Building a Better Lipscomb Together
The Redevelopment Plan for New Suburbia will serve as a bold and practical blueprint to transform the City of Lipscomb into a vibrant, inclusive, and affordable suburban community, a peaceful place to live that will complement the economic expansion of nearby Bessemer.
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Grounded in smart planning, cultural pride, and strong community partnerships, this plan will guide the revitalization of housing, the modernization of infrastructure, the expansion of job access, and the overall improvement of quality of life for every resident. It will address today’s issues while laying the foundation for a brighter, more sustainable future.
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But this plan won’t just focus on buildings and streets, it will prioritize people. It will create more opportunities for youth, support families in building stability, and ensure that seniors can age in place with dignity and comfort. Lipscomb will no longer be just a city you pass through, but it will become a place you’re proud to call home.
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Whether you’ve lived here for decades or are just planting roots, this plan will welcome you into something bigger, the transformation of Lipscomb into New Suburbia: Your Home Next Door.
New Suburbia Redevelopment Plan
Neighborhood Revitalization & Housing
Actions:
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Conduct a housing condition survey to identify homes for renovation vs. infill.
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Develop incentives for local builders: low-interest loans, façade grants, down payment assistance.
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Partner with nonprofits (e.g., Habitat for Humanity) to rehab older homes for low-income families.
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Create design guidelines for new builds to ensure cohesive neighborhood aesthetics.
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Timeline: Phase 1 (Year 1-2): Survey & pilot projects. Phase 2 (Year 3-5): Full-scale implementation.
Infrastructure & Connectivity
Actions:
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Upgrade roads, sidewalks, streetlights, and drainage to improve walkability and safety.
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Develop a complete streets plan with bike lanes and trails connecting neighborhoods to Bessemer.
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Apply for CDBG and ARPA infrastructure grants.
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Prioritize beautification: trees, community signage, and gateway enhancements.
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Timeline: Ongoing; prioritize key corridors in Year 1-2.
Community Amenities & Town Center
Actions:
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Identify a small node for a mixed-use town center: local café, convenience store, playground, community gathering space.
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Create pocket parks and update existing parks with new equipment and seating.
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Host seasonal markets or festivals to build community spirit and attract visitors.
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Timeline: Town center concept design in Year 1, phased build-out by Year 3.
Economic Development & Jobs
Actions:
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Develop a partnership with Bessemer’s EdTech Innovation District and local employers to create a workforce pipeline.
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Establish a local business incubator for homegrown entrepreneurs.
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Market Lipscomb to remote workers looking for affordable, quiet living.
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Provide tax incentives for small retail and essential services.
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Timeline: Workforce MOU in Year 1; incubator pilot in Year 2.
Community Engagement & Branding
Actions:
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Form a Resident Advisory Board to guide decisions.
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Conduct town halls and surveys to gather input and build buy-in.
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Develop branding and marketing: new logo, city website, and welcome signage.
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Create a campaign: “Lipscomb — Your Home Next Door.”
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Timeline: Launch engagement immediately; branding rollout within 6 months.
Funding & Partnerships
Actions:
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Pursue federal and state grants (CDBG, ARPA, USDA Rural Development).
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Explore PPPs with developers for housing and retail.
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Leverage philanthropic partners for community programs.
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Align with Bessemer’s economic development council for shared initiatives.
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Timeline: Funding strategy within 3 months.
The Lipscomb Community Fund
“Investing in Our People, Block by Block”
​As part of the New Suburbia vision, I am proposing the creation of the Lipscomb Community Fund, a locally driven financial tool designed to reinvest in the heart of our city: our people, our neighborhoods, and our future.
This fund will be built through a combination of public, private, philanthropic, and grant dollars, and will serve as a flexible, transparent resource to address real needs in real time, with community input at every step.
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How It Will Work:
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Seed Funding:
The fund will begin with startup contributions from the city budget (as available), matched with state and federal grants, local partnerships, and philanthropic support. -
Community-Driven Allocation:
A volunteer Community Fund Advisory Board made up of residents, business owners, and youth representatives will help set funding priorities and review proposals. -
Priority Areas for Investment:
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Home Repair Grants for seniors and low-income residents
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Neighborhood Beautification Projects led by residents
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Youth and Family Programs (after-school, summer jobs, mentoring)
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Small Business Microgrants to help local entrepreneurs grow
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Emergency Support for residents in crisis (utilities, food, housing gaps)
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Transparent Reporting:
All funding activity will be posted publicly on the city website, and quarterly community meetings will provide updates and celebrate successes.
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Why It Matters:
Too often, cities our size are overlooked when it comes to outside investment, and our residents feel the impact. The Lipscomb Community Fund will empower us to take control of our future by investing in what matters most: our families, our homes, and our hope.
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It’s not just about money. It’s about trust, transparency, and putting resources directly into the hands of those who are building a better Lipscomb every day.
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This is how we build New Suburbia — not from the top down, but from the inside out. One block, one family, one opportunity at a time.
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— Lakendria Pollenitz