Plans to establish the Selma Digital Innovation Center have been unveiled by the Selma Housing Authority, Metro Digital Group, and a coalition of educational and civic leaders. This initiative aims to transform a historic building located at 528 Washington Avenue into a cutting-edge hub focusing on workforce development, entrepreneurship, technology, AI, the creator economy, and digital innovation. Designed to serve students, young adults, entrepreneurs, and the broader community, the project seeks to propel Selma, one of America’s most historically significant cities, into a future marked by innovation and economic empowerment.
Collins Pettaway Jr., President of Progress Partners for Selma, highlighted the broader implications of this redevelopment endeavor, emphasizing its role in laying the groundwork for future opportunities. “Technology is rapidly changing the workforce, and Selma must position itself to compete and thrive in a modern digital economy,” Pettaway stated. The center is the result of a public-private partnership that includes contributions from the Mayor’s Office, the Housing Authority of Selma, Selma City Schools, Selma University, Wallace Community College Selma, and Metro Digital Group.
The facility promises a variety of features including gaming and esports environments, creator and streaming studios, AI and STEM learning labs, and spaces dedicated to workforce development and media production. Metro Digital Group, a company with a national reach in gaming, STEM, and the creator economy, will lead the project’s development and ecosystem deployment. Shaon Berry, President of Metro Digital Group, expressed pride in collaborating with local entities for a project that aligns with the company’s mission to foster inclusive technology ecosystems that drive long-term economic mobility and workforce readiness.
Local leaders underscore the symbolic significance of this project for Selma as the city endeavors to boost economic development and education, along with workforce readiness and community revitalization. Councilwoman Lesia James noted the importance of partnerships in creating unprecedented opportunities for Selma’s youth and residents. Progress Partners Vice President John Deamer emphasized the initiative’s goal of meeting the community where it is while exposing residents to industries and career paths of the future. “We want to remove traditional ceilings on learning and opportunity,” Deamer explained, pointing to the diverse interests catered to by the center, from technology to digital media and entrepreneurship.
Scheduled to commence design and construction planning in June 2026, the Selma Digital Innovation Center is anticipated to open in 2027. Progress Partners and Metro Digital Group are actively seeking strategic partners, sponsors, and technology providers to support the project’s long-term vision. Roger Blackmon, Director of Technology for Progress Partners, expressed enthusiasm about the center’s state-of-the-art features, underscoring its potential to inspire students and foster a learning environment for families. Established in November 2025, Progress Partners for Selma is committed to driving economic development, education, and community pride through initiatives like this digital innovation center.