Expanding Affordable Housing through Strategic Development

Birmingham, Alabama, is working to expand high-quality, affordable housing to promote economic mobility and community revitalization. The FUSE Executive Fellow will develop a strategic framework, strengthen partnerships, and implement pilot projects to accelerate housing development through the Magic City Housing Development Corporation. Ultimately, this work will increase housing accessibility, attract sustainable investment, and create long-term stability for Birmingham residents.

Fellowship Dates: October 27, 2025 – October 23, 2026

Salary: Executive Fellows are FUSE employees and receive an annual base salary of $80,000. Fellows can also access various health, dental, and vision insurance benefits. Compensation for this year of public service is not intended to represent market-rate compensation for the experienced professionals in our program.

ABOUT THE FUSE EXECUTIVE FELLOWSHIP

FUSE is a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing the capacity of local governments to work more effectively for communities. We embed private sector executives in city and county agencies to lead projects that improve public services and accelerate systems change. Since 2012, FUSE has led over 400 projects in 58 governments across 26 states, impacting a total population equivalent to 1 in 10 Americans.

When designing each fellowship project, FUSE works closely with government partners and community stakeholders to define a scope of work that will achieve substantive progress toward high-priority local needs. Projects address today’s most pressing challenges and opportunities, including affordable housing, economic mobility, climate resilience, public safety, infrastructure, technology, and more.

FUSE conducts a full executive search for each individual project to ensure that the selected candidate has at least 15 years of professional experience, the required competencies for the role, and deep connections to the community being served.

Executive Fellows are embedded in government agencies working with senior leaders for at least one year of full-time work. Prospective responsibilities may include thorough data analytics and research, developing enhanced operations and financial models, building change management and strategic planning processes, and/or building broad coalitions to support project implementation efforts. Executive Fellows are data-driven and results-oriented and able to effectively manage complex projects. They build strong relationships with a broad array of stakeholders, foster alignment within and across various layers of government, and build partnerships between governments and communities.

Throughout the fellowships, Executive Fellows receive training, coaching, and professional support to help achieve their project goals.

PROJECT CONTEXT

Access to high-quality, affordable housing is essential for fostering economic mobility, stabilizing communities, and ensuring all residents have opportunities to thrive. The City of Birmingham, Alabama, faces challenges in expanding housing availability, particularly for low- and moderate-income households. Decades of economic shifts, including the decline of the steel industry, have contributed to population loss, increased poverty rates, and stagnation in new housing development. Many neighborhoods experience aging housing stock, limited residential construction, and barriers to securing financial resources for homeownership or property maintenance. These conditions disproportionately affect historically underrepresented communities and limit opportunities for their long-term financial stability and upward mobility.

The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD) has taken proactive steps to address these challenges by maintaining and expanding public and affordable housing options. Through the Magic City Housing Development Corporation, HABD seeks to diversify housing opportunities beyond traditional public housing by incorporating mixed-income developments and innovative funding models. The city has also partnered with nonprofit organizations to support homeowners through rehabilitation programs and rental assistance initiatives. While these efforts have strengthened the housing ecosystem, demand continues to outpace supply. As Birmingham seeks to revitalize neighborhoods and enhance housing accessibility, a strategic, coordinated approach is needed to expand housing development and attract further long-term investment.

Birmingham will collaborate with FUSE to develop a strategic framework for Magic City Housing Development Corporation to enhance affordable housing development. The FUSE Executive Fellow will: conduc