220 Power Drive NORTH DELTA Batesville, Mississippi 38606 (662) 561-4100 Phone PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT, INC. (662) 561-4112 Facsimile www.NDPDD.com 2017-2022 COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY The Document Was Prepared For: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE and covers the Northwest Mississippi Counties of: Coahoma DeSoto Panola Quitman Tallahatchie Tate James W. Curcio, Executive Director Tunica Lillian Morris, Principal Author Executive Director’s Message Dear Economic Development Stakeholders, The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy purpose is to provide the region and Economic Development Administration with the economic development goals and objectives of the Northwest Mississippi region. The CEDS is a tool for the public, CEDS committee members, elected officials, the private and nonprofit sectors, and North Delta Planning & Development District Board of Directors and staff. Most importantly, the document has to be on file with EDA to obtain grant and loan funds for our region. North Delta PDD takes an active role in the economic development of our region. Through the CEDS we were able to determine the economic development priorities of the district. The CEDS project was managed by our organization so that economic development stakeholders in our region are able to have information on the projects in our area and on the process and action plan to complete those projects. The words in the shape of the State of Mississippi are a representation of the work we do and the areas we support. The words that make the shape of the state are our goals and objectives. Together we can fulfill the work of our region. We value the communities’ participation in achieving the goals that are noted in the 2017-2022 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. The CEDS has been updated to reflect the relevant developments in the region over the past five years. These updates help to have a continued assessment of the strategic goals and objectives laid out in the document. With the consideration of public involvement, North Delta PDD Board of Directors, CEDS Committee members, and staff input this document can continue to bring sustainable economic development practices to the region. Sincerely, James W. Curcio - 2 - | P a g e Table of Contents North Delta Planning & Development District Board of Directors .............................................................. 3 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee ..................................................................... 4 Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................................... 5 General Description ...................................................................................................................................... 6 Historical Summary ...................................................................................................................................... 6 Work of the District ...................................................................................................................................... 7 Economic Development ................................................................................................................................ 7 Loan Programs .............................................................................................................................................. 8 Community Development ............................................................................................................................. 8 Technical and Planning Assistance ............................................................................................................... 9 Medicaid Waiver ........................................................................................................................................... 9 Area Agency on Aging ................................................................................................................................. 9 Elderly & Mentally Challenged Adult Services............................................................................................ 9 Clusters ....................................................................................................................................................... 10 Goals and Objectives of the North Delta Planning & Development District, Inc....................................... 11 Goals and Objectives .............................................................................................................................. 11 Goal 1: Workforce Development/Education.................................................................................... 11 Goal 2: Quality of Life ..................................................................................................................... 11 Goal 3: Economic Development ...................................................................................................... 12 Goal 4: Infrastructure ....................................................................................................................... 12 Goal 5: Government and Finance .................................................................................................... 12 Action Plan.................................................................................................................................................. 13 Performance Measures ................................................................................................................................ 13 Coahoma County, Mississippi .................................................................................................................... 16 General Description ................................................................................................................................ 16 Historical Summary .................................................................................................................................... 16 Demographic and Economic Profile ........................................................................................................... 17 Population Trends ................................................................................................................................... 17 Age Distribution...................................................................................................................................... 17 Poverty ........................................................................................................................................................ 21 Per Capita Personal Income ........................................................................................................................ 23 Income ........................................................................................................................................................ 24 Labor force Size and Participation Rates .................................................................................................... 24 Unemployment Levels ................................................................................................................................ 25 Current Infrastructure Condition/Capacity ................................................................................................. 26 Industrial Park Information ..................................................................................................................... 26 Sunbelt Industrial Park ........................................................................................................................ 26 Leonard Pharr Industrial Park ............................................................................................................. 27 61 Bypass Coahoma County Site ........................................................................................................ 27 Water/Sewer ................................................................................................................................................ 28 Downtowns ................................................................................................................................................. 28 Roads, Highways, and Bridges ................................................................................................................... 28 Energy and Telecommunications ................................................................................................................ 28 Industry Employment and Wages ............................................................................................................... 29 Tax Structure and Other Financial Conditions ........................................................................................... 30 Economic Support Assets and Future Impact on Growth ........................................................................... 31 Housing ................................................................................................................................................... 31 Health Services ....................................................................................................................................... 31 Threats and Opportunities ..........................................................................................................................