On September 28, 2024, the Souris Basin Planning Council hosted a State of Region 2 meeting in Velva, North Dakota, where key topics included child care, refugee resettlement, and local food production. This region encompasses Mountrail, Burke, Renville, Ward, Bottineau, McHenry, and Pierce counties. The meeting highlighted the pressing need for child care resources, noting that while $66 million in state aid for child care was allocated in 2023, Mountrail County operates at only 8% capacity and Renville County at 20% for licensed child care spots. Despite the creation of 2,400 child care slots, many remain unfilled, indicating a significant gap in service availability. [537c9eb7]
Derrick Gross from CATCH discussed the ongoing refugee resettlement efforts, revealing that 678 immigrants have settled in the region in 2024, including 325 refugees, with 55% coming from Latin America. Notably, Bottineau County successfully resettled two Ukrainian families, contributing an estimated $120,000 to the local school budget. This influx of families underscores the importance of community support and integration for economic stability. [537c9eb7]
Local food producers Phillip Newman and Ashley Bruner emphasized the critical role of supporting local agriculture in ensuring food security. They argued that enhancing local food systems not only benefits the economy but also strengthens community resilience. This aligns with broader efforts in rural areas, such as those seen in Bladen County, North Carolina, where outdoor recreation is being leveraged to boost local economies through initiatives like the Creating Outdoor Recreation Economy (CORE) program. [8f50996e] [993810a1]
Additionally, the Healthy Places North Carolina initiative, which has invested $100 million in rural counties since 2012, showcases the impact of targeted funding on improving access to essential resources. The initiative has led to significant advancements in health-care access, recreation, and food resources, demonstrating the effectiveness of community-driven solutions. [993810a1]
In Campbell County, Wyoming, the Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities (BRECC) initiative is addressing economic transitions in coal-dependent areas. Local leaders are being trained to adapt to changing economic landscapes, with a focus on diversifying into renewable energy sectors. This proactive approach aims to sustain economic growth and prevent decline in communities facing industry challenges. [a1817cea]
Recently, Mercer County, West Virginia, also engaged in economic revitalization efforts. Commissioner Greg Puckett participated in a site visit with the National Association of Counties (NACo) BRECC Commitment Coalition, which included members from six states. The visit focused on economic diversification in historic coal communities, emphasizing the importance of moving away from coal reliance for local global opportunities. The three-day peer exchange showcased innovative projects, such as converting schoolhouses into housing and developing workforce programs for substance use recovery. NACo's BRECC initiative is supported by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, highlighting a collaborative effort to foster resilience in these communities. [25150a6a]