Take it slow
When it comes to homeownership, impulse buys are ill-advised. In Alabama’s real estate market, low inventory levels can create great urgency for buyers eager to pounce. Urgency doesn’t have to be a problem once potential buyers have taken the time to prioritize needs over wants and thoughtfully consider what the best next step in their home journey should include. As in most aspects of life, preparation is key to making the most of opportunities when they present themselves.

Size does matter, but why?
Often when the desire to upsize begins to move homeowners to consider larger options, size can be the only thing people focus on. Size does matter, but the purpose behind the upsizing matters more. Think through what exact types of spaces your current home is lacking, and more importantly, the purpose behind those spaces.  Is there a need for greater storage, more personal space, more room to gather, more room to work, more room to entertain? Start with the functional space you’re seeking, then make a list of exactly what you need more of and why.

Do the math
Larger home size typically equates to increased expenses. The most obvious is the associated mortgage payment, but homeowners should also gather information on a handful of other expenses to avoid surprises and ensure a larger home stays a happy home. Costs such as increased property tax payments, homeowners insurance, utilities, home repairs and upkeep, lawn maintenance and added costs of furnishings can all be estimated accurately and conservatively before upsizing options are considered.

Don’t neglect what you already have
Be sure to protect your current investment even when you’re focused on finding your dream home. Upsizing usually includes using the equity in the home you own now, so be sure to stay on top of routine maintenance and repairs. Keep your home in good condition to ensure top value for your sale.

Learn more about upsizing opportunities in your real estate market by contacting a REALTOR® today.

Alabama REALTORS® is the largest statewide organization of real estate professionals and the official advocate of Alabama’s multifaceted real estate industry. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay up to date on real estate news in Alabama.

Take it slow
When it comes to homeownership, impulse buys are ill-advised. In Alabama’s real estate market, low inventory levels can create great urgency for buyers eager to pounce. Urgency doesn’t have to be a problem once potential buyers have taken the time to prioritize needs over wants and thoughtfully consider what the best next step in their home journey should include. As in most aspects of life, preparation is key to making the most of opportunities when they present themselves.

Size does matter, but why?
Often when the desire to upsize begins to move homeowners to consider larger options, size can be the only thing people focus on. Size does matter, but the purpose behind the upsizing matters more. Think through what exact types of spaces your current home is lacking, and more importantly, the purpose behind those spaces.  Is there a need for greater storage, more personal space, more room to gather, more room to work, more room to entertain? Start with the functional space you’re seeking, then make a list of exactly what you need more of and why.

Do the math
Larger home size typically equates to increased expenses. The most obvious is the associated mortgage payment, but homeowners should also gather information on a handful of other expenses to avoid surprises and ensure a larger home stays a happy home. Costs such as increased property tax payments, homeowners insurance, utilities, home repairs and upkeep, lawn maintenance and added costs of furnishings can all be estimated accurately and conservatively before upsizing options are considered.

Don’t neglect what you already have
Be sure to protect your current investment even when you’re focused on finding your dream home. Upsizing usually includes using the equity in the home you own now, so be sure to stay on top of routine maintenance and repairs. Keep your home in good condition to ensure top value for your sale.

Learn more about upsizing opportunities in your real estate market by contacting a REALTOR® today.

Alabama REALTORS® is the largest statewide organization of real estate professionals and the official advocate of Alabama’s multifaceted real estate industry. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay up to date on real estate news in Alabama.

Take it slow
When it comes to homeownership, impulse buys are ill-advised. In Alabama’s real estate market, low inventory levels can create great urgency for buyers eager to pounce. Urgency doesn’t have to be a problem once potential buyers have taken the time to prioritize needs over wants and thoughtfully consider what the best next step in their home journey should include. As in most aspects of life, preparation is key to making the most of opportunities when they present themselves.

Size does matter, but why?
Often when the desire to upsize begins to move homeowners to consider larger options, size can be the only thing people focus on. Size does matter, but the purpose behind the upsizing matters more. Think through what exact types of spaces your current home is lacking, and more importantly, the purpose behind those spaces.  Is there a need for greater storage, more personal space, more room to gather, more room to work, more room to entertain? Start with the functional space you’re seeking, then make a list of exactly what you need more of and why.

Do the math
Larger home size typically equates to increased expenses. The most obvious is the associated mortgage payment, but homeowners should also gather information on a handful of other expenses to avoid surprises and ensure a larger home stays a happy home. Costs such as increased property tax payments, homeowners insurance, utilities, home repairs and upkeep, lawn maintenance and added costs of furnishings can all be estimated accurately and conservatively before upsizing options are considered.

