Ahead of the 2021 Alabama legislative session convening on February 2, the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) has released its state and federal legislative priorities for the coming year.

The BBA annually compiles the two agendas, which delineate the organization’s top advocacy items and priorities. These priorities cover areas affecting economic development in the Birmingham region, with a focus on economic growth, research and innovation, infrastructure, and workforce development.

The renewal and passage of economic development incentives like the Alabama Jobs Act and the Growing Alabama credit remain top priorities for the BBA, said Elizabeth Paul, manager of public policy at the BBA.

Last year, due to the sunset dates of both bills, Governor Kay Ivey signed supplemental emergency proclamations to extend both the Alabama Jobs Act and the Growing Alabama credit until the Alabama State Legislature had an opportunity to enact legislation addressing the programs during the 2021 regular session.

“These are proven incentives that we’ve got to move forward, incentives that allow our economic developers to do their job, which is grow jobs in our region,” Paul said.

Paul said another priority is reauthorizing the Alabama Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program, which is set to expire in 2022. The tax credit currently provides jobs, increases the tax base and revitalizes existing buildings like 2200 Magnolia and the Forbes Building on Fourth Avenue.

The BBA will also support legislation to provide civil immunity protections for businesses operating during the pandemic, and support the passage of a research and development (R&D) tax credit.

“We want to make sure that Birmingham continues to grow as a technology hub, and this legislation will help us attract new industry in R&D and compete on an even playing field with other states,” she said.

Click here to see the state legislative agenda and the federal legislative agenda.