Accelerate 2030

A regional growth strategy designed to strengthen competitiveness and opportunity for the Greater Birmingham Region.

A Proven Engine for Regional Growth

Since its founding in 2009, the Birmingham Business Alliance has helped businesses start, stay, and succeed across the seven-county region — and the results compound every year.

700+

Projects Supported

33000

New Jobs Created

$8.5+

New Capital Investment

Momentum You Can See

Major employers are investing in Greater Birmingham right now — bringing jobs, capital, and national attention to the region.

Amazon — first major Alabama fulfillment center, in Bessemer; 1,500+ employees
Lear Corporation — 466 jobs; $80M investment
Coca-Cola Bottling Company United — up to 50 new jobs, 750+ retained (Kingston community)
Kratos Defense — 216 jobs; $34M investment
Engineered Plastic Components — 239 jobs
Fetch Rewards — 200 jobs
TQA Solutions — 200 jobs
Kroger Delivery Center — 160 jobs

We have the strengths. We’re not moving fast enough.

Greater Birmingham has real momentum in technology, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, automotive and mobility, healthcare, and financial services. But peer metros across the Southeast are growing far faster — and competing hard for the same jobs, talent, and investment. The status quo will not position the region to win.

Three Challenges the Region Must Overcome:

Intense Competition for Investment

Little proactive marketing and lingering outdated perceptions weaken the region’s national profile.

An Inadequate Supply of Talent

Demand for qualified workers outpaces supply, with slower population growth than Alabama or the U.S. and incomes roughly 10% below the national average.

Fragmented Regional Collaboration

86 municipalities often pursue economic strategies independently, and the region lacks the large, shovel-ready sites needed to land major projects.

Growth-Rate Comparison (Population Since 1970):

Metro	Pop. Growth Since 1970	2022 Population	Projected 2025 Pop.
Charlotte, NC	234%	2,761,265	6,317,575
Raleigh-Durham, NC	163%	1,483,195	3,393,443
Nashville, TN	162%	2,077,922	4,754,135
Huntsville, AL	126%	515,081	1,178,468
Chattanooga, TN	55%	575,746	1,317,265
Birmingham, AL	42%	1,181,300	2,702,729
Source: Accelerate 2030 Initiative Overview (BBA).

GOAL 1 : Jobs

Elevate our national identity as a premier location for business.

Grow businesses, jobs, and investment by telling the region’s story and competing aggressively for new projects.

Launch and scale the “Birmingham Has More (BHM)” regional brand and a dynamic regional website
Proactively identify and pursue domestic and international business prospects
Run a next-level business retention and expansion program for existing employers
Advance trade through global missions, inbound delegations, and Foreign Trade Zones

GOAL 2 : Talent

Attract, Retain, and Align Talent.

Strengthen regional competitiveness by making Greater Birmingham a destination for workers, students, and returning talent.

National and international talent-attraction campaigns built on the BHM brand
A “Boomerang” campaign to draw back alumni of the region’s schools and universities
Make the region a top market for summer interns, with a job board and housing solutions
Support regional workforce development across K-12, two-year, and four-year institutions

GOAL 3 : Region

Strengthen Regional Economic Collaboration.

Maximize region-wide performance and inclusive growth by working together across all seven counties.

Build a regional data dashboard for shared, transparent decision-making
Identify and prepare shovel-ready sites and modern commercial space
Catalyze a unified regional economic development plan across local partners
Advocate for a consistent, business-friendly policy environment

A Phased, Five-Year Roadmap

STEP 1

Build Momentum (2026–2027): fully fund the initiative, deploy key marketing messages, expand the business retention program, grow the lead pipeline.

STEP 2

Accelerate Impact (2028–2029): diversify the lead pipeline, deliver project wins in every county, advance supportive incentives and zoning.

STEP 3

Exceed Expectations (2030+): gain national recognition as a best-in-class regional model; energize the business community around a shared vision.

Community Leaders Support Accelerate 2030

With 35 independent municipalities in Jefferson County, we remain one of the most fragmented regions in the Southeast. The data clearly shows that those regions that function more cohesively greatly outperform those that are fragmented with regard to economic prosperity. To unlock our full economic potential, we must embrace regional collaboration, working together across city lines to create a unified and prosperous future for all. When we align our resources, talent, and leadership, we can drive meaningful progress—attracting investment, creating jobs, and building a stronger, more resilient economy. True economic success comes not from working in silos, but from forging partnerships that uplift the entire region. In order to be effective, however, we need a champion to lead the effort, and the BBA is one of the only regional entities whose mission aligns and that is poised to lead this critical effort.

Christopher Nanni, President & CEO, Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham
At Jefferson State Community College, we understand that a strong workforce is the foundation of a thriving economy. By equipping students with the skills employers need today and tomorrow, we are not just preparing individuals for success—we are fueling Birmingham’s economic growth. Partnering with the Birmingham Business Alliance and industry leaders, we are committed to developing a pipeline of talent that keeps our region competitive and prosperous.

Keith A. Brown, President, Jefferson State Community College
Birmingham’s workforce is the backbone of our region’s economic success. The skilled talent we have here—rooted in innovation, resilience, and a strong work ethic—positions us to compete on a global scale. As we look ahead, it’s critical that we continue investing in workforce development, ensuring businesses have the talent they need to grow and thrive. The Birmingham Business Alliance’s strategic plan will play a key role in shaping that future, strengthening our pipeline of skilled workers and driving long-term economic growth for our region.

Craft O’Neal, Executive Chairman, O’Neal Industries

Be part of accelerating Greater Birmingham

Accelerate 2030 is fundamentally an invitation to invest. The overview lays out tiered investor engagement — quarterly progress updates, an investor council seat, public recognition, and access to customized business intelligence. The page should offer a path to get involved, not just to subscribe.

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