STATE FOCUS | ALABAMA
its focus on “quality placemaking”. This concept extends beyond simple urban planning to encompass creating environments that are not only attractive for businesses but are also vibrant and liveable for residents. Governor Ivey pointed out that, as the world becomes more mobile, people are increasingly making decisions about where they live based on factors like lifestyle, community engagement and recreational opportunities. Alabama has an abundance of natural beauty and outdoor recreation, and the state intends to capitalise on these assets to enhance its appeal as a destination for both talent and investment. By creating thriving, dynamic communities with access to outdoor amenities and modern infrastructure, Alabama hopes to attract young professionals, entrepreneurs, and companies that seek to establish themselves in places with a high quality of life. In addition to placemaking, Catalyst also outlines a strategic focus on eight critical industry sectors that are expected to drive Alabama’s economic future. These include: mobility (which connects the automotive and aerospace sectors), defence, advanced materials, chemical manufacturing, forestry and wood products, agriculture and food, biosciences, and logistics. Each of these industries is considered a high- growth area, with strong potential to drive not only
The expansion of Austal USA's shipbuilding facility in Mobile will be operational by 2026.
job creation but also innovation and technological development. By honing in on these sectors, Alabama aims to create a diverse economic landscape that can weather shifts in the global market while fostering new opportunities for businesses and workers. One of the key advantages that Alabama has is its long-standing leadership in manufacturing, particularly in the automotive, aerospace and steel sectors. As the state moves forward with the Catalyst plan, it will leverage these existing
strengths while investing in new technologies and industries. The state’s deep expertise in advanced manufacturing provides a solid foundation for growing sectors like mobility and defence, where high-tech manufacturing and innovation are driving growth.
Equally important is the human capital component of the plan. Governor Ivey has emphasised the need for education and workforce development to remain a top priority. The plan calls for more investment in training and education
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