Holding Community Roundtables
With several bills introduced this legislative session that proposed funding for community projects related to housing, tourism and overall quality of life, the Mountrail County JDA and Souris Basin Planning Council are hosting information community roundtables throughout the community. The goal is to identify opportunities, define community aspirations, and establish priorities and action steps. The process will continue to build on insights gathered during the JDA’s 2023 strategic planning.
The informal discussions will help JDA and Souris Basin be in the know as communities look at their priorities. For instance, in Plaza, priorities include a new community center and a grocery store. The reality is that every community in the county will have different goals and priorities.
Working on those priorities and action plans will require buy-in by the community to advance, with the two organizations there to help.
The goal is to collaborate to create and implement a ‘livable’ future by focusing on what is working. Communities will identify opportunities, establish priorities, and action steps. The goals also include strengthening connections within and between communities while ensuring that the initiatives align with local values and priorities. All of this will help them determine how they can best support community led efforts and help secure funding for communities.
This legislative session has a bill that includes funding for rural communities. That also leads to these discussions to see what communities will rally behind and then find resources, including people and time, to make them a reality.
Things discussed at the meeting in Stanley included a community/rec center, continued support for the health center, and attracting businesses like a good steakhouse.
The community center seemed to be the top priority for those attending, noting that it can benefit people of all ages. Facilities like this help to create a ‘livable’ future as you look at what people want to stay and establish roots in a community. There was also discussion about creating a tourism destination.
The challenge is always about funding in smaller communities. There are always projects underway that have led to fundraising efforts. The goal is to help people choose the legacy they want to leave and embrace the changes in the towns.
It is important to create the narrative of benefits including direct, indirect and economic benefits.