Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

A public draft of Selma Now, a recovery-focused strategic action plan for Selma and Dallas County, is available for public review at www.SelmaNow.com.

Community members are encouraged to participate in shaping the future of their city. The project is part of a broader effort to address pressing community needs, with a particular focus on modernizing and enforcing local codes to promote safety, resilience, and economic growth.

Thanks to the efforts of U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Selma, the Ala-Tom Regional Commission secured a long-term recovery planning grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to support Selma and Dallas County’s long-term recovery efforts, following the devastating EF-2 tornado of 2023.

The Strategic Action Plan directly addresses the impacts of the Jan. 12, 2023, tornado and sets a foundational direction for land use, economic development, housing and infrastructure. It is a broad, recovery-focused plan that balances immediate disaster response with long-term community revitalization. The plan outlines short-term action items while establishing a vision for sustainable, long-term growth.

One of the primary themes emerging from the planning process is the need for updated codes and stronger enforcement mechanisms. Residents and community organizations have voiced concerns about aging infrastructure, outdated zoning regulations and the need for more effective compliance to support long-term recovery and development.

The plan hopes to provide clear, actionable steps to modernize policies and enhance implementation while ensuring alignment with broader recovery and planning efforts—such as Selma’s Downtown Vision—to support a cohesive path forward.

The strategic action plan represents an opportunity for Selma to build a stronger, more sustainable future. Community participation is crucial, and starting April 1, the community has been invited to review the draft plan and provide feedback at SelmaNow.com.