Don’t neglect what you already have
Be sure to protect your current investment even when you’re focused on finding your dream home. Upsizing usually includes using the equity in the home you own now, so be sure to stay on top of routine maintenance and repairs. Keep your home in good condition to ensure top value for your sale.

Learn more about upsizing opportunities in your real estate market by contacting a REALTOR® today.

Alabama REALTORS® is the largest statewide organization of real estate professionals and the official advocate of Alabama’s multifaceted real estate industry. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay up to date on real estate news in Alabama.

According to the latest data, both metropolitan and micropolitan areas have seen significant declines in joblessness in recent months. For many employers, the task now is finding qualified, willing workers for vacant positions.

Currently, there are over 66,500 job openings in Alabama, and many employers predict their workforce needs to continue to increase.

“Chamber of commerce members throughout the state have indicated immediate hiring needs as well as planned employment increases throughout the remainder of 2021,” stated Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (CCAA) President and CEO Paige Hutto. “CCAA represents our “boots on the ground” local chambers and through them we know that their members are actively looking for qualified workers. Through our partnership with the Business Council of Alabama, we are working with state and local leaders to assist our members with the resources they need for continued growth.”

“BCA is proud to continue offering unparalleled support and resources for our member businesses as they look to put the pandemic in the rear view mirror,” added Britt. “From advocating for pro-jobs policies to delivering innovative tools, the forward-thinking team at BCA is thrilled to help foster a climate in which businesses of all sizes and sectors can thrive far into the future.”

BCA is firmly committed to continuing to offer unmatched expertise and assistance to Alabama businesses. Visit our website to learn more about what BCA can do for you.

The Business Council of Alabama is the state’s largest business association representing nearly one million working Alabamians to ensure that businesses of all sizes can grow and flourish in our state.

“Across Alabama, the demand for short-term, customized, non-credit training for business and industry continues to exceed the state’s current training capacity,” said Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker. “Alabama’s community colleges across the state are at the table with business and industry leaders to identify solutions to the state’s workforce needs.”

Alabama’s community colleges have served hundreds of companies with non-credit training programs and job attainment skill delivery. But there is more work to be done when it comes to fulfilling Alabama industry’s workforce preparedness needs.

That’s why ACCS has developed Regional Rapid Training Centers (RRTCs) in strategic locations across the state.

RRTCs will focus on rapid, industry-required, non-credit training determined by the region’s workforce needs.

Expanding this needed training will also help the state more easily meet its attainment goal of adding 500,000 newly credentialed employees to the workforce by 2025.

Successfully meeting a need
To find an example of a solution-based approach, look no further than the Heavy Equipment Operator program at Jefferson State Community College.

Conversations with industry leaders identified that often new equipment operators took up to two weeks of on-the-job training to learn basic operations before being able to learn company-specific skills.  With industry leaders at the table helping to design curriculum, the Heavy Equipment Operator program was customized to ensure students completing the program would enter the job market with mastery of basic safety and operation skills in addition to 8 hours of ‘seat time’ or actual operation time with the equipment.

“The Heavy Equipment Operator program at Jefferson State is a prime example of identifying a need and working with industry to address it in a timely manner through a short-term training solution yielding qualified, certified students who are ready to work on day one,” said Baker.

Demand for more
Job-seeking Alabamians have a myriad of options when searching for a well-paying career, but industry-recognized credentials are often necessary for high-demand occupations.  Short-term, trade-specific training can open employment options for job seekers in a matter of weeks.

Rapid, customizable training can be used to up-skill Alabamians as well as re-train those who have lost their jobs.  The workforce demands of business and industry are dependent upon the future growth of training solutions that work.

Alabama’s community colleges will continue to partner with private sector employers to ensure Alabama can meet its workforce goals. Funding and support for short-term, industry-specific training is vital for the current and future growth of Alabama’s economy.

“Across Alabama, the demand for short-term, customized, non-credit training for business and industry continues to exceed the state’s current training capacity,” said Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker. “Alabama’s community colleges across the state are at the table with business and industry leaders to identify solutions to the state’s workforce needs.”

Alabama’s community colleges have served hundreds of companies with non-credit training programs and job attainment skill delivery. But there is more work to be done when it comes to fulfilling Alabama industry’s workforce preparedness needs.

That’s why ACCS has developed Regional Rapid Training Centers (RRTCs) in strategic locations across the state.

