Four things Birmingham can do to win more economic development projects

Bryan Davis
Reporter- Birmingham Business Journal

Birmingham isn't creating jobs at the same pace as its regional rivals.

And, although Alabama metros like Huntsville and Mobile have each recently been awarded mega projects like Remington Arms and Airbus, those huge economic development wins have proven elusive for Birmingham.

How can Birmingham change that? That was a question we put to site selectors – consultants often tasked with exploring and scout sites for corporate expansions and relocations – for this week's cover story, "Where is Birmingham's big win?"

Some factors simply can't be changed. Birmingham doesn't have a seaport like Mobile. It doesn't have defense and aerospace assets like Huntsville's Redstone Arsenal or NASA operations. Selectors also noted that Birmingham's hilly topography has made it challenging to connect prospective industrial sites with coveted rail access – an issue that has eliminated it from contention for many projects. More here.