The Alabama League of Municipalities announced its Economic Development Academy’s 2027 class at its annual graduation and awards ceremonies on October 20, 2026, at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center.
The league, in partnership with the Alabama Community College System, created the academy in 2021 to educate and engage municipal officials on the essential elements and phases of economic development. The academy brings together elected officials from participating cities and towns with municipal peers from their region to prepare their communities for growth. Up to seven people can participate per community, including mayors, council members, city administrators, city clerks, economic developers, business leaders and more.
The academy’s 2027 class includes Argo, Chickasaw, Eutaw, Fayette, Fort Deposit, Jasper, Mobile, Opp, Pinson, Rehobeth, Selma and Tarrant.
“The League had overwhelming interest in our Economic Development Academy this year, and we are very pleased to announce we have selected these 12 communities, of various sizes, to take the next step in building their economic development and retention strategies,” Greg Cochran, the league’s executive director, said. “This program has not only grown over the past five years, but we have helped 49 communities recruit and retain business and industry.”
Using a collaborative approach, participants convene four times throughout the year to complete assignments and develop strategies to enhance economic development in their communities. Ultimately, each municipality is required to implement a community program or project and report on its progress. Communities that complete the program are recognized during the league’s annual graduation and awards ceremonies each fall with a certification from both the league and the Alabama Community College System.
