58 Inc urges Columbiana to join Innovate Alabama network, explains tax‑abatement tools

At the March 4 council meeting, Amy St, president and CEO of 58 Inc (Shelby County’s economic development corporation), described countywide economic development services and outlined opportunities for Columbiana to participate in the Innovate Alabama network and related grant programs.

St explained Innovate Alabama grants can support small outdoor‑recreation or placemaking projects — examples include gateway or directional signage, trail connections and seating — and said the network also channels funding for founders, STEM programs and regional marketing. “Innovation needs awesome downtowns like you all have,” St told the council.

She also explained tax abatements: under state law, abatements typically target major employers (manufacturing or firms that sell products or services beyond county lines) using state NAICS codes. Retail incentives are handled differently (often described as rebates rather than abatements). St said 58 Inc assists cities and companies with qualification and application processes and offers to help Columbiana prepare Innovate Alabama network applications.

St asked the council to consider a modest FY26 contribution to 58 Inc to support local priorities and marketing; the transcript included an unclear dollar range for the requested amount, so the specific per‑city dollar request was not specified during the meeting. She said 58 Inc is county‑funded but seeks supplemental community contributions to expand operational work on behalf of member communities.

Council members asked about industry categories and where high‑performance computing or AI projects would fit; St said they may fall under software/IT or advanced manufacturing depending on specifics. No formal council action or vote followed the presentation.