance in fostering renewal.

Amidst these challenges, our collective prayers offer hope and serve as a foundation for rebuilding our city and spirits. Join us in prayer as we work towards a renewed Birmingham, characterized by hope and resilience. Together, we will overcome. Amen.

Psalm 121:3

He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

Quick Brief

Population: 212,461

GDP: 7.24B USD

GDP and Economy:

As of 2023, Birmingham, Alabama, is navigating an economic landscape marked by both challenges and opportunities. The Alabama Business Confidence Index™ reveals a contractionary economic outlook for the Birmingham-Hoover Metro Area in Q4 2023 CBER. Despite this, Birmingham stands as a pivotal business hub in the Southeastern United States, with a diversified economy. Banking, telecommunications, transportation, electrical power transmission, medical care, education, and insurance are pivotal sectors.

Population:

Birmingham’s population dynamics are characterized by a slight decline, with the 2022 census estimates recording a population of 196,910, a decrease from 200,733 in 2020 Data USA. The city continues to be a significant urban and economic hub in Alabama.

Major Employers and Industries:

The economic fabric of Birmingham is woven with a mix of traditional and emerging industries. Birmingham hosts one Fortune 500 company, Regions Financial, and five Fortune 1000 companies. The educational sector is bolstered by institutions like the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine and Dentistry, Samford University, Birmingham-Southern College, and Miles College.

Economic Outlook:

The Alabama Business Confidence Index™ underscores a need for strategic interventions to reverse the contractionary economic outlook. Business leaders anticipate challenges, yet the city’s diversified economy offers a foundation for resilience and innovation CBER.

Employment and Wages:

The unemployment rate in Birmingham was 3.9% as of September 28, 2023, with an average weekly wage of $1,329 BLS.

Leadership

Mayor Woodfin has been serving as the 34th mayor of Birmingham since 2017. He is a former president of the Birmingham City School Board and is committed to improving the education system in the city.

Governor Kay Ivey is currently serving her second term as the governor of Alabama. She is a cancer survivor and devoted Christian who has been a strong advocate for improving healthcare in the state.

Clinton P Woods is the District 1 councillor, representing the citizens of the North Birmingham area. He has strongly advocated for his community, working on public safety, infrastructure, and economic development issues.

Hunter Williams is the District 2 councillor who has been serving the residents of Birmingham since 2021. He is a strong advocate for youth development and is committed to improving public safety in the city. He is known for his commitment to improving the quality of life for residents in his district and has a track record of delivering results through his community-driven approach. Williams is passionate about public service and has worked tirelessly to address key issues such as public safety, infrastructure, and job creation. He is a strong advocate for residents and works closely with local businesses and organizations to support the growth and development of the district.

Valerie A Abbott is the district 3 councillor of Birmingham, Alabama. She has been serving the community since 2009 and is well known for her strong commitment to public service. Abbott has a passion for improving the quality of life for residents in her district and has been working towards this goal through various initiatives and programs. She is an active member of several community organizations and is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of her constituents.

J.T. Moore is the district 4 councillor in Birmingham, Alabama. He is known for his passion for community service and commitment to improving his district’s residents’ lives. Moore has a strong background in public service, having served on various boards and committees before being elected as a councillor. He is dedicated to addressing issues such as public safety, infrastructure, and economic development in the district. Through his work, Moore strives to create a better future for the residents of district 4 and the city of Birmingham as a whole.

Darrell O’Quinn is the District 5 councillor, serving the residents of Birmingham since 2021. He is a community activist and is strongly committed to improving the quality of life for all residents in the city.

President Pro Tempore Crystal N. Smitherman, Esq, is a proud resident of District 6 and has served as the councillor since 2017. She is an attorney and has been a strong advocate for justice and equality in the city.

President Wardine T. Alexander, the District 7 councillor, is a seasoned public servant passionate about serving her community. She is committed to promoting economic development, education, and safety in the city.

Carol E. Clarke, the District 8 councillor, is a lifelong resident of Birmingham and has been serving in the city council since 2021. She is dedicated to improving the infrastructure and amenities in the district and making it a better place to live.

LaTonya A. Tate, the District 9 councillor, has served in the city council since 2019. She is passionate about education and committed to improving Birmingham’s education system, especially for underprivileged students. [Find out more about the councillors]

Economy

Birmingham’s economy is largely driven by the healthcare and education industries, as well as manufacturing and retail. The city is home to several major hospitals and universities, which employ many residents.

Typical jobs include Registered nurses, Physicians, and Physical therapists. The unemployment rate is 6.0%.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Birmingham, Alabama is actively addressing obesity and tobacco use. A CDC report reveals that 66% of Jefferson County’s adults are overweight or obese, and 21% smoke.

Obesity Prevention

The county partnered with the Freshwater Land Trust to expand green spaces, enhancing opportunities for physical activity. School cafeteria staff received training to enhance the nutritional value of student meals. Birmingham adopted the Complete Streets resolution, promoting safer and more accessible streets for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.

Tobacco Use Prevention

Efforts include visible tobacco warnings in stores and promoting the Alabama Tobacco Quitline. Workplaces and faith communities are educated on the risks of tobacco use and secondhand smoke.

Childcare Health Regulations

Jefferson County introduced regulations requiring childcare centers to provide at least 60 minutes of active playtime per eight-hour day for children aged 12 months to 3 years, promoting early development of healthy habits.

Health Outcomes in Birmingham, Alabama

In Jefferson County, where Birmingham is located, health outcomes are a mix of positive and challenging aspects. The county is ranked in the higher middle range (50%-75%) for health outcomes in Alabama, according to the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps.

