What does it take to guide economic development in Baldwin County, Alabama — one of the fastest-growing regions in the country?

Baldwin County is experiencing record population growth, business expansion, and infrastructure investment. But long-term economic development doesn’t happen by accident.

In this episode of The Hatch Podcast, we hear from Lee Lawson, President and CEO of the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance, about what intentional growth looks like across Baldwin County, Alabama.

From workforce development and healthcare infrastructure to entrepreneurship and regional planning, Lee shares how economic development leaders are shaping the future of Fairhope, Foley, Daphne, Gulf Shores, and the broader Gulf Coast of South Alabama.

This conversation explores how Baldwin County balances opportunity with responsibility — attracting business investment while preserving quality of life for residents who call the Gulf Coast home.

💡 In this episode:

• What economic development in Baldwin County actually looks like behind the scenes
• Why Baldwin County’s recent population growth didn’t happen overnight
• The role of healthcare infrastructure in attracting businesses and families
• How workforce development impacts long-term economic success in Alabama
• The strategy behind the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance rebrand
• Why Hatch Fairhope became a key part of Baldwin County’s innovation ecosystem
• What’s ahead for business growth on the Gulf Coast

Lee Lawson has spent more than a decade working at the intersection of public leadership, private investment, and regional strategy in South Alabama. As a Baldwin County resident, he approaches economic development with a focus on sustainability, long-term planning, and raising the bar for what growth should look like.

For founders, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and families considering Baldwin County, Alabama, this episode offers insight into how one of the Gulf Coast’s fastest-growing communities is building its future.

Learn more about the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance:
https://baldwinalliance.com

About The Hatch Podcast

At the intersection of innovation, creativity, and community — The Hatch Podcast shares stories from founders, scientists, and artists shaping the future of Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

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🔗 Learn more: hatchfairhope.com

📩 Contact: team@hatchfairhope.com

Produced by Tim Scott for The Hatch Podcast Network.