5 ways Jefferson County Commission is investing in economic development

Last week, the Jefferson County Commission approved financial support for four big economic development projects and invested in the Birmingham Business Alliance’s new Supplier Scale program. The big idea: to continue to grow the County.

Jefferson County, by the numbers

• 1819: founded
• 670,000+: residents
• 5 Commissioners elected from specific districts

ICYMI, Jefferson County has racked up some impressive numbers since it turned 100 in 2019, according to the Alabama Department of Commerce:

• 2019:
  • 5th in the state for capital investment
  • 4th in the state for job creation
• 2020:
  • 4th in capital investment
  • 1st in job creation
• 2021:
  • 2nd in capital investment
  • 1st in job creation

Continuing the trajectory of growth with 5 strategic investments

“Each of these projects is the result of regional cooperation across multiple agencies. It’s important that we not only bring in new industry to diversify our economy, but continue to support agencies  that are established and an integral part of the community as we continue to grow.”

Steve Ammons, Jefferson County Commissioner, Chair of the Economic Development Committee

Here’s what the Jefferson County Commission recently approved:

1. Pack Health

• What it is: a local health care company with a capital investment of $5.2 million. Pack Health is an evidence-based patient engagement platform that changes health behaviors to close gaps in care and improve patient outcomes.
• Job estimates: This expansion is estimated to create 120 jobs over three years + 200 jobs by year five.
• Incentive: amount based on job creation.

2. Kratos

• What it is: a national security solutions provider that recently acquired the Southern Research Engineering division.
• Plans: It will invest $26.6 million in the community.
• Job estimates: estimated 76 high-paying jobs over a five-year period.
• Incentive: amount based on job creation.

3. The Bray

• What it is: a Liberty Park Joint Venture with the City of Vestavia.
• Plans: It will develop approximately 865 acres that will be the new headquarters for Medical Properties Trust and also have residential, hospitality, healthcare, parks + schools.
• Fiscal impact: The project is expected to have a fiscal impact of $70 million in ad valorem taxes over the next 25 years for Jefferson County.

4. Southern Research Institute

• What it is: a non-profit scientific research organization.
• Plans: It will expand its facilities to develop commercialization capacity with a venture studio + new 200,000 square foot research laboratory space.
• Job estimates: approximately 125 new well-paying research related jobs.

5. The Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA)’s Supplier Scale program

• What it is: a supply chain study + program to support business development.
• County investment: $750,000.

Visit the County’s website to watch Jefferson County Commission, Planning + Zoning Board meetings live or to check out the video archive of past meetings.

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