EDA Auto

UCED was sponsored by the Economic Development Administration to provide technical assistance to eight counties on the I-59/20 and I-65 corridors to support their efforts in attracting automotive suppliers.

  Alabama Forestry Team

Alabama Rural Economic Action Program (AREAP)

As part of the Alabama Forestry Team, UCED has worked with 28 rural counties to stimulate forest industry projects, working with existing industry, economic developers and elected officials. The focus of the AREAP Forestry Team projects is to the increase sales, create jobs, expand the use of productive technologies, reach new markets overseas, improve utilization of wood resources, and improve the use of forests for tourism, biomass opportunities, and carbon sequestration.

Alabama-Tombigbee Tourism Initiative

In partnership with the Alabama-Tombigbee Development Commission and the Ala-Tom RC&D, UCED is supporting tourism development efforts in the 11 county Southwest Alabama region. The project is creating opportunities for increased visitation and tourism through marketing efforts, partnering between counties and communities, and the development of several touring trails, including the Southwest Alabama Birding trail.

AmeriCorps VISTA

Under the sponsorship of AmeriCorps VISTA, UCED is partnering with US Forest Service Talladega Forest-Oakmulgee District, the Alabama Historical Commission-Old Cahawba, Moundville Archaeological Park and Perry County Chamber of Commerce to focus on Rural Economic Development through Nature and Heritage Based Tourism. Linking the natural, cultural and historic assets of Bibb, Dallas, Hale and Perry Counties, this project will work with local organizations within each county to further develop the amenities, services and marketing efforts to support heritage based and eco-tourism. 

 Alabama Communities of Excellence

UCED is a founding member and active participant in the Alabama Communities of Excellence program.  ACE is a three-phase program for communities in the 2,000 to 12,000 population range, which prepares communities for growth and sustainability.  At the May 19 2008 Alabama League of Municipalities meeting, ACE will be graduating its 12^th community.

Your Town Alabama

Your Town Alabama is a non-profit organization created to inspire and support Alabama’s towns and communities to maintain their character and plan their growth and sustainability utilizing their assets and re-inforcing their unique attributes.  UCED is a founding member and partner along with Auburn University Center for Architecture and Urban Studies, the Alabama Historical Commission, CAWACO RC&D, the Association of Regional Commissions, and other statewide organizations interested in the future of authentic Alabama communities.

UCED has been privileged to collaborate with the Auburn University Center for Architecture and Urban Studies on various Small Town Design Initiative projects and to provide support in several town and counties throughout the State of Alabama.  Projects have included Aliceville, Gordo, Haleyville, Guin, Moundville, and Shorter.  In addition, our two centers have collaborated on  youth leadership development projects utilizing asset-based planning methodology in Bibb, Franklin, Hale, Macon and Pickens Counties.