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Birmingham is buzzing with energy, talent and opportunity—and local leaders are looking for ways to make the city an even better place to live, work and play. Recently, a group of business and civic leaders joined the Birmingham Business Alliance’s (BBA) Leadership Exchange 2025 trip to Greenville, South Carolina. The goal: to learn from another city’s successes and apply those insights to grow our city.

Read on for five key takeaways that could inspire the Magic City’s next wave of growth.

Leadership + collaboration for Birmingham’s future

Birmingham Business Alliance Leadership Exchange 2025 Greenville South Carolina

(L) Downtown Greenville (BBA); (L) Downtown Birmingham (Bham Now)

Greenville’s success didn’t happen by chance. According to Mayor Knox White, the city was built on a “strong tradition of public-private partnerships and collaboration in city planning.” With a downtown that’s compact and dense, even a single riverfront transformation created a ripple effect across the whole city.

While Birmingham’s layout is different, we have all the ingredients for big results: strategic planning, collaboration and workforce alignment.

“What Greenville shows us is that big change comes from strategic choices, specific collaboration and a little courage to make things happen. Birmingham has the same ingredients that Greenville does—and more—that can increase our placemaking efforts and generate lasting impact.”
Steve Ammons, BBA President + CEO

A catalyst for community-focused placemaking

(L) Riverfront in Greeville, SC (BBA); (R) Railroad Park in Birmingham (Bham Now)

The Magic City already has plenty going for it when it comes to transforming neighborhoods and fueling long-term growth. Here’s a quick list:

A downtown that’s growing + walkable, with nationally acclaimed restaurants, bars + cultural hotspots
Major anchors—UAB, Regions Bank, Vulcan Materials Company + Alabama Power Company—drive activity + attract talent
A skilled workforce of 560,000, spanning healthcare, advanced manufacturing, logistics, tech + mobility
A thriving arts + culture scene sparking revitalization
Strong public-private collaboration among civic leaders, the BBA + local businesses.

Past projects like Railroad Park and Regions Field show that with a bit of bold vision, smart planning and support from the BBA, even overlooked spaces can become places everyone wants to be.

Key takeaways Birmingham can learn from Greenville

Collaboration: When city leaders, businesses + residents team up, big things happen. Birmingham’s community spirit proves we have what it takes!
Downtown redevelopment: Thoughtful design + mixed-use spaces change how people experience a city. Birmingham’s on its way with Pepper Place, City Walk BHAM + Parkside.
Workforce development: Connecting education + business is key, like more career centers + job training programs that link talent with our biggest anchors, like UAB, Regions Bank, Milo’s Tea Company, O’Neal Industries, Alabama Power, Southern Research, Spire + more.
Small moves—big momentum: Birmingham doesn’t need a downtown riverfront to spark excitement. We can make waves with smart projects that focus on better transit, walkable streets + neighborhood hubs that bring people together.

What’s next?

Birmingham is looking to Greenville for inspiration, especially when it comes to growing ideas from the ground up. Greenville’s real magic comes from its habit of bringing everyone into the planning process early. Now, the Magic City is channeling that spirit to brainstorm, build and imagine what’s possible.

Want to help build a stronger, more prosperous Birmingham? Reach out to the BBA to share your ideas and get involved.

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