The Selma Housing Authority, Metro Digital Group, and a coalition of educational and civic leaders have unveiled plans for the Selma Digital Innovation Center, a significant redevelopment initiative aimed at bolstering Selma’s economic and innovative future. This project will see the transformation of a historic building at 528 Washington Avenue into a hub for workforce development, technology, AI, and digital innovation, catering to students, young adults, entrepreneurs, and the wider Selma community.
Collins Pettaway Jr., President of Progress Partners for Selma, emphasized the broader implications of this redevelopment effort, stating that it represents the creation of future opportunity infrastructure for the community. As technology increasingly reshapes the workforce, Pettaway noted that Selma must adapt to remain competitive in the modern digital economy. The development of the center is being driven by a public-private partnership involving 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 slated to feature a range of facilities, including gaming and esports environments, creator and streaming studios, AI and STEM learning labs, workforce development classrooms, media production spaces, entrepreneurship programming, and community event areas. Metro Digital Group will spearhead the development and ecosystem deployment for the project. Shaon Berry, President of Metro Digital Group, expressed pride in collaborating on this transformative initiative, which aligns with their mission to establish inclusive technology and innovation ecosystems that foster long-term economic mobility and workforce readiness.
Local leaders, such as Selma Councilwoman Lesia James, highlight the symbolic importance of this project in strengthening economic development, education, and community revitalization in Selma. The initiative aims to create new opportunities for the city’s youth and residents by bringing together local government, education, housing leadership, and innovation-focused organizations. John Deamer, Vice President of Progress Partners, emphasized the goal of removing traditional ceilings on learning and opportunity, providing pathways for growth and success in various future-facing industries.
The Selma Digital Innovation Center is scheduled to commence design and planning in June 2026, with an expected opening in 2027. Progress Partners and Metro Digital Group are actively seeking strategic partners, sponsors, technology providers, and philanthropic collaborators to support the project’s vision for innovation and community transformation. Roger Blackmon, Director of Technology for Progress Partners, expressed excitement about the center’s dynamic design, anticipating it will inspire and engage students and families alike in the pursuit of learning and creativity.