Birmingham ranks 3rd in economic growth potential among U.S. mid-sized cities in national survey

The Birmingham region was ranked No. 3 for economic growth potential among mid-size U.S. cities in a recent report by  Business Facilities, a national publication that focuses on economic development.

This is the third positive  economic development survey released this summer that ranks Birmingham in the top 10 nationally in several economic categories. The other two rankings were by Indeed.com and fDi Magazine.

Here are the reports and subsequent articles that appeared in Bham Now that were published in June:

Birmingham named among top 10 Mid-Sized American Cities of the Future by international publication

Birmingham ranks 4th in “Best Cities for Jobseekers 2019” report by Indeed

“Birmingham’s economy continues to strengthen and diversify, and forecasters and companies are taking notice,” said Fred McCallum, interim president and CEO of the Birmingham Business Alliance about the Business Facilities survey.

“Companies in automotive, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, technology and banking and finance – coupled with an emerging startup ecosystem – are finding an affordable and friendly home here. As Birmingham surpasses pre-recession employment levels and competes globally, it will be important to support and invest in our region’s recruiting, retention and workforce development efforts and ensure policies are in place to welcome talent and companies, all of which is the focus of the work of the Birmingham Business Alliance.”

Alabama did well too

The 15th Annual Business Facilities report also had high marks for the state of Alabama. The Yellowhammer state earned the No. 3 spot for overall business climate and the No. 5 spot for economic growth potential, while also earning praise for workforce training, manufacturing employment and the strength of its auto manufacturing industry.

Getting Noticed

Birmingham continues to get noticed by national publications and business leaders.

Over the past year, the Magic City received a visit from AOL Founder Steve Case and his Rise of the Rest tour.  Prominent travel and lifestyle magazine Conde Nast declared “Birmingham has arrived” in a January 2019 story. And  Brookings Institution has formed a partnership with the city to develop innovative policies to move the community forward.