We’ve been resilient following the 2008 economic recession, but there’s still work to do.
GDP Growth
Employment Growth
Lacking Skilled Talent
Our workforce is our greatest asset, but can also be our greatest challenge.
The Greater Birmingham region has a high concentration of low-skill workers, primarily working as drivers and retail employees.
Employment by skill level in the region
- Low Skill
- Non-Digital Middle Skill
- Digital Middle Skill
- High Skill
Innovative
The region’s institutions of higher education are graduating students who can drive an innovative evolution within the economy.
Losing Talent
“The business community and student population haven’t seen eye to eye at times. Sometimes, you need to hear from the students about what they are wanting to know about the industry first. It is important to have their voice as we move forward.”
— Education Leader
of local college students leave Birmingham after graduation
of doctoral graduates leave
Need for Equity
In 2016, the unemployment rate for black residents in Greater Birmingham was twice as high as the unemployment rate for white residents.
