Strategic Plan
Our strategic plan is our roadmap to a resilient economy for Birmingham.
Put People First
In recognition that learning pathways must become more dynamic, IEO will design systems, processes and procedures to bolster a comprehensive talent strategy for Birmingham. Investing in human capital is fundamental to building a sustainable, dynamic economy.
- Close the gap between the skills employers need and the skills our institutions produce using data to convene and collaborate with transparency, trust and follow-through.
- Co-create a comprehensive talent strategy with employers and education and training institutions at the table.
- Accelerate credential attainment in demand-driven sectors and occupations using data.
- Develop a reskilling strategy for workers that have been displaced due to COVID-19.
Measure What We Value
IEO will set and track goals for an inclusive economy, reflecting a commitment to intergenerational and social mobility, equity-driven human capital formation and strategic investments for innovation and productivity.
- Design and deploy data systems to collect, communicate, and analyze metrics aligned with key performance indicators.
- Advance evidence-based solutions in inclusive economic development through evaluating pilot programs and strategic initiatives.
- Develop a data dashboard to benchmark progress in building a more inclusive economy, including GDP per capita, poverty, and quality job creation.
- Reset the culture to place data-driven decision making at the fore of performance assessments and resource allocation.
Grow From Within
IEO will build an ecosystem that allows innovation and opportunity to thrive by providing resources to nurture talent, establishing infrastructure that supports growth of women-, minority-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (W/M/DBEs), and focused on developing targeted industry clusters.
- Identify, organize, and deliver resources for small business owners to grow and sustain their businesses through the Office of Business Diversity and Opportunity.
- Identify and address barriers for women-, minority-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises, especially within the City of Birmingham, through the Office of Business Diversity and Opportunity.
- Launch a minority business accelerator.
- Use data to identify and assist companies with growth potential in Birmingham.
Find Purpose in Place
IEO will engage in place-based development, offering resources to grow small businesses in our neighborhoods, partnering with other regional metros, leveraging unique physical and infrastructure assets, and optimizing our innovation economy via alignment with anchor industries.
- Conduct an inventory of city-owned property and prepare readiness reports for site development.
- Implement place-based economic development initiatives located in the framework plans and the comprehensive plan.
- Leverage demography and acknowledge health disparities as inextricably linked with economic opportunity.
- Leverage City-owned real estate to advance catalytic development.
