DECATUR — Describing a plan of “intentional regionalism,” elected, business, and community leaders from across North Alabama discussed initiatives Thursday to foster collaboration and growth.
The seventh annual State of the Region luncheon was hosted by Launch Regional Partnership, a regional development initiative committed to strengthening the Tennessee Valley.
During the event at the Cook Museum of Natural Science, Launch leadership 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 Launch Chairman Jim Page. “By promoting collaboration across sectors and jurisdictions, we’re building the foundation for a stronger, more resilient region together.”
The strategic plan laid out a vision for regional growth, calling for bold coordination and shared problem-solving throughout communities.
Spearheaded by University of North Alabama, the plan included data from 10 counties in the Launch footprint: 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.
In addition, in-person focus groups provided meaningful qualitative insight from civic, business, and community stakeholders. The resulting strategic initiatives are firmly rooted in this integrated, evidence-based analysis.
Key initiatives outlined in the plan included:
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Promoting cross-county collaboration, surfacing shared challenges, and beginning to form a regional leadership network.
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Developing a unified strategy for regional advocacy and policy-shaping.
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Assessing the viability of a regional land use master plan.
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Facilitating collaboration on workforce development policy issues and barriers—including transportation, childcare, housing, and access — and exploring practical, community-driven solutions.
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Resourcing the Launch organization by hiring an executive director to lead the initiative and execute its long-term goals.
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Conducting a comprehensive update of governance documents and organizational structure, including an expanded board of directors with full regional representation.
In its 10th year, Launch began as an idea generated by the Huntsville Committee of 100. The now independent organization has grown over the past several years to include county co-chairs from each county represented, as well as volunteer local leadership across the initiative’s regional footprint.
As outlined in the strategic plan, hiring a full-time executive director to take the organization to the next level is a priority for leadership.
“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:
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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.
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The establishment of Launch Tank, an annual pitch competition showcasing regional entrepreneurs.
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