Planning & Development
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The NWMO RCOG Region is well-positioned to facilitate the growth of its economy and the lifestyle of its residents. The area is situated amid fertile farm ground, which helps supply key industries engaged in diverse enterprises, ranging from agriculture to manufacturing. The region is crisscrossed with a network of highways, in addition to riverways and railways providing efficient distribution opportunities. The labor force in the region’s communities is exemplified by a “can do” work ethic. Quality of life is prized here, and people enjoy a balanced life resulting from the low cost of living, quality schools, safe neighborhoods, and abundant outdoor recreation.
WHY THE NWMO RCOG REGION?
Our communities are more than a place to live, work, and play. They are a place to thrive. A place where folks still say hello on the sidewalk, people open doors for each other, and business is done with a handshake. A place where despite having retained old-fashioned values, innovative ideas find fertile ground to take root.
Located in one of the top-ranked states for business, the NWMO RCOG region is affordable, low risk, and home to a talented workforce. Our central United States location makes this an accessible location for businesses. We invite you to bring your business to the area and start experiencing its numerous benefits. We deliver more than expected for companies, entrepreneurs, visitors, and talent, where accessibility, natural beauty, and affordability merge to create a place where businesses and people thrive.
It is important for a region to have a strong workforce to grow its economy. We have the tools in place to assist communities with workforce needs to not only assist current businesses but attract new ones. The local workforce is renowned for its Midwest work ethic, loyalty, and skill. The region also benefits from strong educational and training institutions to ensure a solid pipeline of talent for the future.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
The Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments is federally designated by the U.S. Department of Commerce as an Economic Development District (EDD). The District is charged with responsiveness to the region’s economic needs and this designation allows NWMO RCOG to develop and commit resources to activities and challenges throughout the region with an Economic Development focus.
In addition, the District maintains a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the region which is updated every 5 years and submitted to the Department of Commerce and other federal and state partner agencies.
OUR GOALS
Employment
Grow and diversify the region's economic base and workforce participation
Develop a culture for entrepreneurial innovation and growth
Take steps to retain and attract an educated workforce
Strive to become a value-added agriculture innovator for the Midwest
Education
Align education, workforce development, and economic development to generate qualified workers
-
Facilitate multilevel connections between local K-12 institutions and area businesses
-
Coordinate with higher educational institutions to expand and train the workforce
Healthcare
Enhance health care options to allow residents to retain productive lives regardless of their life cycle needs
-
Expand healthcare access
-
Establish more access to substance abuse treatment and prevention options
-
Ensure that local healthcare facilities have an adequate supply of workforce professionals to meet the needs of residents
Leisure Activity
Increase regional tourism by 10% in the next five years
-
Expand economic tourism via coordination and promotion of events throughout the region
-
Expand recreational tourism through the development of community facilities and multimodal transportation options
-
Utilize social and digital media to create brand identity and name recognition for the region
Infrastructure
Maintain and improve infrastructure to provide sustainable communities and quality of life
-
Plan for and develop diverse and affordable housing options for all income levels and lifecycle needs
-
Ensure that all communities have access to information and resources to maintain and improve existing water, stormwater and wastewater infrastructure
-
Enable broadband internet service for 100% of the five-county region
-
Ensure that all communities have access to information and resources to explore alternative energy options and promote energy efficiency
-
Provide access to information and resources to maintain and improve roadway safety and existing transportation systems