A transformative initiative is set to launch in Selma, Alabama, as the Selma Housing Authority and Metro Digital Group, alongside a coalition of educational and civic leaders, announce plans for the Selma Digital Innovation Center. This project will convert a historic site on Washington Avenue into a hub for workforce development and digital innovation, aimed at empowering the community in a rapidly evolving economic landscape. Collins Pettaway Jr., President of Progress Partners for Selma, emphasized the broader impact of the project, stating that it aims to create an infrastructure for future opportunities in a city that must adapt to the digital economy.
The initiative will be realized through a public-private partnership that includes the Mayor’s Office, the Housing Authority of Selma, Selma City Schools, Selma University, Wallace Community College Selma, Progress Partners, and Metro Digital Group. The center is planned to feature various facilities, including gaming and esports spaces, creator and streaming studios, AI and STEM learning labs, workforce development classrooms, media production spaces, and more. The Metro Digital Group will lead the project’s development, focusing on its mission to foster inclusive technology and innovation ecosystems that offer long-term economic mobility.
Local leaders recognize the symbolic and practical significance of this endeavor for Selma, a city with a profound historical legacy. Selma Councilwoman Lesia James highlighted the importance of collaboration among local government, educational institutions, and innovation-focused organizations to create new opportunities for residents. Progress Partners Vice President John Deamer noted the center’s potential to inspire growth and success by removing traditional barriers to learning and career development, offering pathways in technology, entrepreneurship, and digital media.
Construction and design planning for the Selma Digital Innovation Center are slated to begin in June 2026, with an opening expected in 2027. Progress Partners and Metro Digital Group are actively seeking strategic partners, sponsors, and technology providers to support the project’s vision for economic mobility and community transformation. Roger Blackmon, Director of Technology for Progress Partners, expressed enthusiasm for the cutting-edge design of the technology rooms, which will provide a futuristic learning environment for all ages, fostering an atmosphere where families can learn together.
Established in November 2025, Progress Partners for Selma aims to drive economic development, education, and community pride through sustainable change and results. The organization is spearheaded by dedicated local and regional leaders committed to enhancing Selma’s future. For more information or partnership opportunities, interested parties can contact John Deamer at Progress Partners for Selma.