What does it take for a legacy industrial city to reinvent itself into a modern growth hub?

In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise is joined by Trevor Sutton to explore Birmingham's ongoing economic transformation and the strategies shaping its future.

From major wins like the Fannie Mae project to the continued rise of life sciences and metals industries, Birmingham is positioning itself as a diversified and competitive regional economy. Trevor breaks down how strategic investment, infrastructure, and workforce alignment are driving that shift.

A major focus of the conversation is workforce development—specifically how the region is working to align education, training, and industry needs to retain talent and support long-term growth.

The discussion also highlights a broader truth in economic development: strong economies don't exist in isolation. Regional collaboration, quality of life, and coordinated planning are all essential to attracting and keeping major employers.

A key takeaway? Birmingham's growth story is less about reinvention and more about intentional alignment across industry, talent, and region.

Key Takeaways

Birmingham is evolving into a diversified, modern regional economy
Major projects like Fannie Mae are reshaping regional momentum
Workforce development is central to talent retention and growth
Regional collaboration is critical to long-term competitiveness
Industry diversity and quality of life must be balanced strategically

Key Topics Covered

Birmingham's economic transformation
The Fannie Mae project and regional impact
Workforce development and talent retention
Industry diversification and quality of life
Regional collaboration and infrastructure

Sound Bites

"Strong economies are regional economies"
"Coffee shops and breweries are overhyped"
"Birmingham is a true life sciences hub"