RRTCs will focus on rapid, industry-required, non-credit training determined by the region’s workforce needs.

Expanding this needed training will also help the state more easily meet its attainment goal of adding 500,000 newly credentialed employees to the workforce by 2025.

Successfully meeting a need
To find an example of a solution-based approach, look no further than the Heavy Equipment Operator program at Jefferson State Community College.

Conversations with industry leaders identified that often new equipment operators took up to two weeks of on-the-job training to learn basic operations before being able to learn company-specific skills.  With industry leaders at the table helping to design curriculum, the Heavy Equipment Operator program was customized to ensure students completing the program would enter the job market with mastery of basic safety and operation skills in addition to 8 hours of ‘seat time’ or actual operation time with the equipment.

“The Heavy Equipment Operator program at Jefferson State is a prime example of identifying a need and working with industry to address it in a timely manner through a short-term training solution yielding qualified, certified students who are ready to work on day one,” said Baker.

Demand for more
Job-seeking Alabamians have a myriad of options when searching for a well-paying career, but industry-recognized credentials are often necessary for high-demand occupations.  Short-term, trade-specific training can open employment options for job seekers in a matter of weeks.

Rapid, customizable training can be used to up-skill Alabamians as well as re-train those who have lost their jobs.  The workforce demands of business and industry are dependent upon the future growth of training solutions that work.

Alabama’s community colleges will continue to partner with private sector employers to ensure Alabama can meet its workforce goals. Funding and support for short-term, industry-specific training is vital for the current and future growth of Alabama’s economy.

“Across Alabama, the demand for short-term, customized, non-credit training for business and industry continues to exceed the state’s current training capacity,” said Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker. “Alabama’s community colleges across the state are at the table with business and industry leaders to identify solutions to the state’s workforce needs.”

Alabama’s community colleges have served hundreds of companies with non-credit training programs and job attainment skill delivery. But there is more work to be done when it comes to fulfilling Alabama industry’s workforce preparedness needs.

That’s why ACCS has developed Regional Rapid Training Centers (RRTCs) in strategic locations across the state.

RRTCs will focus on rapid, industry-required, non-credit training determined by the region’s workforce needs.

Expanding this needed training will also help the state more easily meet its attainment goal of adding 500,000 newly credentialed employees to the workforce by 2025.

Successfully meeting a need
To find an example of a solution-based approach, look no further than the Heavy Equipment Operator program at Jefferson State Community College.

Conversations with industry leaders identified that often new equipment operators took up to two weeks of on-the-job training to learn basic operations before being able to learn company-specific skills.  With industry leaders at the table helping to design curriculum, the Heavy Equipment Operator program was customized to ensure students completing the program would enter the job market with mastery of basic safety and operation skills in addition to 8 hours of ‘seat time’ or actual operation time with the equipment.

“The Heavy Equipment Operator program at Jefferson State is a prime example of identifying a need and working with industry to address it in a timely manner through a short-term training solution yielding qualified, certified students who are ready to work on day one,” said Baker.

Demand for more
Job-seeking Alabamians have a myriad of options when searching for a well-paying career, but industry-recognized credentials are often necessary for high-demand occupations.  Short-term, trade-specific training can open employment options for job seekers in a matter of weeks.

Rapid, customizable training can be used to up-skill Alabamians as well as re-train those who have lost their jobs.  The workforce demands of business and industry are dependent upon the future growth of training solutions that work.

Alabama’s community colleges will continue to partner with private sector employers to ensure Alabama can meet its workforce goals. Funding and support for short-term, industry-specific training is vital for the current and future growth of Alabama’s economy.

In the past, the event has been hosted by Great Britain, Japan, Germany, Finland, Poland, Netherlands and other far away places around the globe, and now it’s Alabama’s time to show off our beautiful home.

The international event will unite global fans with the Birmingham community in 25+ unique venues around the greater metropolitan area.  Event locations announced to date include Birmingham Crossplex, Boutwell Auditorium, Legion Field and the new Protective Stadium.

The City of Birmingham won its bid to host The Games in 2015, beating out cities in Russia and Peru. This edition marks a return of The Games to the United States for the first time since the inaugural event in Santa Clara, California in 1981.

World Games was established by the International World Games Association, an organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee.

The World Games 2022 will be a transformational opportunity for Alabama, generating global media exposure, welcoming athletes and fans from around the world, and serving as a catalyst to position Birmingham as a host for future events.

