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Economic Development
Incorporated in 1964, Pelham is Shelby County's second-largest city, with more than 24,000 residents. Pelham boasts unmatched indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities, a community-inspired school system, and a diverse mix of businesses of all sizes. Our residents enjoy an unparalleled quality of life.
The Community
Pelham is home to Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama’s largest, where visitors enjoy fishing, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, golfing, wildlife attractions, and so much more. In addition to Oak Mountain, Pelham offers a diverse mix of recreational and entertainment options. Oak Mountain Amphitheatre draws in Grammy-award-winning bands and musicians from around the country.
The Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena is home to The Birmingham Bulls, a Southern Professional Hockey League team, and the Magic City SC, a National Indoor Soccer League team. The Pelham Racquet Club hosts an annual United States Tennis Association Pro Circuit women's tournament that attracts top players from around the world. Ballantrae Golf Club is a favorite for both residents and visitors amongst public golf courses in Birmingham. Pelham's municipal parks and recreational offerings are unmatched. The Greenway Trail connects our city in a way no other city can claim. Our Pelham City Park complex features a tennis center, a recreation center, a splash pad, outdoor basketball and sand volleyball courts, in addition to baseball, softball, and football fields, and a dog park.
While Pelham's population of 24,000 allows us to retain our small-town feel, we have two exits off Interstate 65, offering convenient and easy access to Birmingham, Atlanta, Nashville, and the beautiful beaches of South Alabama. Our scenic neighborhoods offer a retreat from the busy world. It’s a wonderful place to call home and a great place to visit.
Consistently ranked one of the safest cities in Alabama, Pelham is recognized as:
- One of America's Best Small Towns (Money Magazine)
- Best Suburbs to Buy a House in America (Niche)
- Places to Live in Alabama (Niche)
- Places with the Best Public Schools in Alabama (Niche)
- The Best Place to Raise Kids in Alabama (Bloomberg Business Week)
- Best Place to Live in Alabama (CNN Money)
- Third Best City to Live in Alabama (Movato)
- One of the top Zip codes in Alabama (Niche)
Our Schools
The City of Pelham formed its own school district in 2014. Pelham City Schools is dedicated to providing excellent instruction and opportunities that cultivate the well-being and success of our students every step of the way.
Pelham City Schools is ranked #12 on Niche's listing of the 2024 Best School Districts, which is among the top 10% of all districts in Alabama. Niche's annual rankings are based on the collection of key data points, parent and student reviews, quality factors, finances, and more.
Set Your Business Apart
Pelham has experienced significant economic growth in recent years, making it an attractive location for businesses of all sizes. The city has a diverse economy, with thriving industries in healthcare, education, retail, and hospitality.
By choosing Pelham, you'll be setting your business apart from the competition. The city has a unique character and charm that you won't find in other cities. Put down roots and grow your business. In Pelham, you'll stand out in a crowded marketplace.
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Michael Simon
Economic Development DirectorPhone: 205.620.6505Additional Phone: 205.840.8474Michael Simon is Pelham's Economic Development Director. His efforts cover a wide range of areas with varying degrees of visible impact. Those efforts include assisting the City of Pelham with land acquisition and disposal processes and providing staff support to the City’s Commercial Development Authority (CDA) Board of Directors. Michael acts as a liaison between businesses and developments and the City. He also provides professional support to the Development Services and Public Works Department, which oversees Building and Zoning personnel.
Michael has over 25 years of both public and private sector commercial and residential redevelopment experience. He's spearheaded public-private partnerships, including public-sector community redevelopment, mixed-use and housing ventures, as well as private-sector development projects. Prior to starting his position in August 2021, Michael was the Executive Director of the Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).
Michael is a graduate of Stetson University, holds a real estate salesperson license in Alabama and Florida, is a certified Redevelopment Administrator under the Florida Redevelopment Association, and has a Public-Private Partnership (P3) certification from the University of Florida, Public Utility Research Center-Warrington School of Business.