More than 800 full-time jobs are coming to Birmingham as a company building a nationwide network of fully-furnished apartments is set to relocate its headquarters from San Francisco to Birmingham.
Gov. Kay Ivey made the announcement on Thursday.
“Landing is a fast-growing company with an innovative business model, and we are thrilled that it will establish its headquarters in Alabama,” Ivey said in a statement from her office. “This is great news for Birmingham and for the entire state because it shows that we have the workforce and capabilities needed by a cutting-edge company that is blazing new trails.”
Landing’s move to Birmingham is timely as real estate investors foresee continued growth in the sector. In the midst of the strongest homes-sales market in 15 years, renting has become an attractive option for many.
According Ivey’s office, the company has experienced 1,250% year-over-year growth and has scaled from just nine cities in early 2020 to over 80, with plans to be in more than 100 by year’s end.
“As a Birmingham native, relocating our headquarters and expanding our Alabama team was a natural transition,” said Bill Smith, founder and CEO of Landing. “I’m excited by the opportunity to continue to scale Landing and bring new jobs and economic opportunities to my community. As we continue to expand across the country, we’re committed to the vibrant cities we operate in and will strive to have a positive impact on all of Landing’s communities.”
Smith previously started Shipt, an app-based delivery service that grew rapidly and was acquired by Target Corp. in 2017.
The Alabama Department of Commerce estimates that in the next two decades Landing’s contribution to Alabama’s economy will result in $112 million in new state revenue and a 356% return on investment to the state.
Alabama Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield believes Smith’s previous accomplishments in business offer a glimpse at what is to come for Landing and its new home in Alabama.
“Bill Smith is a rock star in Alabama’s innovation economy through his experience with Shipt, and Landing represents an interesting new chapter in a business career that has already produced massive success,” said Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “The company is off to a strong start, and Birmingham will offer a solid platform for its growth plans as it shakes up the real estate industry.”
Landing’s new headquarters will be located in downtown Birmingham at the John Hand Building, a fact Mayor Randall Woodfin notes is going to be mutually beneficial to Landing and the city.
“Landing’s arrival couldn’t come at a better time,” Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin said. “As our city continues to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, the new jobs and revenue Landing will bring to our community will be a boost to our recovery efforts. The financial incentive we offer, pending the City Council’s approval, will help to hire and train our citizens for the more than 800 new jobs, and the revenue generated by the project will provide funding for City schools and infrastructure.”
Tim Howe is an owner of Yellowhammer Multimedia