Custom sponsorship packages are available

To learn more about The World Games 2022 visit TWG2022.com or find us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

The international event will unite global fans with the Birmingham community in 25+ unique venues around the greater metropolitan area.  Event locations announced to date include Birmingham Crossplex, Boutwell Auditorium, Legion Field and the new Protective Stadium.

The City of Birmingham won its bid to host The Games in 2015, beating out cities in Russia and Peru. This edition marks a return of The Games to the United States for the first time since the inaugural event in Santa Clara, California in 1981.

The World Games 2022 will be a transformational opportunity for Alabama, generating global media exposure, welcoming athletes and fans from around the world, and serving as a catalyst to position Birmingham as a host for future events.

Custom sponsorship packages are available.

To learn more about The World Games 2022 visit TWG2022.com or find us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

The international event will unite global fans with the Birmingham community in 25+ unique venues around the greater metropolitan area. Event locations announced to date include Birmingham Crossplex, Boutwell Auditorium, Legion Field and the new Protective Stadium.

The City of Birmingham won its bid to host The Games in 2015, beating out cities in Russia and Peru. This edition marks a return of The Games to the United States for the first time since the inaugural event in Santa Clara, California in 1981.

The World Games 2022 will be a transformational opportunity for Alabama, generating global media exposure, welcoming athletes and fans from around the world, and serving as a catalyst to position Birmingham as a host for future events.

Custom sponsorship packages are available.

To learn more about The World Games 2022 visit TWG2022.com or find us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

In the past, the event has been hosted by Great Britain, Japan, Germany, Finland, Poland, Netherlands and other far away places around the globe, and now it’s Alabama’s time to show off our beautiful home.

The international event will unite global fans with the Birmingham community in 25+ unique venues around the greater metropolitan area. Event locations announced to date include Birmingham Crossplex, Boutwell Auditorium, Legion Field and the new Protective Stadium.

The City of Birmingham won its bid to host The Games in 2015, beating out cities in Russia and Peru. This edition marks a return of The Games to the United States for the first time since the inaugural event in Santa Clara, California in 1981.

World Games was established by the International World Games Association, an organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee.

The World Games 2022 will be a transformational opportunity for Alabama, generating global media exposure, welcoming athletes and fans from around the world, and serving as a catalyst to position Birmingham as a host for future events.

Custom sponsorship packages are available

To learn more about The World Games 2022 visit TWG2022.com or find us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Lake Guntersville

As the pandemic has shifted interest to more rural, scenic driven destinations, places like Marshall County, Alabama, have surfaced to the top of real estate searches. According to Market Watch, Marshall County led the country in the percentage of increased searches for micropolitan communities. The area surrounding Lake Guntersville saw an increase of 2817% on the Redfin.com website in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to the same quarter in 2019.

Montgomery

Appearing in two notable publications, Alabama’s capital city has been recognized for its affordability, promising job market and appeal to travelers. Forbes Advisor looked at 100 metro areas with a population of at least 100,000 to identify the top 10 most affordable cities for homebuyers. Appearing at No. 8, Montgomery offers the lowest median annual real estate taxes and is poised for growth based on continued investment from the aerospace and automotive employers. In addition, the continued expansion of Montgomery’s social justice attractions has drawn attention from Bloomberg who has listed it as one of the best places to travel in 2021.

Tuscaloosa

Leading the national trend in real estate is the continued growth of vacation rental property investments. According to the real estate education publication Fortune Builders, Tuscaloosa is No. 2 in the country on the list of places to buy a vacation rental property. Citing the year-over-year growth in tourism both inside and outside of football season, this Alabama city bodes well for investors looking for potential profits in rental investments.

Gulf Shores / Orange Beach

No stranger to second home real estate investors, the beautiful beaches of Alabama’s gulf coast have been an attractive destination for years.  In spite of the changes 2020 brought to the investment landscape, this area proves to be dependable for travel-hungry tourists. Air DNA tracks the performance data of over 10 million AirB&B and VRBO vacation rentals and published a list of the best places to buy short-term rental property in the U.S. When it comes to areas with over 1,000 active short-term rentals, Gulf Shores / Orange Beach scored number eight for its annual revenue potential and annual revenue growth.

Dauphin Island

As reported by CNBC, the vacation rental management website Vacasa has rolled out its annual report highlighting the best U.S. destinations to invest in a vacation rental property. The study analyzed home sales and rental data in vacation areas around the country. For the second year in a row, the “sunset capital of Alabama” has made the list.

