When it comes to Alabama’s tool kit of economic incentives, plenty of praise comes from lawmakers and state leaders.

But local economic developers — in particular, mayors — are on the front lines of bringing business into the state and creating jobs.

Following the renewal and expansion of the Alabama Jobs Act and Growing Alabama credit through the Game Plan, Alabama’s Big 10 Mayors shared excitement for the leverage it will offer to their efforts.

This package of bills was item No. 1 on the group’s 2023 legislative agenda.

“These incentives programs are critically important to our cities and the entire state of Alabama. For our cities to be successful, we need to have the tools to attract new industry, businesses, and high-quality jobs,” said the Alabama Big 10 Mayors in a joint statement. “These bills give Alabama the ability to not just remain competitive, but also increase our ability to attract the world-class businesses and developments that improve the quality of life across our state.

“We thank Governor Kay Ivey, legislative leadership and their members, the Department of Commerce and the many stakeholders who worked tirelessly to make this happen. We were proud to support this package of bills and we look forward to seeing the impact that these incentives programs will have on each of Alabama’s ten largest cities.”

Representing Alabama’s 10 largest cities, the Alabama Big 10 Mayors works to address the state’s most important issues and make Alabama a safer, better place for residents. The Alabama Big 10 Mayors are Auburn Mayor Ron Anders, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling, Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Madison Mayor Paul Finley, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed and Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270 for coverage of the 2023 legislative session.