The City of Birmingham aims to catalyze economic mobility for underserved communities by scaling quality, affordable, and accessible child care. The City is pursuing an innovative ecosystem approach that unites families, workers, childcare entrepreneurs, government, and businesses across the region. The FUSE Executive Fellow will implement critical components of the City’s comprehensive childcare strategy and strengthen the economic justification for continued investment. As a result of this work, residents will have access to quality, affordable childcare – removing barriers to employment, supporting small business growth, and strengthening the city’s economy.
Starting in November 2025, the FUSE Executive Fellow will develop deep relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including City partners (e.g., Department of Youth Services, Department of Community Development, Department of Planning, Engineering and Permits), child care industry partners (e.g., local child care organizations and workers), advocacy partners (e.g., Women’s Foundation of Alabama, United Way, Bloomberg Sustainable Cities Initiative), and members of the public (with an emphasis on families from underrepresented communities with children under six). The fellow will seek to understand the resources, opportunities, and aspirations these partners have for quality, affordable, accessible child care. In addition, the fellow will review best practices for ensuring equal access to child care in communities similar to Birmingham. Finally, the fellow will work with their Executive Sponsor and Project Supervisor to develop and approve specific project goals and deliverables. While these goals and deliverables will likely include the ones listed below, they may differ based on situational changes.