AUBURN, Ala.- Site Selection has recognized the Auburn-Opelika MSA with a 2026 Mac Conway Award for Excellence in Economic Development for the second year in a row, acknowledging the achievements of the City of Auburn Economic Development team and its partners.

This prestigious award is presented to the top 20 regional economic development organizations across the nation, and the Auburn-Opelika MSA was recognized for its ability to attract industrial investments and stimulate job creation for sustained economic growth.

The report cited Auburn’s successes in building an automotive supply chain cluster across its industrial parks as well as the City’s close partnership with Auburn University. Also highlighted was the City’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Center, which was created by the City of Auburn Industrial Development Board in collaboration with Auburn University to provide advanced upskill training for manufacturing workers to better equip them to flourish in the ever-evolving manufacturing world.

“We are proud to once again be recognized with the Mac Conway Award, a reflection of the exceptional work of Auburn’s economic development team under the leadership of Director Phillip Dunlap,” Mayor Ron Anders said. “The team’s strategic vision, coupled with strong collaboration among the City, the Industrial Development Board and Auburn University, continues to drive economic growth and create lasting opportunities for our community.”

Since January, Auburn has worked on nine new or expansion projects in the city. At full production, these projects combined reflect a $227 million capital investment and will create an estimated 424 jobs. To learn more about economic development in Auburn, visit auburnal.gov/economic-development.