Cullman Offers Incentives for Neighborhood Revitalization

New 'Neighborhood Enhancement Program' provides funding for developers to replace blighted homes

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The city of Cullman, Alabama has approved a new 'Neighborhood Enhancement Program' that will offer reimbursement incentives to developers who remove blighted or dangerous residential structures and build new qualifying homes within the city limits. The program, sponsored by Councilmember Jason Willoughby, aims to spur residential redevelopment and address blight in the community.

Why it matters

Cullman has struggled with aging housing stock and pockets of blight, which can drag down property values and deter new investment. This new incentive program is an effort by the city to proactively address these challenges and revitalize its neighborhoods through targeted redevelopment.

The details

Under the new program, developers may receive up to $10,000 in reimbursements for building a new qualifying residential structure on a non-conforming lot. The reimbursement increases to as much as $20,000 if the developer first removes a blighted structure from the property. To qualify, new homes must have exterior walls, including foundations, clad in approved masonry materials. The city also amended its zoning ordinance to allow more flexibility for developers building on non-conforming lots.

  • The Neighborhood Enhancement Program was approved by the Cullman City Council on February 23, 2026.
  • A public hearing to rezone property owned by Rodney Hawkins is scheduled for March 23, 2026 at 7 p.m.

The players

Jason Willoughby

Cullman City Councilmember who sponsored the Neighborhood Enhancement Program.

Cullman City Council

The governing body of the City of Cullman that approved the new incentive program.

Cullman Building Official

The city official who will determine which residential structures qualify as 'blighted or dangerous' under the program.

Rodney Hawkins

Property owner whose land is scheduled for rezoning consideration by the city council.

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What they’re saying

“We must address aging housing stock and blight in our neighborhoods to spur new investment and improve quality of life for residents.”

— Jason Willoughby, Cullman City Councilmember (cullmantimes.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Cullman's new Neighborhood Enhancement Program demonstrates the city's commitment to revitalizing its communities through strategic incentives for residential redevelopment. By addressing blight and providing flexibility for non-conforming lots, the program aims to catalyze private investment and improve the overall quality of Cullman's neighborhoods.