The Utility of Mapping
This webinar provides resources on how to access county maps (watersheds, gravel sites, health services, etc.) via the Vibrant Futures website and how to use the basic mapping tools, along with VF data, on ArcGIS online.
Posts Tagged ‘regional development’
Visit MT – Official State of Montana Travel Site
Visit Montana is the official website for travel and tourism in the state. This website provides information on Montana’s historic features, lodging and amenities, special events, and points of interest. The site serves as both an informational resource as well as a promotional tool to boost tourism for local economies.
White Paper – Housing in Montana
This website provides an overview of the current housing situation and reviews the long-term impacts of the economy on Montana’s housing development. Read the full report for details and further facts.
Tools for Business Success
This toolkit from Sweetgrass Development Corporation provides information and resources for small business owners, employers, regional companies, and entrepreneurs. The website offers resources and helpful links to business plans, industry statistics, business expansion techniques, funding options, and educational materials.
Triple Bottom Line Economic Development Tool
The Triple Bottom Line Tool can be used to calculate the financial and community impact of economic decisions and investments given a variety of market, social, and environmental influences. This tool, a free on-line tool developed by funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, can be used in economic decision-making to see what effects investment choices will have on communities and regions. Follow the link to use the TLB Tool, read the PDF document for user guide and tips, and view an additional helpful video here.
Vibrant Rural Communities
This article provides links to 9 case studies in which small towns have collaborated to make a positive change, addition, or partnership in their community. Each small town is unique but shares a common theme of community and close-knit connections. These success stories provide some excellent best practice strategies that can be applied to any small town. Click here to read more.
WASACT – Water, Wastewater and Solid Waste Action Coordinating Team
W2ASACT or the Water, Wastewater and Solid Waste Action Coordinating Team, is a group of professionals from state, federal, and non-profit organizations that finance, regulate, and/or provide technical assistance for community water and wastewater systems throughout Montana. The W2ASACT website contains grant applications, guides and tips for applying to 2014 water/wastewater funding.
Youth With a Voice: Engaging Young People in Rural and Small Town Community Development
One of the greatest issues for rural communities is the outmigration of youth. These talented young individuals are leaving their rural hometowns for several different reasons, but a recurring theme of this outmigration is the lack of opportunities for career pathways and social development. This resource from NADO provides research and results of engaging youth in community as well as several examples of successful youth engagment projects. Visit the NADO website for more information.
Tribal Energy by Design
In August of 2014, the Department of Energy, in partnership with Opportunity Link, held a tribal energy forum on the Blackfeet Reservation at the Blackfeet Community College. The forum attracted tribal leaders, energy experts, and state and federal representatives from all over Montana and surrounding states to discuss the barriers and opportunities for developing energy within tribal communities. This link leads to presentations on the DOE’s Tribal Energy Program, Alternative Energy Financing and Incentives, Developing an Energy Workforce in Indian Country, and many more topics related to energy development. Click here for more information on the DOE website. A full report can be read by clicking this link.
Trust Lands in the American West
This resource provides information and guidance on the management of State Trust Lands. Understanding the legal aspect of trust lands allows for more effective management and strategizing for future trust land use. For more on trust lands, research, and policy, read the full report.