Birmingham Corps Launches “Vision 2028” to Double Workforce Impact and Deliver $29M in Economic Return to the Region
Birmingham Corps has officially launched its bold new strategic plan: Vision 2028: A Smarter, More Effective Way to Recruit & Retain Local Talent.
Birmingham, AL – June 17, 2025 – The three-year roadmap outlines how the organization will double the number of Birmingham residents placed in high-impact jobs, expand its employer and community partnerships, and generate over $29 million in projected local economic impact. The plan positions workforce development as not just a social investment—but a strategic engine for economic growth.
“Vision 2028 is about turning workforce access into region-wide prosperity,” said Yamini Bhat, Founding Executive Director of Birmingham Corps. “When we train and retain local talent, people earn more and then they can spend more. Which in turn, boosts local businesses, increases tax revenue, and reduces strain on public assistance. We are helping people keep pace with the pace of progress.”
On June 16, 2025, Birmingham Corps hosted a community convening to mark the official launch of Vision 2028. The event brought together Mayor Randall L. Woodfin, local philanthropists, job seekers, and workforce leaders to discuss the plan’s goals and its economic relevance for Birmingham’s future.
“Birmingham Corps is a role model for training and creating a pathway for sustainable employment,” said Sanjay Singh, Birmingham entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader. “Eventually every community will need to follow a similar model to expand economic opportunities for all.”
Vision 2028 Goals:
Double the number of Birmingham residents trained, developed, and placed into jobs
Increase job placements by 76%, improving long-term retention and reducing hiring costs
Double the employer and community partner network, creating a stronger workforce ecosystem
Raise $2 million in public and private investment to fuel workforce innovation
Deliver $29 million+ in projected economic impact through higher wages, tax revenue, and reduced reliance on social services
"Birmingham Corps is creating a smarter, more sustainable workforce system—one that connects our residents to opportunity and strengthens our city’s economy from the inside out. Vision 2028 is not just a plan, it’s a promise to invest in people, build stronger neighborhoods, and position Birmingham for long-term growth," said Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin.
How Our Work Impacts You:
$1 Invested = $4 in Economic Return
Every dollar invested in workforce development yields a 4x return in higher wages, increased tax revenue, and lower unemployment.
Higher Earnings = Stronger Local Economy
Participants who complete Birmingham Corps programs earn 20–30% more annually, increasing their local spending power.
Reduced Dependency on Public Assistance
Stable, well-paying jobs reduce reliance on unemployment benefits, food assistance, and housing subsidies—saving taxpayer dollars.
Sustained Economic Mobility
Birmingham Corps doesn’t just help people get jobs—it helps them build careers. That means higher lifetime earnings, stronger families, and long-term economic stability.
“The Birmingham Corps Board of Directors is proud of the organization’s first formal strategic plan,” said Brantley Fry, Birmingham Corps Board Chair. “The Vision 2028 Plan builds on the success of the first three years of operations and multiplies impact for our community. We recognize this would not be possible without the talented staff and loyal commitment of our community partners.”
With a focus on high-need sectors like healthcare, education, and community development, Birmingham Corps offers employers a pipeline of job-ready, mission-aligned talent—while saving them at least $4,500 per hire in recruiting costs.
To read the full Vision 2028 plan or get involved, visit www.birminghamcorps.org.
About Birmingham Corps
Founded in 2022, Birmingham Corps is a workforce development nonprofit that recruits, trains, and retains overlooked talent for community-impact jobs. Its service-to-career model bridges the gap between job seekers and employers—helping residents build careers, not just land jobs, while reducing employer hiring costs and strengthening Birmingham’s economy.
