Archway Partnership Supports Regional Growth Initiative

On October 28, 2011, community leaders, including members of the Archway Partnership Executive Committee, met at the Colonnade in Ringgold, Georgia, to discuss how 15 counties in Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia might work together to develop a 40 year regional plan. Archway Executive Committee member and Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce CEO Brian Anderson has been a key leader in this initiative and describes it as follows:

This initiative follows an effort in 2010 to receive Sustainable Planning Grant funding from the US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development for regional planning. Although we were unsuccessful in 2010, we were identified as a preferred applicant and encouraged to re-apply in 2011 with suggested modifications to our grant application. Through the Community Foundations of Chattanooga pledge of $1 million, pledged support from Hamilton County and the City of Chattanooga for another $1 million, and the potential for $1 million more from the private sector, we have the opportunity to leverage $3 million in local funding against an additional $2.5-$3 million from HUD for a three year regional business planning initiative. Even if unsuccessful in receiving HUD funding, we can execute a significant planning initiative with local funding.

At the October 28 meeting, community leaders had an opportunity to network with those in surrounding communities, brainstorm about shared needs, and ask and answer questions.