Selma, Alabama, is a special place. The “Queen City of the Black Belt” has held a prominent place in American history, from its role in the Civil War, to a focal point in the civil rights movement almost exactly a century later. In the past decade, Selma has endured decades of population decline and neglect. In 2023, these conditions were worsened when an EF2 tornado tore through the City and destroyed over 1,300 homes.
Following this disaster, Selma was awarded funds for a long-term recovery plan. Led by Planning NEXT, Selma Now is a community-informed process to create a long-term vision for a more resilient community, while leveraging this opportunity for short-term. The Team’s work is fueled by the deep and meaningful history of civil rights leadership and the lasting impact of this legacy on the Selma community, the nation, and the world. Planning NEXT is committed to facilitating the details of the planning work, but also feels a tremendous amount of responsibility to honor the legacy that is Selma, Alabama. The robust project team, including Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC), Innovative Emergency Management (IEM), Ninigret Partners (NP), and College Town Consulting (CTC), aims to assist Selma in preserving the City’s historical essence while ushering in a new era of resilience, growth, and change.