Why should we conclude the Auburn MSA will grow? Do we not have the ability to stop the growth? The answer is that there are forces at work that dictate that the Auburn MSA will grow. For that reason, it seems wise for the City to recognize that growth will take place and to develop policies that deal with it effectively so that we maintain and enhance the quality of life that we enjoy in this community.

There are five factors that are contributing strongly to Auburn’s growth presently and will be major forces for growth over the next twenty years:

1. I-85 Corridor- Auburn is located along the I-85 corridor that stretches from Richmond, VA to Montgomery, AL and is one of the major growth areas in the United States. Figure 1 illustrates I-85 from Charlotte to Montgomery that has become practically one continuous urban band. All of the cities, large and small, that are served by I-85 are experiencing unprecedented development.

Locally, Lee County grew by 15.3 percent or 13,000 people during the past decade while Auburn accounted for approximately one-half of the total growth in the County. There is no reason to expect Auburn, especially now that it is a MSA, to be the exception among the cities in this Sunbelt growth area.

2. Historic Growth- Since 1960, Auburn has shown remarkably consistent growth. Figure 2 illustrates that in 1960, Auburn’s population was 16,260; in 1970, it was 22,770; in 1980, it was 28,610, in 1990, it was 33,830; and this year it is approximately 40,000. Auburn’s population has increased from 5220 to 7220 persons per decade. Figure 2 projects approximately the same percentage of growth (20 percent) for the next two decades that Auburn has had over the past two decades. In 2010, Auburn’s population is estimated to be 49,500 and in 2020 59,400.

 

3. Auburn University- All indications are that knowledge will be even more important in the future than it is now. Industries are attracted to university cities because of their need to be close to the research capabilities of major universities and of their desire to be close to the talented new graduates looking for jobs. Even if the enrollment of Auburn University does not increase significantly in the future, having a premier major university located in our midst will contribute to our growth.

 

4. Quality of Life- Over the past decade, Auburn has added hundreds of new residents who commute to their jobs in other cities, such as Columbus, Montgomery, and Opelika. They have discovered that their families can enjoy the rich civic life, the numerous park and recreation opportunities, the attractions of Auburn University, and the quality infrastructure and still drive relatively short distances to their work in other cities.

 

5. Fine Public Schools- One of the reasons so many people have moved to Auburn is because of the high quality public schools. The Auburn community and its City government have been very supportive of the Auburn City Schools since its inception in 1962. Despite the financial burdens placed on the Schools by State of Alabama laws and policies, such as equity funding and unfunded mandates, there is no reason to believe that the community will not find the resources to maintain the quality presently found in the City Schools.

• Figure 1 - I-85 Corridor

• Figure 2 - Population Growth in Auburn

• Figure 3 - Growth Boundary Area

• Figure 4 - Future Wastewater System Improvements

• Figure 5 - Future Water System Improvements

• Figure 6 - Master Street Plan

• Figure 7 - Industrial Property/Jobs and Capital Investments

• Figure 8 - City of Auburn Workforce 1997

• Figure 9 - City of Auburn Workforce 2020

• Figure 10 - Timber Company Holdings

• Figure 11 - Future Land Use

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