Community and Economic Development

Since its establishment in 1966, WAPDD's assistance to communities has centered on building a better quality of life for area residents through community and economic development. We offer local governments and community-based organizations help in the following areas:

• preparation of community & economic development plans 
• tracking & analysis of regional economic trends 
• identification of grant & loan sources for community projects 
• structuring of financing for public works projects 
• bridge to funding and regulatory agencies 
• guide for new & existing businesses requiring tax & infrastructure incentives 
• preparation of grant and loan applications
• project administration relating to compliance and financial

 

WAPDD's economic development activities are supported in part by the U. S. Economic Development Administration under EDA's economic districts planning grant program. This funding is used to support some of the services we provide localities and to maintain the District's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The CEDS contains information on the District's economy and lists local and regional development goals and strategies. This document is updated annually.

For More Information on Community Development Contact:

Tracee McKenna
Director of Community Development
WAPDD, Inc.
P.O. Box 2067
Fort Smith, AR 72902
Phone: (479)785-2651
Fax: (479)785-1964
E-mail: tmckenna@wapdd.org

For More Information on Economic Development Contact:

Sasha Grist
Director of Economic Development
WAPDD, Inc.
P.O. Box 2067
Fort Smith, AR 72902
Phone: (479)785-2651
Fax: (479)785-1964
E-mail: sgrist@wapdd.org