Blueprint Birmingham

Blueprint Birmingham (formerly called the Greater Birmingham Regional Economic Development Strategy or Regional Economic Development Strategy and Implementation Plan) is a 5-year economic development plan for the 7-county Birmingham Metropolitan Area which was drafted in 2010 by Market Street Services of Atlanta, Georgia for the Birmingham Business Alliance. The plan was modeled on similar processes undertaken in other cities, including Austin, Texas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The 55-page report was unveiled at a public event in the newly-opened Railroad Park on September 23, 2010.

Unveiling of Blueprint Birmingham at the Railroad Park on September 23, 2010

The Business Alliance created a 40-member steering committee, chaired by Jay Grinney of HealthSouth and Rob Burton of Hoar Construction to guide the development and implementation of the plan. During the development of the scope of work, the need for detailed and measurable implementation strategies was continually stressed. Market Street proceeded by studying the region's competitive position on several measures of social, economic and perceptual conditions. More detailed analysis of "clusters" of related industries was undertaken to identify opportunities for economic expansion. Strategies for development were mapped out with reference to overcoming weaknesses identified through surveys and analysis. Guidelines for moving forward in specific, measurable steps were then elaborated as part of the plan.

Goals and objectives

The primary goal of Blueprint Birmingham is conveyed by its "vision statement": "The Birmingham region will provide abundant economic opportunities, excellence in education, and an unparalleled quality of life for all its citizens." The plan enumerates sixteen major objectives, divided between four primary goals: improving public and private leadership, expanding workforce development, cultivating economic prosperity, and fostering community and regional stewardship.

Public and private leadership

Goal statement: "We will expect and support capable leaders who govern and manage responsibly thereby earning our residents’ trust. In addition, we will aggressively develop the next generation of leaders who are capable, visionary, and ethical"

Workforce development

Goal statement: "We will develop a 21st century workforce by promoting educational excellence in the Greater Birmingham region through targeted improvements in pre-K–12 education, higher education, and training and support programs."

Economic prosperity

Goal statement: "We will develop a more prosperous region by focusing on business retention and expansion, marketing and recruitment, and small business development and entrepreneurship. We will encourage a culture of innovation by supporting research, development, and technology transfer at UAB and other higher education institutions in the region."

Community and regional stewardship

Goal statement: "Building a highly-attractive quality of place is central to Blueprint Birmingham. In order to develop a more attractive region for existing and future residents and businesses, we will support improvements in physical infrastructure, affordable public transportation, public safety, environmental quality, entertainment options, and cultural amenities."

Implementation

The first phase of implementation, occupying the last months of 2010, consists of fund-raising and organizing committees. The BBA announced a 16-member "Implementation Committee" on January 19, 2011. The co-chairs are Rob Burton, president of Hoar Construction, Jay Grinney, president and CEO of HealthSouth, and Fred McCallum, president of AT&T Alabama.

References

• Kwon, Wade (September 23, 2010) "Blueprint Birmingham: A look at the City of 2015" Wade on Birmingham
• Williams, Roy L. (September 24, 2010) "Diverse Birmingham Blueprint committee crafted plan." The Birmingham News
• Tomberlin, Michael (September 26, 2010) "Blueprint Birmingham dreams big for metro area, will this plan succeed where others have faltered?" The Birmingham News
• Tomberlin, Michael (October 24, 2010) "Blueprint Birmingham aims to build the city's curb appeal." The Birmingham News
• "BBA names Blueprint committee members" (January 19, 2011) Birmingham Business Journal
• Owens, Cody (January 27, 2016) "Has Blueprint Birmingham worked?." Weld for Birmingham

External links

• Blueprint Birmingham website
• Birmingham, Alabama project description at marketstreetservices.com