The Power of a Story Rooted in Place

Every time I walk through a historic downtown or pass an old church that’s stood the test of time, I’m reminded that economic development isn’t just about new buildings or business incentives—it’s about people, stories, and legacy.

When I visit Alabama’s 67 counties (and I’ve been to each of them more than 25 times), I see more than land and opportunity—I see heritage. I see the local general store that’s been open since 1918, the textile mill that once employed an entire town, and the handwritten records of generations who built their futures right where they stood. These aren’t just artifacts of the past—they’re blueprints for the future.

If we want to grow stronger economies, especially in rural areas, we need to recognize that honoring our history isn’t just respectful—it’s strategic.

Why Heritage Is an Economic Asset

In a world that often values speed and scale over tradition and texture, small towns and older neighborhoods have something increasingly rare: identity. And identity attracts people—tourists, businesses, and new residents alike.

Community history gives us more than a narrative; it gives us a foundation. It tells a story that is specific and rooted—something national chains and global platforms can’t replicate. That story becomes an advantage when we’re trying to recruit businesses, draw in visitors, or create places where people want to live and work.

Think about it: Would you rather stroll through a downtown filled with unique buildings, family-owned shops, and murals celebrating local heroes—or a strip mall that looks like it could be anywhere?

When communities invest in preserving and promoting their own stories, they create environments that feel authentic, grounded, and full of potential.

Successful Communities Don’t Erase—They Elevate

One of the mistakes I’ve seen time and time again is that in the name of “progress,” communities demolish what makes them special. They pave over history thinking they’re making room for something better. But often, they lose their most compelling asset in the process.

Preservation and development are not opposites—they’re partners. Restoring a 100-year-old train depot into a co-working space, turning a retired schoolhouse into a small business incubator, or repurposing an old bank into a local coffee shop creates economic opportunity and keeps community identity intact.

It’s also more cost-effective in many cases. Rehabilitation often costs less than new construction and qualifies for tax credits or historic grants. Plus, it supports local contractors, artisans, and tradespeople who understand the cultural significance of what they’re restoring.

The Economic Ripple Effect of Remembering

Communities that embrace their history don’t just build pride—they build revenue. Heritage tourism is a growing sector, and Alabama has tremendous untapped potential here. From Civil Rights landmarks to agricultural legacies and Native American roots, our state offers a rich and diverse tapestry that draws people in.

But it’s not just about tourism. Businesses want to locate in places that have identity and community engagement. Workers—especially younger professionals—are looking for places with character and connection, not just square footage.

When we tell our stories well, we build an ecosystem where people want to invest, live, and grow. And that starts with knowing our story in the first place.

Teaching Legacy Through Local Leadership

As someone deeply involved in mentoring young leaders, I often tell students: “You can’t lead where you don’t know the roots.” Understanding local history is essential for future civic and economic leaders. When young people know the triumphs, hardships, and cultural narratives of their towns, they feel ownership. They don’t just see themselves as residents—they see themselves as stewards.

This is why I advocate for integrating local history into school curriculums, economic development programs, and youth mentorship initiatives. Let’s teach kids the origin story of their main street. Let’s take them to the old mill and explain how it shaped their grandparents’ lives. Let’s show them that leadership starts with respect for the past.

Because if they understand what came before them, they’ll lead with greater wisdom and pride.

A Call to Communities: Don’t Hide Your History

Whether your town’s history is celebratory or complex—and most are a mix of both—it deserves to be acknowledged and respected. Every community has a story, and every story has value.

Display it. Celebrate it. Let it be part of the welcome packet for new businesses. Feature it in your tourism strategy. Make it a central piece of your economic development plan.

Don’t wait until a building is at risk of demolition to remember why it mattered. Don’t wait until the last elder passes away to ask for their stories. Act now. Because the future of your community depends on more than your next budget—it depends on your legacy.

Building the Future on Solid Ground

As I continue to work across Alabama, I’m reminded daily that economic development is not just about what we build—it’s about what we preserve. Honoring our history doesn’t mean getting stuck in the past. It means anchoring ourselves in something solid as we reach forward.

Legacy isn’t a burden—it’s leverage. And when we treat it that way, we unlock a deeper kind of prosperity—one that enriches not just our wallets, but our identity.

Let’s build, yes. But let’s also remember. Because when we value our roots, we give our communities the strength to grow with purpose.

And that’s the kind of development that lasts.