The Mayor's Office of Economic Development (OED) has the primary responsibility for the economic growth and development of the City of Birmingham. It serves as the principal point of contact for economic development issues and activities.

In addition to providing policy recommendations to the Mayor and Council, OED is responsible for developing the City's economic development strategy. OED coordinates the implementation of that strategy both within city government and through other organizations that provide economic development services to clients on the City's behalf through their contracts with the City.

The Mayor's Office of Economic Development (OED) provides a wide range of financial and technical assistance services to new and existing businesses located in the City of Birmingham. The OED gives priority attention to projects that contribute significantly to the stability and growth of Birmingham's economy.

AVAILABLE SERVICES

Business Retention Program
OED works proactively to better understand business concerns and attitudes. This program is conducted in cooperation with the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce.
For more information contact Andrew Mayo at (205) 254-2774 or Felecia Ward at (205) 254-2273.

Enterprise Zone (EZ) Program
OED facilitates Birmingham's designated state enterprise zone, which consists of 10,000 acres of largely industrial area. Eligible new or expanding businesses located in the zone may qualify for tax credits or exemptions.
For more information contact Andrew Mayo at (205) 254-2774.

Financial Services
OED offers a number of state and federal economic development financing programs including the following: SBA 504, SBA 7a, SBA LowDoc and micro loans, CDBG Float Loans, EDA Revolving Loans and industrial revenue bond financing.
For more information contact Carol Clarke at (205) 254-2799.

Foreign Trade Zone No. 98
OED operates a 116-acre General Purpose Zone located at the Birmingham International Airport and at the Shaw Warehouse in downtown Birmingham, and special purpose Manufacturing Sub Zones serving JVC and Mercedes-Benz USA.
For more information contact Andrew Mayo at (205) 254-2774.

Marketing/Recruitment Program
OED directs this program, which is a cooperative effort between the City of Birmingham and the Metropolitan Development Board, to market vacant buildings and sites in the City of Birmingham. The program consists of coordinated permitting and inspection procedures, a database of available buildings and sites, and specially designed incentives.
For more information contact Griffin Lassiter at (205) 254-3007 or Carol Clarke at (205) 254-2799.

Merchants Association
OED staff serves as liaison to Merchants Associations to assist with various projects and promotional activities. For more information contact Mildred Baker at (205) 254-2657.

Industrial Parks Program
OED provides industrial park sites to new and expanding businesses. The City currently has sites available in four City-owned parks located within the City of Birmingham. The Birmingham Metropolitan Development Board is responsible for marketing the City's industrial parks.
For more information contact Carol Clarke at (205) 254-2799.

ASSOCIATED AGENCIES

Alabama Development Office - Industrial Recruitment, Retention, and Expansion, Site and Location Assistance, Data Source

Alabama Minority Business Opportunity Center– Procurement and Technical Assistance

Birmingham Business Resource Center- Entrepreneurial Support, Technical Assistance, Micro-lending

Birmingham Construction Industry Authority - Minority Subcontractor Development and Technical Assistance

Birmingham Metropolitan Development Board - Industrial Recruitment, Retention, and Expansion, Site and Location Assistance, Data Source

Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce- Regional Business Association

Central Alabama Women’s Business Center - Entrepreneurial Support, Technical Assistance, Women-Owned Business Certification, and Lending

Innovation Depot - Business Incubator and Business Assistance

Jefferson County Economic and Industrial Development Authority - Industrial Recruitment, Retention, and Expansion, Site and Location Assistance, Data Source

Operation New Birmingham - Downtown Development, Site and Location Assistance

Small Business Administration – Technical and Procurement Assistance, Small Business Certification, and Lending

South Regions Minority Business Council – Technical and Procurement Assistance, Minority Business Certification, and Financing

UAB/Small Business Development Center – Technical and Procurement Assistance, Classroom Training, and Financing