The Birmingham business community plays a critical role in reducing the deadly violence that has plagued the city, Mayor Randall Woodfin said.

Increasing police presence is just one part of a larger solution, Woodfin told a crowd gathered at a luncheon of the Birmingham Business Alliance Thursday.

“This is where you come in,” Woodfin said. “The key is to provide more opportunities. The key is investing in more communities.”

The mayor said reducing the number of homicides in the city requires a multifaceted approach and the group of business owners and leaders gathered at The Club play a significant part.

“So, my ask of this audience – of our corporate community – is to continue to engage the city of Birmingham in partnership, keeping your eyes toward investing in our communities to provide help and to help those most in need,” he said.

Birmingham ended 2024 with 151 homicides, the highest number in the city since 1933. Birmingham has already reported 13 homicides this year.

As Woodfin seeks a third term this summer, the issue of crime and the city’s response to it is a central theme for Woodfin, his critics and challengers.

Woodfin’s message around crime was similar to his State of the City address to the Birmingham Kiwanis Club in January. Today, he added a specific challenge to the business community for help.

He touted Birmingham as a medical hub with UAB and Southern Research receiving millions of dollars in new funding, including a $44 million federal grant to expand artificial intelligence and biomedical drug research.

Major commercial projects are also underway that pour millions into the city, Woodfin said.

However, the rising homicide numbers remain a challenge that the city is seeking to solve.

“It’s not just about the numbers, it’s truly about people,” Woodfin said.

Woodfin reviewed the recommendations of the Birmingham Crime Commission report, which included hiring more police, seeking a state ban on so-called Glock automatic gun switches, revitalizing neighborhoods and increasing investment in education and workforce opportunities.

“There’s an unfortunate formula that has led to the unfortunate increase in gun violence,” Woodfin said, naming concentrated poverty, unemployment, and school absence as major factors.

“Plus, the staffing issues police departments nationwide have struggled with plus a culture of retaliation has led to the unfortunate increase in gun violence,” he said.

Woodfin said businesses are already participating. He cited a range of initiatives ranging from business support for the Birmingham Promise scholarship and internship programs, to Coke’s $335 million investment in a new facility in the Kingston neighborhood, and construction of a Coca-Cola Amphitheater in North Birmingham near the BJCC.

“Hope comes in the form of neighborhood revitalization, restoring pride as well as prosperity to our communities,” he said.

The city is doing its part by partnering with businesses, investing in public safety and investing in programs to reduce violence, he said.

Woodfin also noted the city’s plan to build a $15 million family fun center at the Birmingham Crossplex.

“We expect shovels in the ground within the next 30 days as we plan a new family-based destination for our residents in the western area of town and this is open to all residents in town,” Woodfin said.

Following his speech, Steve Ammons, BBA president, underscored Woodfin’s call for corporate engagement and urged members to continue and strengthen their efforts.

“We don’t need to be thinking in silos. We need to be thinking about how we can work better together toward not only the region, but the city of Birmingham,” Ammons said. “Strong economies are regional economies.”

Ammons said Birmingham’s health and success anchor the entire region.

“We have to focus on the city of Birmingham in making sure that it is strong,” he said. “I would encourage you to, where you can, weigh in to help us be a prosperous city and region.”