Birmingham

The Magic City appeared on several real estate investment lists in 2020.  In its analysis of America’s hottest real estate zip codes, Forbes lists Birmingham first on the list. The analysis uses data from Zillow.com to determine America’s fastest-growing zip codes by home sale price appreciation. Property Wire lists Birmingham as one of five on its 2020 best areas to invest and the international publication Global Investments lists it as the next U.S. property investment hotspot. Additionally, Travel and Leisure magazine includes Birmingham as of the best places to travel in 2021.

Huntsville

Alabama’s Rocket City made the list of emerging real estate markets of 2020 according to Mashvisor, an analytics service company focused on providing investors with property information. Huntsville is noted as one of the markets leading the economic recovery in the nation.

Auburn

Housing Wire, a digital publication focussed on mortgage and housing markets placed Auburn on the 2020 best locations for investment property. The only Alabama city to make the rankings, Auburn was listed in second place for the highest population growth and first place for employment growth.

Alabama REALTORS® is the largest statewide organization of real estate professionals and the official advocate of Alabama’s multifaceted real estate industry. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay up to date on real estate news in Alabama.

Lake Guntersville

As the pandemic has shifted interest to more rural, scenic driven destinations, places like Marshall County, Alabama, have surfaced to the top of real estate searches. According to Market Watch, Marshall County led the country in the percentage of increased searches for micropolitan communities. The area surrounding Lake Guntersville saw an increase of 2817% on the Redfin.com website in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to the same quarter in 2019.

Montgomery

Appearing in two notable publications, Alabama’s capital city has been recognized for its affordability, promising job market and appeal to travelers. Forbes Advisor looked at 100 metro areas with a population of at least 100,000 to identify the top 10 most affordable cities for homebuyers. Appearing at No. 8, Montgomery offers the lowest median annual real estate taxes and is poised for growth based on continued investment from the aerospace and automotive employers. In addition, the continued expansion of Montgomery’s social justice attractions has drawn attention from Bloomberg who has listed it as one of the best places to travel in 2021.

Tuscaloosa

Leading the national trend in real estate is the continued growth of vacation rental property investments. According to the real estate education publication Fortune Builders, Tuscaloosa is No. 2 in the country on the list of places to buy a vacation rental property. Citing the year-over-year growth in tourism both inside and outside of football season, this Alabama city bodes well for investors looking for potential profits in rental investments.

Gulf Shores / Orange Beach

No stranger to second home real estate investors, the beautiful beaches of Alabama’s gulf coast have been an attractive destination for years.  In spite of the changes 2020 brought to the investment landscape, this area proves to be dependable for travel-hungry tourists. Air DNA tracks the performance data of over 10 million AirB&B and VRBO vacation rentals and published a list of the best places to buy short-term rental property in the U.S. When it comes to areas with over 1,000 active short-term rentals, Gulf Shores / Orange Beach scored number eight for its annual revenue potential and annual revenue growth.

Dauphin Island

As reported by CNBC, the vacation rental management website Vacasa has rolled out its annual report highlighting the best U.S. destinations to invest in a vacation rental property. The study analyzed home sales and rental data in vacation areas around the country. For the second year in a row, the “sunset capital of Alabama” has made the list.

Birmingham

The Magic City appeared on several real estate investment lists in 2020.  In its analysis of America’s hottest real estate zip codes, Forbes lists Birmingham first on the list. The analysis uses data from Zillow.com to determine America’s fastest-growing zip codes by home sale price appreciation. Property Wire lists Birmingham as one of five on its 2020 best areas to invest and the international publication Global Investments lists it as the next U.S. property investment hotspot. Additionally, Travel and Leisure magazine includes Birmingham as of the best places to travel in 2021.

Huntsville

Alabama’s Rocket City made the list of emerging real estate markets of 2020 according to Mashvisor, an analytics service company focused on providing investors with property information. Huntsville is noted as one of the markets leading the economic recovery in the nation.

Auburn

Housing Wire, a digital publication focussed on mortgage and housing markets placed Auburn on the 2020 best locations for investment property. The only Alabama city to make the rankings, Auburn was listed in second place for the highest population growth and first place for employment growth.

Alabama REALTORS® is the largest statewide organization of real estate professionals and the official advocate of Alabama’s multifaceted real estate industry. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay up to date on real estate news in Alabama.

Lake Guntersville

As the pandemic has shifted interest to more rural, scenic driven destinations, places like Marshall County, Alabama, have surfaced to the top of real estate searches. According to Market Watch, Marshall County led the country in the percentage of increased searches for micropolitan communities. The area surrounding Lake Guntersville saw an increase of 2817% on the Redfin.com website in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to the same quarter in 2019.

