Latest Updates

A New Chapter for the Irondale Civic Center

As a senior project manager at Sain Associates, I’ve had the privilege of working on projects that will make a difference in a community. One recent example is the Irondale Civic Center in Irondale, Alabama. The building itself has quite a backstory. Originally constructed in the mid-1980s by the Shriners as a meeting space, the…
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Supporting Urban Green Spaces

Our team is passionate about projects that connect people to nature, especially those in our community. One such opportunity arose in mid-2023 when we were asked to perform a topographic survey for the Friends of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Our work supported the design and development of a reimagined Herb Terrace herb garden area that…
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Sain’s First SS4A Safety Action Plan

The Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham (RPCGB) has successfully completed its Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan (SAP). Sain Associates assisted the RPCGB with the SAP’s development through collaborative efforts with local stakeholders and public involvement. The primary goal of the SAP is to enhance transportation safety across the six-county…
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Celebrating Earth Day Through Thoughtful Site Design

At Sain Associates, we treat every day like Earth Day. On this global day of environmental awareness, we take special pride in highlighting how civil engineering contributes to a healthier, greener planet. In civil engineering, one of the most impactful areas of our work lies in how we manage stormwater and preserve green spaces through…
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Sain’s New Organizational Structure

We are constantly evolving to better serve our clients, empower our employees, and position ourselves for sustainable growth. With that in mind, we’re excited to share the shift in our organizational structure from a team and branch office-based model to a design services-based model. Why We Made the Change: This transition wasn’t made overnight, and…
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SEEDS II: Investing in Alabama’s Growth

Governor Kay Ivey recently announced $23.5 million in SEEDS grants to support economic development across Alabama. These grants, part of the Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) Program, provide funding to help communities prepare industrial sites for future business investment. By improving infrastructure, conducting site evaluations, and enhancing site readiness, the program ensures that…
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Celebrating the Legacy of Joe Meads, P.E.

After 38 years of dedicated service, my brother, Joe Meads, has retired from Sain Associates. It’s hard to put into words the impact he has had, not only on our company but also on the people and communities he has served. His legacy will be solidified as one of faith, integrity, hard work, and genuine…
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TAP Funding 101

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) is a federal initiative that provides funding to municipalities for projects aimed at enhancing non-motorized transportation, improving pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and promoting safe routes to schools. As of 2025, there have been several updates and considerations for municipalities seeking TAP funding in Alabama. Application Process Applications must be submitted…
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Asphalt vs. Concrete: Which is Better for Your Next Project?

When it comes to choosing the right material for your paving projects, the decision between asphalt and concrete can be tough. To help shed some light on the benefits of each, we’ve invited two industry experts to share their insights. Dalton Magdon of Wiregrass Construction Company, Inc. discusses the advantages of asphalt, and Shadrack Mboya,…
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A Full Circle Moment at Jordan-Hare Stadium

In October 2021, my stepdaughter received the notification: “Abby, welcome to the Auburn University Class of 2026!” It was especially exciting for me as Abby would be the first in my family to attend college. Last fall, we made our third annual Parents’ Day trip to Auburn University to attend a football game. As we…
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