Key Health Statistics

• Premature Death: The rate of premature death in Jefferson County is 11,400 per 100,000 population, higher than the Alabama average of 10,400 and the U.S. average of 7,300.
• Poor or Fair Health: 17% of the population reports their health as poor or fair, which is better than the state average of 19% but higher than the national average of 12%.
• Poor Mental Health Days: Residents report an average of 5.0 poor mental health days per month, similar to the state average but higher than the U.S. average of 4.4.
• Low Birthweight: The low birthweight rate is 11%, higher than both the state (10%) and national (8%) averages.

Health Behaviors

• Adult Smoking: The smoking rate is 16%, equal to the national average but lower than the state’s 20%.
• Adult Obesity: The obesity rate stands at 39%, equal to the state average but higher than the U.S. average of 32%.
• Physical Inactivity: 25% of adults are physically inactive, lower than the state’s 28% but higher than the U.S. average of 22%.

Clinical Care

• Uninsured Rate: 10% of the population is uninsured, equal to the national average but lower than the state’s 12%.
• Primary Care Physicians: The ratio of population to primary care physicians is 870:1, better than both the state (1,520:1) and national (1,310:1) ratios.

Crime and Safety in Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham’s crime rate is a pressing issue, with the city being safer than only 1% of U.S. cities. The total crime rate is 77.09 per 1,000 residents NeighborhoodScout.

Violent Crime

The city’s violent crime rate is 20.57 per 1,000 residents. Individuals in Birmingham face a 1 in 49 chance of experiencing violent crime, contrasted with a 1 in 168 probability statewide.

Property Crime

Property crime is also prevalent, with a rate of 56.52 per 1,000 residents. Birmingham residents have a 1 in 18 chance of falling victim to property crime, compared to a 1 in 39 chance in Alabama.

Policing

Effective policing is essential to address the city’s crime rates. The Birmingham Police Department’s strategies and staffing are pivotal in enhancing city safety.

Neighborhood Safety

Crime rates fluctuate across Birmingham’s neighborhoods, necessitating localized safety assessments and precautions.

Initiatives for Safety Improvement

Targeted interventions and collaborations among law enforcement, community organizations, and residents are vital for addressing crime and improving city safety.

Biggest challenges

Birmingham faces challenges such as poverty, crime, and inadequate access to healthcare. However, with a strong faith community and dedicated leaders, the city is poised to overcome these challenges and continue to grow.

10 Prayer Points for Birmingham, Alabama with Bible Verses

1. Economic Revival
   • Prayer Point: Lord, we pray for economic revival in Birmingham, that You would breathe life into every sector, bringing prosperity and stability.
   • Bible Verse: Deuteronomy 28:12 (NIV) – “The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands.”
2. Unity and Healing
   • Prayer Point: We pray for unity and healing amidst economic disparity and social inequalities, that love and understanding would prevail.
   • Bible Verse: Psalm 133:1 (NIV) – “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
3. Healthcare Improvement
   • Prayer Point: Lord, bless Birmingham with improved healthcare, access, and affordability for all, especially in the fight against obesity and tobacco use.
   • Bible Verse: Exodus 15:26 (NIV) – “For I am the Lord, who heals you.”
4. Safety from Crime
   • Prayer Point: We pray for safety and a reduction in crime rates, and for wisdom and integrity among law enforcement.
   • Bible Verse: Proverbs 2:8 (NIV) – “For he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.”
5. Quality Education
   • Prayer Point: Lord, we pray for the education system, for resources, wisdom, and dedication to provide quality education for every child.
   • Bible Verse: Proverbs 16:16 (NIV) – “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!”
6. Wisdom for Leaders
   • Prayer Point: We pray for wisdom, integrity, and guidance for all leaders in Birmingham, that they may serve with justice and compassion.
   • Bible Verse: James 3:17 (NIV) – “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
7. Community Engagement
   • Prayer Point: Lord, we pray for strong community engagement and collaboration to address and overcome the city’s challenges.
   • Bible Verse: Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) – “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”
8. Employment Opportunities
   • Prayer Point: We pray for increased employment opportunities and fair wages for the residents of Birmingham.
   • Bible Verse: Proverbs 14:23 (NIV) – “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
9. Justice and Equality
   • Prayer Point: Lord, we pray for justice and equality for all in Birmingham, that every individual’s rights and dignity are upheld.
   • Bible Verse: Amos 5:24 (NIV) – “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!”
10. Spiritual Renewal
    • Prayer Point: We pray for a spiritual renewal in Birmingham, that the people may find hope, strength, and comfort in their faith.
    • Bible Verse: Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Prayer for Birmingham Alabama

Heavenly Father, we come to you today to pray for the city of Birmingham, Alabama. We lift the city’s leaders, including the Mayor, City Council Members, and Police Chief, and ask that you bless their work and guide their decisions.

We ask that you bring peace and safety to the streets of Birmingham and protect its citizens from harm. Help to heal any division and bring unity to the community.

We pray for economic growth and prosperity in Birmingham so local businesses may thrive and provide job opportunities for those in need. We ask that you bless the schools and educational institutions, providing quality education for all students.

We ask for wisdom for city leaders as they address Birmingham’s challenges, including poverty, crime, and discrimination. Help them be bold in their decisions and dare to make difficult choices for the city’s betterment.

We pray that the Church in Birmingham may be a light to the community and bring hope to those in need. May your love and grace be evident in the lives of its members as they serve the city.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

As followers of Christ, we are called to lift our communities in prayer and intercession. Let us unite in faith, lifting Birmingham to our Heavenly Father, who hears and answers our prayers.