Viewpoint

“The wise man bridges the gap by laying
out the path by means of which he can get
from where he is to where he wants to go.”
—John Pierpont Morgan

Regional planning is invaluable for local governments in small metropolitan and rural communities. This is something we often talk about. However, seeing the effects of regional planning and hearing how it has helped small towns and rural counties in practical terms reinforces its importance. McMinn County, Tennessee has seen firsthand how beneficial regional planning can be (see cover page). By 2002, the county will be debt-free and able to pursue projects on a pay-as-you-go basis. This is an impressive accomplishment for a unit of government and would not have been possible without planning assistance from the Southeast Tennessee Development District.

Hundreds of regional development organizations are doing this same work throughout the US, helping small metropolitan and rural local governments think strategically and plan for a better future for their citizens.

To grow and sustain an economy, you need a local institution that can take an honest look at existing resources and build on them. Regional development organizations are able to acquire information and analyze it for their local officials, so policymakers can understand their situation rather than succumbing to feelings or fads. As the McMinn County story illustrates, there is power in planning to build and sustain communities.

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