Auburn
"The Lovliest Village on the Plains"
Population (city): 56,908
Population (metro): 147,257
Although the smallest of the cities under consideration, Auburn is the fastest growing metro area in Alabama and the 19th fastest in the nation. The presence of Auburn University makes the city important to the economic wellbeing of the entire state. Its close location to the Georgia state border means that selecting Auburn as capital may push the State of Alabama towards a political and economic outlook more like that of its eastern neighbor.
Birmingham
"The Magic City"
Population (city): 212,038
Population (metro): 1.1 million
As Alabama's largest city and metro area, Birmingham seems to be the most "natural" choice for state capital. Its location on two major Interstates (I-20 and I-65) and central location make it not only an important commercial and industrial center of the state, but of the entire South. Despite its apparent advantages, relocating the capital to Birmingham would put additional strain on the city's already stressed infrastructure.
Huntsville
"Rocket City USA"
Population (city): 183,739
Population (metro): 430,734
Historically an important Appalaichian trading post on the Tennessee River, the city of Huntsville is now the economic hub of North Alabama due to its role in the aerospace and defense industries. The Huntsville area draws in well-educated, highly skilled workers from all over the United States and has the lowest poverty rate of all the cities under consideration, thus making it arguably the most cosmopolitan metro in Alabama. However, its relative economic independence and unique demographics put Hutsville at-odds with "downstate" interests rather often, a potenially insurmountable challange.
Mobile
"The City of Six Flags"
Population (city): 194,822
Population (metro): 413,936
Beginning its turbulant history as the first territorial capital of French Louisiana, the city of Mobile has flown under six different flags since it was founded in 1702. Now North America's twelth-busiest seaport, Mobile is often considered Alabama's "second city" only behind Birmingham. The city's main advantage as capital would be its historical signifigance and remarkable French Creole styled architecture. However, like Huntsville it is not centrally-located and its position on the Gulf Coast makes it particular vulnerable to hurricanes.
Tuscaloosa
"The City of Champions"
Population (city): 93,357
Population (metro): 233,389
As home of the Alabama's largest university, Tuscaloosa has played an important role in Alabama's history and development. Named one of the "50 Best Cities for Small Business" in 2009, Tuscaloosa has a reputation as a politically conservative and business-friendly city. It also serves as the primary economic hub of the West Alabama region. However, the city's current economy is dominated by the University and mixing statehouse politics and campus politics may prove to be a detrimental combination in a city as inshrined in its allgiences as Tuscaloosa.
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If no majority is reached, a run-off between the top 2 finishers will be held.
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