Economic Development Trends
Economic trends throughout the global economy has caused a pendulum swing from the ideals of traditional economic development "attraction" to the realistic concept of growing from within and building on existing quality of life and natural resources which are abundant throughout the District. Many communities are working with long-standing, locally owned, existing businesses, which are nearing the point of selling or transferring due to the age and/or health of the current owner. The strategy includes utilizing resources to "match" prospective buyers with current owners and stressing to all locally owned businesses the importance of succession planning. Another pendulum swing that the District is experiencing is the desire of young adults with families to move back to their home communities from metropolitan areas where they had applied their educational and occupational skills. The lure of the rural quality of life that offers families affordable living with rural amenities, such as the support of extended family, is appealing to this generation and many are returning to fill professional openings or start their own business. The natural resources within the District are serving to provide the raw product needed for the development of ethanol, bio-diesel, and wind energy facilities. At this time, an ethanol plant is operational in Carroll County and a bio-diesel facility is under construction in that same county. Wind farm sites are being considered in several locations throughout the District and the usage of by-products from these renewable energy sources are providing opportunities for businesses to develop creating the setting for an alternative fuel business cluster. The nostalgic and eclectic attributes of the baby-boomer generation, among other factors, are stimulating the renovation of historic and unique downtown structures for niche market and artisan small business ventures. Many communities are beginning to recognize the downtown, original heart of their communities, are "diamonds in the rough" waiting to be again appreciated and developed into cultural gems for the enjoyment of generations to come. Challenges The condition of the public infrastructure within
the District ranks as one of the top issues of importance to the
survival and future development of communities throughout the region.
Antiquated water, sewer, distribution, and waste water systems are
presenting local officials and District staff challenges in addressing
the costs associated with upgrades or new systems. In addition to
the infrastructure demands, the new EPA water quality standards
will soon be affecting District communities as well. As the water
standards become stricter, and the infrastructure needs perpetuate,
officials will have no choice but to raise water and sewer rates
and seek bonding capacity to assist with the financial burden of
upgrades or replacements.
However, as available funds quickly dwindle and the uncertainty of how the never ending transportation maintenance needs of the state and region continue to grow, it is uncertain at this time how the needed level of funding will be maintained. District staff continues to work diligently with MoDOT, local officials, and citizens to provide education regarding the impending need to raise funds through taxes, surcharges, toll roads etc. to maintain the recent improvements made to the system. Show Me Ethanol
Community Strategic Planning
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The
Green Hills Regional Planning Commission is recognized by the 
Due
to the recent State of Missouri's emphasis on improving the Highway
systems throughout the state, the region has recently experienced
improvements to the main transportation arteries within the District.
Highway 6, from Interstate 35 to just east of Trenton has recently
been vastly improved with wider shoulders, new surfaces, and the
remediation of very narrow/hilly passage ways. Bordering the southern
edge of the District, Highway 36 will soon be a four lane state
highway from Hannibal to St. Joseph, and Highway 63 on the eastern
edge of the region, will also be renovated to four lane status.
Other improvements include work on Highway 136, on the north border
of the region and Highway 65, running north and south, will receive
surface and shoulder work soon. In addition, many bridges and culverts
have received attention, resulting in the best transportation infrastructure
the District has enjoyed in decades.
In
order for a community to move forward they must first lay a good
foundation which is accomplished by strategic planning, when conducted
properly, results in the development of a framework to guide a community
as they develop for the future. The City of Brunswick recognized
the need for planning for their community and utilized the services
of the Green Hills Planning Commission staff to assist them with
the process. Four community meetings were held in Brunswick where
citizens identified the community's strengths and weaknesses, identified
projects that needed to be completed and concluded with ranking
the top four areas which would be addressed first. Committees representing
the four areas were established and are meeting regularly to work
through the implementation phase. Plans call for GHRPC to visit
the community again in January 2009 to learn how the committees
are progressing and provide any assistance that may be necessary
to move the plan forward