Dr Nicole Wadsworth, a leading voice in economic development and commercial site selection, is urging residents, local leaders, and business owners to take an active role in rebuilding Alabama’s communities. The call comes as she is featured in a newly released Q&A interview titled "Building Alabama from the Ground Up: A Conversation with Nicole Wadsworth."
The in-depth feature charts Wadsworth’s journey from academic achievement to on-the-ground leadership, and focuses on her belief that real development starts at the local level—not in spreadsheets or boardrooms.
“You don’t need a title to make a difference,” Wadsworth says in the interview. “Growth starts with engagement. Show up. Go to meetings. Volunteer. Support local businesses.”
With more than two decades of experience and over 25 visits to each of Alabama’s 67 counties, Dr Wadsworth has seen firsthand what communities need—and what’s holding them back. From rural towns struggling with food insecurity to urban corridors facing talent retention issues, the common denominator, she says, is involvement.
According to the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, 44 counties in Alabama are considered economically distressed, and 1 in 6 residents faces food insecurity (Feeding America, 2024). Wadsworth believes these challenges can’t be solved solely by policymakers or private industry—they require grassroots commitment.
“Economic development is personal,” Wadsworth adds. “It’s about sitting at a kitchen table and listening. That’s where real solutions start.”
The press release follows renewed attention on Alabama’s rural revitalisation efforts and comes at a time when more than half of U.S. counties are experiencing population loss (Economic Innovation Group). Wadsworth is calling for a shift—not just in policy, but in mindset.
“We can’t wait for outside investment to fix everything,” she says. “The power lies in the hands of local people. Every pound spent locally, every voice raised at a council meeting, every meal shared at a food bank—these things matter.”
What You Can Do
Dr Wadsworth outlines several steps individuals can take to support economic resilience in their own communities:
1. Shop Locally: Support independent businesses and services in your area.
2. Engage in Local Government: Attend town meetings. Speak up. Ask questions.
3. Support Food Security Efforts: Donate to food banks or help them secure grants. Alabama’s food system has the resources—now it needs coordination.
4. Listen First: Ask your neighbours, schools, and small business owners what they need to thrive.
5. Champion Place-Based Development: Push for the revitalisation of local landmarks, vacant buildings, and public infrastructure.
“With a state as rich in heritage and resources as Alabama, no one should be left behind,” Wadsworth says. “When communities lead, the future follows.”
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
Contact:
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