On December 21, 2024, the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) reauthorization was successfully passed in the U.S. Senate and is now awaiting President Joe Biden's signature. This legislative move, championed by Senator Chuck Schumer, aims to secure funding that will support economic development initiatives across North Country counties in New York. The NBRC funding is expected to play a crucial role in revitalizing local economies, particularly in areas that have historically relied on industries such as coal and manufacturing. [1198f6d8]
Earlier in December, Greenbrier County Commission President Tammy Tincher hosted representatives from six states as part of the National Association of Counties (NACo) Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities (BRECC) initiative. This gathering focused on economic diversification strategies in coal communities, with the BRECC Commitment Coalition comprising 20 leaders sharing best practices for economic development. Participants observed various innovative projects, including the conversion of schoolhouses into housing and initiatives aimed at boosting outdoor recreation. NACo's BRECC initiative is backed by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, emphasizing a collaborative approach to fostering resilience in these areas. [7ce29476]
In September 2024, the Souris Basin Planning Council held a State of Region 2 meeting in Velva, North Dakota, where discussions centered on child care, refugee resettlement, and local food production. This meeting highlighted the urgent need for child care resources, revealing that Mountrail County operates at only 8% capacity for licensed child care spots, despite $66 million in state aid allocated in 2023. Renville County's licensed child care capacity stands at 20%. Although 2,400 child care slots were created, many remain unfilled, indicating a significant service gap. [537c9eb7]
Derrick Gross from CATCH discussed ongoing refugee resettlement efforts, noting that 678 immigrants settled in the region in 2024, including 325 refugees, with 55% coming from Latin America. Bottineau County successfully resettled two Ukrainian families, contributing an estimated $120,000 to the local school budget, highlighting the importance of community support for economic stability. [537c9eb7]
Local food producers Phillip Newman and Ashley Bruner emphasized the critical role of supporting local agriculture in ensuring food security, aligning with broader efforts in rural areas. This includes initiatives like the Creating Outdoor Recreation Economy (CORE) program in Bladen County, North Carolina, which leverages outdoor recreation to boost local economies. [8f50996e] [993810a1]
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, leading to significant advancements in health-care access, recreation, and food resources. [993810a1]
In Campbell County, Wyoming, the BRECC initiative is addressing economic transitions in coal-dependent areas by training local leaders to adapt to changing economic landscapes, focusing on diversifying into renewable energy sectors. This proactive approach aims to sustain economic growth and prevent decline in communities facing industry challenges. [a1817cea]
Mercer County, West Virginia, also engaged in economic revitalization efforts, with Commissioner Greg Puckett participating in a site visit with the NACo BRECC Commitment Coalition. This 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 and workforce programs for substance use recovery, further highlighting the collaborative effort to foster resilience in these communities. [25150a6a]