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Economic Advantages

A key to Tuscaloosa County’s prosperity and economic success is its natural and human resources. There are natural advantages of a moderate climate, fertile soil, rich forests, abundant water, energy and mineral resources. Energy resources are reliable and costs are low and competitive. Combined with an energetic, competent, skilled and motivated workforce, Tuscaloosa County has all of the advantages.

We are experiencing enormous growth and development in residential housing, recreation, sporting events, cultural opportunities, restaurants, night life, downtown renewal, new and expanding industries and retail. Since 2005, Tuscaloosa has experienced over $2.5 billion in new construction to meet the increasing demands of our growing economy. Downtown renewal alone represents an investment of over $150 million and includes a new federal building, five-acre Government Park, Intermodal Facility featuring 450 free parking spaces with 8,200 sq. ft. of retail space, Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre with 7,500 seating capacity, streetscaping projects, Riverwalk development and a multi-use River Market complex with offices for the Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports Commission.

Within a one-mile walking distance of downtown, the University of Alabama enrolled more than 30,000 students fall semester 2010 and became one of the largest universities in the Southeast. President Robert Witt set a new target of 35,000 students which he hopes to reach by 2020. Home to the 2009 National Football Champions, the University of Alabama Bryant-Denny Stadium has a seating capacity of 101,821 and is the 2nd largest stadium in the SEC, the 5th largest stadium in the nation and the 8th largest non-racing stadium by seating in the world. Alabama football games are consistently sold out and impact the local economy $12 to $15 million each home game.

It will be more than two years before the first American-built Mercedes C-Class sedans roll off the assembly line in Vance, located in Tuscaloosa County, but automotive parts manufacturers already are anticipating getting a piece of the action and local officials are making a pitch that those manufacturers bring the action to Tuscaloosa. Currently, Mercedes employs approximately 3,000 permanent and approximately 500 temporary workers at the Vance plant and an estimated additional 1,000 jobs will be created. It is estimated that there will be $100 million in investment from suppliers related to the introduction of C-Class production.

Our local leaders realize that a healthy economy is essential to our well-being. The success of business means jobs for citizens, a healthy tax base, and a community that is attractive to new industry, commercial development and persons seeking to host meetings and events, or to relocate. With this in mind, the city of Tuscaloosa created an economic development assistance policy for eligible public infrastructure and site development assistance for eligible developments.

Named as one of the top 100 Small Art Communities in the U.S., “old towne” Northport offers an inviting atmosphere to window shop, browse and dine. Whether your lifestyle reflects an interest in one of our quiet residential neighborhoods, a country estate or home in a historical district, your tastes are sure to be met in an affordable manner. Northport has been recognized as one of the fastest growing small cities in Alabama.