The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is charting its course for the coming five years.
On Tuesday, May 12, the agency announced its intention to develop the DRA Regional Development Plan IV. This plan will lay the foundation for the DRA’s policies and actions over the course of five years.
Economic development consulting firm VisionFirst Advisors is being enlisted to help with the plan’s development. In addition, the DRA Regional Development Plan IV will build off of prior plans.
“The development of the DRA Regional Development Plan IV is a vital component in capturing where we stand as a region and what strategies we need to take to continue moving forward,” DRA Federal Co-Chairman Chris Caldwell said in a statement “We are proud to work with VisionFirst Advisors to help facilitate this data-driven research plan and are eager to hear the input from our residents to evaluate their thoughts and needs on economic development in their communities.”
According to a DRA news release, VisionFirst Advisors’ goal is to “identify and align the Delta region’s strengths and challenges into a cohesive direction that prioritizes opportunities for the states and communities individually.” This effort is intended to help the DRA crystallize its plan development and understand the Delta region’s needs.
The firm will utilize an online resident survey and conduct online interview with stakeholders as its first action.
“As our nation reopens the economy, it is even more important that the DRA’s initiatives align with state and community needs,” said Gray Swoope, President & CEO of VisionFirst Advisors. “We look forward to working with the DRA staff and the hundreds of leaders throughout the region in identifying programs and tactics that will increase the economic opportunity for businesses and residents in the Delta.”
Using national data, stakeholder input and best practices, the DRA aims to create a framework to “focus on investments to best improve economic outcomes.”
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