As an urban university, UAB has a direct impact and connection with the City of Birmingham and plays an important role in shaping the community’s development. The faculty, staff, and students of the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering Department are involved in a variety of research activities and academic programs in partnerships with local business, nonprofit organizations, and government institutions in order to make a positive impact in the community. These established partnerships are mutually beneficial relationships where faculty and students get the chance to address real-life challenges that impact the community, while the city and its residents benefit from the university’s technical expertise to help improve these challenges.