The Selma Housing Authority, Metro Digital Group, and a coalition of civic and educational leaders have unveiled plans to establish the Selma Digital Innovation Center, marking a significant step towards transforming one of America’s historically rich cities into a hub of innovation and economic empowerment. The initiative will see the renovation of a historic building located at 528 Washington Avenue into a cutting-edge center for workforce development, entrepreneurship, technology, AI, and digital innovation, aimed at serving students, young adults, entrepreneurs, and the wider Selma community.
Collins Pettaway Jr., President of Progress Partners for Selma, emphasized the broader significance of the project, stating, “This project represents much more than a building redevelopment. We are creating future opportunity infrastructure for our community. Technology is rapidly changing the workforce, and Selma must position itself to compete and thrive in a modern digital economy.” This ambitious undertaking is the fruit of 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 poised to offer a variety of facilities, including gaming and esports environments, creator and streaming studios, AI and STEM learning labs, workforce development classrooms, media production spaces, and community event areas. Metro Digital Group, recognized for its initiatives in gaming, STEM, and digital engagement, will take the lead in the project’s development and ecosystem deployment. Shaon Berry, President of Metro Digital Group, remarked on the partnership’s potential, saying, “Together, we are reimagining a historic Selma building as a next-generation Digital Innovation Center focused on workforce development, entrepreneurship, AI, digital skills, creator economy pathways, and community opportunity.”
Local leaders see this project as a symbol of economic resilience and educational advancement. Selma Councilwoman Lesia James noted, “The future of Selma depends on partnerships like this. By bringing together local government, education, housing leadership, and innovation-focused organizations, we can create opportunities for our youth and residents that simply did not exist before.” The center is designed to open doors for those interested in technology, entrepreneurship, content creation, and workforce certifications, with Progress Partners Vice President John Deamer explaining that it aims to eliminate barriers to learning and opportunity.
Set to begin its design and construction planning in June 2026, the Selma Digital Innovation Center is expected to open in 2027. As Progress Partners and Metro Digital Group seek strategic partners, sponsors, and technology providers to support the center’s long-term vision, Progress Partners Director of Technology, Roger Blackmon, highlighted the project’s forward-looking design, saying, “People will feel like they are stepping way into the future when they step inside this new building.” The initiative is part of the ongoing efforts by Progress Partners for Selma, established in November 2025, to drive economic development, education, and community pride in the region.