PROJECTS, STRATEGY & ACTION PLAN

GOALS & OBJECTIVES

In the original study of The Mississippi Delta that formed the basis for the Delta Regional Commission, it was surmised, “A Delta without change is a symbol without meaning”. In order to progress and improve during the 21st Century, a change of direction is needed. This change in direction will be informed by the findings generated and analyzed during the development of this document. Very broad goals for the district have been established over the years.

These goals have then been looked at in terms of objectives that when achieved will help in attaining the goals. These goals, resulting from establishment of needs, pertain to a wide variety of issues in the region. The issues range from the very broad, economic improvement, to the very specific, construction of I-69 and connectors. All of these goals and objectives should work hand in hand to improve the region. The items addressed in this section of the document should be considered the “road map” for South Delta Planning and Development District for the next five years.

Goal: Improve the “quality of place” within the region to enhance competitiveness Continue implementation of housing programs designed to improve quality of the housing stock 43 • Continue implementation of home buyer activities thus establishing pride of ownership as well as increasing tax base • Seek funds for implementation of recreation projects • Seek funds for construction of community centers and multi-purpose facilities • Encourage the implementation of zoning ordinances • Encourage the development of localized comprehensive plans • Main Street Program participation should be encouraged • Focus on maintaining and expanding health care facilities

    Jump to a Specific Goal

    GOAL 1 – Attract new private sector investment to the region while retaining and expanding existing business.

    OBJECTIVES

    • Focus on and encourage downtown development
    • Rehabilitate/reconstruct existing facilities at the Greenville Mid-Delta Airport
    • Focus on establishing an airport-based MRO
    • Encourage the development of tourism-based business, capitalizing on the cultural history of the area as well as the outdoor recreational opportunities
    • Focus on recruitment of smaller 50 – 200 employee industries
    • Continue efforts to expand and improve ports along the Mississippi River
    • Continue collaboration and support of Delta Strong
    • Assist local developers, through Delta Strong, in marketing of industrial parks and sites
    • Coordinate financial resources for economic development projects
    • Pursue funding for economic development projects
    • Continue to develop existing clusters
    • Focus efforts on assisting business development related to agribusiness, health care, aviation, information technology, and manufacturing

    GOAL 2 – Develop an ethically sound, well-trained and educated workforce.

    OBJECTIVES

    • Develop an ethically sound, well-trained and educated workforce
    • Encourage and assist in the development of employment opportunities in the private sector
    • Coordinate activities and training needs with the Delta Workforce Investment Area
    • Encourage the use of “One Stop” (WIN Job Centers)
    • Encourage the development of partnerships between local schools and business leaders to emphasize the importance of education and training
    • Continue to provide high quality training through the use of appropriate providers

    GOAL 3 – In order to enhance competitiveness in the realm of economic development, upgrade and maintain basic infrastructure.

    OBJECTIVES

    • Continue efforts to assist in the location of I-69 within the district
    • Seek funding for planning requirements and implementation of I-69 connector routes
    • Continue to seek funds for the implementation of water, sewer, storm drainage and street improvement projects
    • Assist communities in updating needs assessments
    • Establish a geographic information system to maintain infrastructure records for member governments
    • Encourage establishment of telecommunications/broadband infrastructure

    GOAL 4 – Improve the “quality of place” within the region to enhance competitiveness.

    OBJECTIVES

    • Continue implementation of housing programs designed to improve quality of the housing stock
    • Continue implementation of home buyer activities thus establishing pride of ownership as well as increasing tax base
    • Seek funds for implementation of recreation projects
    • Seek funds for construction of community centers and multi-purpose facilities
    • Encourage the implementation of zoning ordinances
    • Encourage the development of localized comprehensive plans
    • Main Street Program participation should be encouraged
    • Focus on maintaining and expanding health care facilities