Auburn ranked again for growth

Once again, the Auburn-Opelika area is being recognized for its rapidly increasing size.

The U.S. Census Bureau released its list of the 100 fastest growing areas in the country earlier last month. The Auburn-Opelika area ranked 74th  on the list.

The Web site Forbes.com named the Auburn-Opelika area one of the fastest-growing metro areas earlier this year.

“(Being recognized) speaks well for this community,” said Auburn City Councilman Dick Phelan.

Auburn Mayor Bill Ham said he’s “very optimistic” about the growth the city is experiencing.

“As far as the growth rate (is concerned), we’ve experienced tremendous growth in the past 7-10 years,” Ham said. “Auburn’s growth is pretty phenomenal.”

Both Ham and Phelan said having Interstate 85, which connects the Auburn-Opelika area to both Atlanta and Montgomery, as a reason why more commercial and industrial business is migrating to this area. Other industry in the area includes the Kia Motors plant in Georgia.

Ham cites several other factors that have an impact on the area’s growth, including the influx of both commercial and industrial businesses to Auburn and Opelika, as well as surrounding areas.

The growth of Auburn University, as well as the quality of life area residents experience are two other qualities Ham said help influence the cities’ population expansions.

“One of the things I think every mayor looks for is not just growth, but quality of growth,” Ham said. “I think Auburn is a better place to live today than it was 20 years ago.”

Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller said he expects the growth to continue in the upcoming years.

“I’m delighted we’re part of the fastest-growing areas in the country,” Fuller said.

He said he is also proud of the more than 800 single-family homes that have been built in the area in the past three and a half years.

“I feel very positive about the economy in Opelika, Lee County and East Alabama,”   Fuller said.

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