Birmingham Mayor William Bell on Monday announced the creation of a task force to recommend policy changes to lessen the negative effects of gentrification on the city's neighborhoods.

The Preserving Dynamic and Diverse Neighborhoods Task Force will be made up of a diverse, interdisciplinary group that will assess the current landscape of gentrification in Birmingham, and recommend city policy changes in housing affordability, anti-displacement zoning, education and workforce training, transportation and health equity.

The yearlong process will include community stakeholder meetings tentatively set for August and September.

According to the mayor's office, the task force will conclude its work in May 2018 when a document for proposed policy changes will be submitted to the mayor.

The task force will analyze data, trends, and market demands for the local and regional housing markets; and assess the legal, financial and organizational capacity to support new policies and programs recommended, according to the mayor's office.

"My administration is committed to creating a livable city for all," Bell said in a statement. "Establishing this task force is the first step in the process to solve not only the challenges of today but to lay the foundation for an equitable Birmingham tomorrow and beyond. To do that, we will need the support of the whole city- residents, advocates, developers, financiers, nonprofits, and others must join together to implement local changes and speak with a unified voice."

Gentrification can occur over time when residents and small businesses in a traditionally lower income neighborhood are displaced by higher income individuals, families and associated businesses as the result of revitalization. This rebuilding causes property values to increase making it different for low-income families and some small businesses to afford.