Economic Development Wins for Alabama Shaping Governor Kay Ivey’s Legacy

Governor Kay Ivey’s term of office is soon coming to an end. And while her legacy will be that she was the longest continuously serving governor in state history, she can rightly point to the success of economic development while she led the state.

And right on point, in the last four months as governor, Alabama has been ranked in the top 10 best state’s to conduct business. Area Development Magazine named Alabama as the 7th best overall in the United States, improving from number 8 the past two years. Add to that, the state was ranked number 1 for its property tax environment, labor cost competitiveness and its overall cost of doing business. Alabama has clearly earned the right to compete for the best jobs in the Nation with its reputation for being business friendly. In 2025, there was some $1.46 billion in new investments in the state by companies.

What is also encouraging is that businesses already in Alabama are doubling down on what they already have in the state. Recent announcements by United States Steel and Mercedes-Benz, make it clear they are happy with the state based on their promises to expand their current facilities. And it has not even been a year since pharmaceutical giant, Eli Lilly selected Alabama to build a new $6 billion plant in Huntsville.

While Alabama is making the headlines nationally for its success in attracting major manufacturers to the state, it is Alabama’s importance to national security that is really getting folks attention. Already home to the United States Army Redstone Arsenal, Maxwell Air Force Base and Fort Rucker, some of the armed services most important facilities are located in Alabama. Add to those bases, the announcement that the U.S. Space Command and a new Coast Guard training Center will set up shop Alabama home, really makes the state the envy of others.

Now Alabama leaders are asking a federal commission to pick Alabama as the site for the new United Space States Space Academy. For those states, that house service academies it is a matter of pride. If Alabama were to be awarded the school, it would just further burnish Alabama as essential to the future of the Nation’s national security and military readiness.

Thus, the next Governor will have to work to continue, maintain and improve on the state’s competitiveness for job creation. In the meantime, as we look back at Governor Ivey’s service as the state’s top executive, her legacy for making economic development a priority will be enduring.

Paul DeMarco is a former member of the Alabama House of Representatives and can be found on X, at @Paul_DeMarco.