Growth and Job Creation

 

Huntsville and North Alabama are the economic engine for the state. Our civic leaders and the Chamber work hard to bring in industry and economic development. Yet there is still work to be done on the “quality of life” issues that attract families. 

 

• Schools, traffic, housing all relate to this issue of economic growth, as does the issue of workforce training. We can not rest on our past success.

 

• The aerospace industry is a key part of Huntsville’s growth. We have partners throughout Europe, and growing up in the United Kingdom gives me a unique advantage in interfacing with these companies. The most important aerospace trade show in the world alternates between Farnborough and Paris each year. I grew up right next to Farnborough - watching Concorde fly overhead as a kid while they developed it, and I speak French. The ability to facilitate quick connections with the key decision-makers will be an asset to the city.

 

• But as we grow, we need to ensure there are jobs for the people already here, especially in entry-level and service sector roles. We run the risk of creating a “two-tier” economy. We need to consider a minimum wage that is higher than the current $7.25. That amount is already irrelevant for many employers, but the issue is a serious one. Alabama has one of the lowest labor force participation rates in the country. Moving people into the workforce is simply not going to happen at $7.25, with the cost of food, housing, transportation and childcare. This issue has critical for Alabama farmers, who are currently dependent upon H-2A guest workers.