Birmingham ranks among best at sharing its growth but doesn’t have enough growth to share: op-ed

This is a guest opinion column provided for 205focus.com readers.

Five Years of Progress

Five years ago, Birmingham leadership recognized that the region's trajectory—defined by stagnant economic growth and missed opportunities—needed a drastic shift. They launched a bold initiative rooted in the belief that economic growth and community inclusion are fundamentally interdependent.

This bet was made with the success of local students in mind. As those kindergartners now prepare for middle school, tangible changes have taken hold. The region now boasts a bus rapid transit line, and the Birmingham Promise scholarship has contributed $11 million toward tuition for over 1,600 graduates. Furthermore, local schools have seen their highest-ever state report card grade, while the number of failing schools has been reduced from 15 to one over the past three years.

The Rankings vs. Reality

Birmingham has made significant strides in inclusion. According to the Brookings Metro Monitor, the city now ranks No. 10 among its peers on inclusion and No. 7 on racial inclusion. Additionally, the region holds the No. 6 spot for the speed at which it is closing the racial poverty gap.

However, these rankings do not tell the whole story. As costs rise, a new divide has emerged between family earnings and the requirements for self-sufficiency. With two out of five children in Birmingham living below the federal poverty line, the need for stable work and fair wages remains critical. On the economic front, the city currently ranks No. 36 in prosperity, No. 38 in growth, and No. 43 in job growth at young firms.

Scaling the Future

The region is moving beyond a lack of ideas and capital, focusing instead on scaling companies. New support systems are maturing, including Harmony Venture Labs, gener8tor Alabama, the Alabama Venture Club, and Innovate Alabama, which is fueling statewide growth with $125 million in support.

Visible progress is also underway through $20 million in federal Recompete funding and a $50 million HUD Choice Neighborhoods grant targeting North Birmingham, Northside, Pratt, and Smithfield. Success stories like Sarah Granderson—a Ramsay High graduate who used a Birmingham Promise scholarship and now works in government—serve as a testament to the vision.

Ultimately, this progress belongs to the entire community: the employers, educators, and leaders who refuse to accept the status quo. The goal remains clear: to ensure that when the next generation of students graduates in 2034, they step into a region where talent and opportunity prosper together.

About the Authors

J.W. Carpenter began his tenure as the inaugural president of Prosper in February 2021. He previously led the Birmingham Education Foundation and served as the executive director of Teach For America-Alabama.

Emily Jerkins Hall, CEcD, is the founder and principal consultant of Bloom Economy Labs and is a Certified Economic Developer, recognized among North America’s top 50 in her field.