(State of the Region)
(State of the Region)
DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) — Elected officials, business, and community leaders from across North Alabama gathered in Decatur to discuss initiatives to speak about collaboration and growth during the 7th annual State of the Region luncheon.
The event, hosted by LAUNCH Regional Partnership, a regional development initiative committed to strengthening the Tennessee Valley unveiled a new strategic plan designed to drive long-term, cross-county collaboration across key policy and development areas.
“This plan represents a new era of intentional regionalism in North Alabama,” said Jim Page, Chairman of LAUNCH. “By promoting collaboration across sectors and jurisdictions, we’re building the foundation for a stronger, more resilient region together.”
The plan aims to lay out a vision for regional growth, calls for bold coordination and shared problem-solving throughout communities.
Led by the University of North Alabama, the plan included both quantitative and qualitative data collection within all ten counties in the LAUNCH footprint including the following: Colbert, DeKalb, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, and Morgan.
The research team, led by Kimberly Greenway, Ph.D., used a variety of sources, including U.S. Census data, professional economic datasets, and a survey of local elected officials, to understand regional assets, challenges, and areas of existing collaboration.
Key initiatives outlined in the plan included:
Promoting cross-county collaboration, surfacing shared challenges, and beginning to form a regional leadership network.
Developing a unified strategy for regional advocacy and policy-shaping.
Assessing the viability of a regional land use master plan.
Facilitating collaboration on workforce development policy issues and barriers—including transportation, childcare, housing, and access—and exploring practical, community-driven solutions.
Resourcing the LAUNCH organization by hiring an Executive Director to lead the initiative and execute its long-term goals.
Conducting a comprehensive update of governance documents and organizational structure, including an expanded Board of Directors with full regional representation.
“What makes North Alabama successful is our willingness to work together,” said John Allen, CEO of the Huntsville Committee of 100. “LAUNCH is helping us think and act more strategically as a region. This plan gives us a pathway for the structure, leadership, and vision we need to ensure long-term competitiveness.”
The organization has already led or inspired several regional successes, including:
The creation of the Singing River Trail, a 220-mile greenway project that has since grown into its own nonprofit.
Completion of a Regional Workforce Study to better align talent pipelines with business needs.
The establishment of Launch Tank, an annual pitch competition showcasing regional entrepreneurs.
The event marks 10 years of LAUNCH and unveils a new strategic plan for regional growth.
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