The Web site Forbes.com annually ranks the fastest growing small and large metro areas in the United States.
This year, the Auburn-Opelika area placed sixth among the fastest growing small metros in the nation.
This ranking confirms what most residents are already well aware of: Auburn-Opelika isn’t such a small town anymore.
“Obviously we’re very happy,” Auburn Mayor Bill Ham said. “In a somewhat economically downturned time, we continue to be weathering the storm.”
According to Forbes.com, many factors were considered when determining rankings for the list.
Population and job growth, housing starts and personal income growth, all were aspects that contributed to Auburn-Opelika’s status on the list.
The article does stress, however, the importance of an area’s measurable gross metropolitan product and the amount of goods and services produced.
The Auburn-Opelika area has a projected total GMP growth of 24 percent from 2007-2012. Additionally, the area is expected to have a population increase of 17 percent in the next five years.
The Lee County Economic Development Department claims Auburn-Opelika’s growth stems from the area’s desirability.
“People want to do business here, and people want to live here,” said Cary Cox, director of work force development for the Auburn Training Connection. “The wheels were put in motion many, many years ago to make this a great place to live and a great place to do business.”
The area’s location along I-85 is also another reason cited for the expected economic prosperity as noted by Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller.
“We are in an ideal location only an hour and 15 minutes from the Atlanta airport,” Fuller said. “Opelika has five interchanges on I-85 plus two federal highways: 280 and 431. Our city is served by both CSX and Norfolk-Southern, No question institutions such as Auburn University, East Alabama Medical Center and Southern Union Community College play an important role, too.”
The South particularly has seen an increase in economic development and as evident by the amount of cities on the list, Alabama specifically seems to be gaining force.
In addition to Auburn-Opelika, Huntsville and Mobile, which were ranked first on the small metros list, were noted as cities with anticipated growth.
Fuller said Alabama’s potential for economic growth ultimately comes down to its people.
“Alabama folks have a great work ethic and there is no question that Gov. Riley has clearly signaled Alabama is open for business,” Fuller said. “We’ve had the largest economic expansion in the history of our state during his term as governor.”
Auburn and Opelika plan for continued expansion and economic growth in the upcoming months.
Ham said the Auburn Research Park has just announced its first tenant.
“Northrop Grumman, a Fortune 100 company, will ultimately generate over 1,500 new jobs for the community,” Ham said.