Montgomery

Appearing in two notable publications, Alabama’s capital city has been recognized for its affordability, promising job market and appeal to travelers. Forbes Advisor looked at 100 metro areas with a population of at least 100,000 to identify the top 10 most affordable cities for homebuyers. Appearing at No. 8, Montgomery offers the lowest median annual real estate taxes and is poised for growth based on continued investment from the aerospace and automotive employers. In addition, the continued expansion of Montgomery’s social justice attractions has drawn attention from Bloomberg who has listed it as one of the best places to travel in 2021.

Tuscaloosa

Leading the national trend in real estate is the continued growth of vacation rental property investments. According to the real estate education publication Fortune Builders, Tuscaloosa is No. 2 in the country on the list of places to buy a vacation rental property. Citing the year-over-year growth in tourism both inside and outside of football season, this Alabama city bodes well for investors looking for potential profits in rental investments.

Gulf Shores / Orange Beach

No stranger to second home real estate investors, the beautiful beaches of Alabama’s gulf coast have been an attractive destination for years.  In spite of the changes 2020 brought to the investment landscape, this area proves to be dependable for travel-hungry tourists. Air DNA tracks the performance data of over 10 million AirB&B and VRBO vacation rentals and published a list of the best places to buy short-term rental property in the U.S. When it comes to areas with over 1,000 active short-term rentals, Gulf Shores / Orange Beach scored number eight for its annual revenue potential and annual revenue growth.

Dauphin Island

As reported by CNBC, the vacation rental management website Vacasa has rolled out its annual report highlighting the best U.S. destinations to invest in a vacation rental property. The study analyzed home sales and rental data in vacation areas around the country. For the second year in a row, the “sunset capital of Alabama” has made the list.

Birmingham

The Magic City appeared on several real estate investment lists in 2020.  In its analysis of America’s hottest real estate zip codes, Forbes lists Birmingham first on the list. The analysis uses data from Zillow.com to determine America’s fastest-growing zip codes by home sale price appreciation. Property Wire lists Birmingham as one of five on its 2020 best areas to invest and the international publication Global Investments lists it as the next U.S. property investment hotspot. Additionally, Travel and Leisure magazine includes Birmingham as of the best places to travel in 2021.

Huntsville

Alabama’s Rocket City made the list of emerging real estate markets of 2020 according to Mashvisor, an analytics service company focused on providing investors with property information. Huntsville is noted as one of the markets leading the economic recovery in the nation.

Auburn

Housing Wire, a digital publication focussed on mortgage and housing markets placed Auburn on the 2020 best locations for investment property. The only Alabama city to make the rankings, Auburn was listed in second place for the highest population growth and first place for employment growth.

Alabama REALTORS® is the largest statewide organization of real estate professionals and the official advocate of Alabama’s multifaceted real estate industry. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay up to date on real estate news in Alabama.

SB 30 provides civil immunity for covered entities operating in Alabama from certain claims and damages claimed by individuals who allege they contracted or were exposed to COVID-19 as long as those entities make an effort to adequately follow government issued guidelines related to operating in the COVID-19 environment.

Exceptions to this immunity would exist if the covered entity acted with wanton, reckless, willful, or intentional misconduct. Such misconduct must be proven under a “clear and convincing” evidentiary standard. These protections would apply to businesses, non-profits, LLCs, health care providers, cooperative corporations, educational entities, churches, governmental entities, and cultural institutions operating in the state.

Similar legislation has been adopted in the past year by more than 25 states, including Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Legislation to provide such coverage has been greatly needed as Alabama continues its economic recovery. Throughout the country, over 2,000 lawsuits relating to COVID have been filed in federal and state courts against businesses by employees, customers, and clients.

Legislative leadership, Governor Kay Ivey, and the business and medical communities strongly supported the new law. The bill was sponsored by Senator Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) and carried in the House by Representative David Faulkner (R-Homewood).

This legislation will be retroactive and apply to causes of action filed on or after March 13, 2020, which is the date when the Governor declared a public health emergency.

Earlier in 2020, BCA and other partners in the business community worked alongside Governor Ivey in securing liability protection for businesses and the healthcare community by means of an executive order, making Alabama one of the first states in the nation to secure such a win for business.

The Business Council of Alabama is Alabama’s foremost voice for business. The BCA is a non-partisan, statewide business association representing the interests and concerns of nearly 1 million working Alabamians through its member companies and its partnership with the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama. The BCA is Alabama’s exclusive affiliate to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers.