Economic development is often measured in jobs created, businesses recruited and capital investment. Those metrics matter. But increasingly, a community’s economic competitiveness depends on something harder to quantify: whether people actually want to live there.
As communities compete for talent, quality of place has become an economic development strategy in its own right.
People have more choices than ever about where they build their careers and lives, and employers recognize that. A strong business climate alone is no longer enough. Communities must also offer the amenities, experiences, neighborhoods, and connections that make people feel at home.
That raises an important question for growing regions, including the Fox Cities: How do we continue to grow without losing the character that makes our community special?
It’s one of the topics we will explore during the Fox Cities Chamber’s 2027 Leadership Exchange and Benchmarking Tour to Huntsville, Alabama.
Quality of Place Is an Economic Advantage
Huntsville has experienced remarkable growth, driven in part by aerospace, defense, technology and advanced manufacturing. But its development story extends well beyond major employers.
The community has also invested in downtown redevelopment, entertainment districts, trails and green space, cultural amenities, housing and gathering places that contribute to a stronger sense of community.
These investments matter because attracting talent increasingly begins with a simple question: Can I see myself living here?
A vibrant downtown, accessible recreation, strong public schools, distinctive neighborhoods, arts and culture, restaurants and public spaces may not appear on a traditional economic development balance sheet, but they influence where people choose to live and where companies choose to grow.
And quality of place goes beyond physical amenities. It’s about creating opportunities for people to connect, build relationships and feel a sense of belonging.
What Can the Fox Cities Learn in Rocket City?
Like Huntsville, the Fox Cities has a strong business community, a growing economy, and a distinctive identity. As we look toward our region’s future, we have an opportunity to learn from communities that are experiencing growth and making intentional investments in their quality of place.
Our visit to Huntsville will allow Fox Cities leaders to explore how another region is navigating these opportunities and challenges in real time.
How has Huntsville connected economic development with placemaking? How is it accommodating population growth? What investments have made the greatest difference in attracting and retaining talent? And how is the community maintaining its identity while welcoming new residents, employers, and development?
The answers won’t provide a blueprint we can simply replicate. But they can challenge us to think differently about our own region and what we want its future to look like.
Join the Conversation
The 2027 Leadership Exchange and Benchmarking Tour is an opportunity to explore these ideas firsthand. Huntsville leaders are looking forward to welcoming the Fox Cities delegation and sharing firsthand insights into the strategies, investments and decisions that have shaped their community’s growth.
“Huntsville has experienced tremendous growth over the past several years, and we’ve learned that building a thriving community is about much more than attracting businesses and creating jobs,” said Chip Cherry, President and CEO of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber. “It’s about creating an environment where people want to live, build careers, and put down roots. We’re excited to welcome leaders from the Fox Cities and share some of the successes, challenges and lessons we’ve experienced along the way.”
Join us in Rocket City! Learn more and register at Leadership Exchange Visits – Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce