Federal Co-Chairman Celebrates Year 1
The month of March marked the end of my first year serving as Federal Co-Chairman of the Delta Regional Authority (DRA). Even as I reflect on the successes and lessons learned during the year, my thoughts and prayers are with the communities in our region that have experienced the destruction and devastation of tornados. The mission of DRA, which includes improving the lives of people, is an important guidepost as we work in bringing a whole of government approach to support communities in building back better.
As an organization, we have taken to heart our mission of improving the lives of people in the DRA region. Over the past year, DRA has been intentional in our outreach and engagement efforts to be more inclusive and accessible to all communities in our region. We have taken what we have learned from you to help inform DRA in being responsive to the needs of the region. While we have more work to do, we are proud of efforts to date that have included:
Over $18 million in SEDAP investments in FY 2022
Over $28 million in CIF investments in FY 2022
The creation of two capacity-building programs that will strengthen economic development and resilience in the region through strategic planning and increased support for local development districts.
The rollout of DRA’s Regional Development Plan IV, which outlines the authority’s strategic priorities over the next five years.
Resilient is a word that describes the DRA region. It is a thread that runs through the people and communities that we serve. As communities across the region work to build and create and, in some cases, rebuild and recreate, I hope that you will consider DRA as a partner in those efforts through our programs. Together, we can build a stronger and more vibrant community that benefits all who call it home.
Sincerely,
Dr. Corey Wiggins
Federal Co-Chairman
COMMUNITY UPDATES
President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2024
The Biden-Harris Administration released the President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2024. The Budget details a blueprint to grow the economy from the bottom up and middle out, lower costs for families, protect and strengthen Medicare and Social Security, and reduce the deficit by ensuring the wealthy and big corporations pay their fair share—all while ensuring no one making less than $400,000 per year pays more in taxes.
“Delta Regional Authority’s FY 2024 Budget will allocate more than $27 million to financial assistance programs. By leveraging its FY 2024 Budget with additional investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and interagency partnership programs, DRA will capitalize on tremendous opportunities, focus on rural and distressed communities, and strengthen regional economic development,” said Federal Co-Chairman, Dr. Corey Wiggins.
DRA Regional Development Plan IV
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the DRA's Regional Development Plan IV, which will guide the agency's strategic priorities and actions from 2023 through 2027. This plan builds on the successes of the previous plans and aims to maximize future opportunities for the region. The plan identifies regional challenges, such as economic distress in certain communities, but it also recognizes regional assets, strategies, and action steps that will lead to greater opportunity and prosperity. The plan's four goals are Invest in Public Infrastructure, Nurture Local Workforce Ecosystems, Promote Business Growth and Entrepreneurship, and Support Community Place-Making and Capacity-Building.
Celebrating Women History Month
During Women History Month, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of women who have shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations. From trailblazing leaders to unsung heroes, we honor the powerful and inspiring women who have made history in the Delta region and beyond. Keep pushing, keep shining, and keep changing the world!
ELECT-ED: Economic Development for Stronger Communities Workshop
Arkansas
On February 28th, DRA’s Federal Co-Chairman Dr. Corey Wiggins was the keynote speaker at the ELECT-ED: Economic Development for Stronger Communities Workshop at Arkansas State University. Dr. Wiggins discussed the importance of understanding community scale as a not one size fits all approach and the need to invest in public infrastructure, local workforce ecosystems, business development and entrepreneurship, and community place-making and capacity-building.
National School Breakfast Week
This month, the DRA joined the Biden Administration to celebrate the importance of school breakfast, highlighting its value in improving children’s health and education outcomes.
The National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) Policy Conference
Earlier this month, the Federal Co-Chairs of the six regional commissions convened in Arlington, VA, at The National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) Policy Conference. The Federal Co-Chairs discussed partnerships that would impact economic development in their regions.
Capacity Building Programs
DRA has announced funding availability for two new capacity-building programs that will support eligible entities in meeting strategic planning needs and increase capacity in local development districts. To learn more, click here.
April 2023 Preview
Look out for DRA program details and funding opportunities next month:
NOFA for States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP) and Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF): TBD
Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) FOA: TBD
Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Session III in Eldorado, Arkansas: April 25-27, 2023
Webinar for healthcare organizations interested in applying for Delta Health Systems Implementation Program: April 5, 2023, and April 13, 2023
Coming Soon