Birmingham Economic Dashboard

The Birmingham Economic Dashboard is a collective commitment to measuring Birmingham’s progress on inclusive economic indicators

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How Prosper Grows Birmingham

We are rooted in equity so that everyone, especially Black people and women, can thrive

We are in the business of creating opportunities where few currently exist.

We seek big wins and big national investments, and we won’t let past fears hold us back from building a more prosperous future for all

We measure and share our progress, celebrate wins, and engage the community in how we can do better

Prosper’s Progress

Prosper emerged in 2021 to collaborate on creating solutions to reverse Birmingham’s downward economic trends.

Community leaders acknowledged work already being done, but wanted a coordinated, systemic approach to bring about lasting change.

Prosper was founded on the belief that Birmingham and Jefferson County needed to take bold, coordinated action to become a thriving community.

Now, Prosper’s vision is to build the most inclusive and thriving economy in the Southeast.

Brookings

In 2020, Birmingham confronted an economic collapse of unprecedented scale, brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the devastation, the pandemic strengthened the community’s resolve to mitigate the crisis and lay the foundation for a revival of Birmingham economy with inclusive economic development at the forefront. Armed with data, determination and recommendations from Brookings, city leaders convened to plan. Those findings led to the creation of Prosper.

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Full Brookings Report

Focus Areas

Using the results of our data as the driving force, Prosper Birmingham initiatives will focus on transforming the Greater Birmingham economy in three core areas:

Job Creation

Increase number of quality jobs by investing in startups and small businesses, and accelerating growth in health, tech, and manufacturing economies.

Job Preparation

Increase the overall % of the population with a recognized credential or two-year degree or higher by giving leadership opportunities to young people, displaced workers, people of color, and women.

Job Access

Increase the Labor Force Participation Rate overall by creating a Black business ecosystem. Ensure that all residents, regardless of race, gender or zip code, have access to those jobs and can fully contribute.

Our Initiatives

Prosper will begin with four key initiatives supporting its framework.

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In the News

Birmingham skincare creator celebrates work with other Black business owners: ‘Grateful’

February 28, 2024

It’s Sunday morning. Kenya Staples takes her time with her skincare routine, indulging in the simple luxury of self care. Gospel music travels through the rooms of her home as she whispers affirming words in the mirror.

February 22, 2024

Our very own Mayor Randall Woodfin, among other leaders from Birmingham’s nonprofit community, is Austin, Texas bound!

These Birminghamians were invited to speak at SXSW EDU—the education portion of the well-known tech and music festival.

February 21, 2024

Big news! Southern Communities Initiative (SCI) announced a collaboration with Google that will expand opportunities for Black Americans in four of its six target cities. And, you guessed it—Birmingham is one of them.

Our Team

Prosper is a small team of leaders with vast knowledge, passion, and influence dedicated to accomplishing lofty aspirations geared towards utilizing the power of collaboration and connection within the community to help build a more equitable and inclusive economy.

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