COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

TOPIC-DRIVEN DISCUSSIONS & COLLABORATION

Let us meet you where you are, walk alongside you through idea or project development to determine your next right step.

Examples may include:

  • Meet with leadership
  • Host a public meeting
  • Develop a plan of action


COMMUNITY INPUT

Every good project must be supported by good data. SCEDD is equipped to help you gather data through:

THE SUPERIOR STORY

“The Community Needs Assessment Survey and public input process was essential in understanding and prioritizing what our residents truly wanted. This community-driven approach ensured that the location and development of the St. Paul Civic Center reflected the collective vision of the public, making it a space that serves and strengthens our community for years to come.”   

Mike Feeken

Mayor | St. Paul, NE


RECLAIMING COMMUNITY ASSETS

Does your town have places for teachers, nurses and workforce to live? There is a dire need for workforce housing if businesses  are to fill open positions. Vacant or dilapidated properties hold opportunities for redevelopment in your community!


SCEDD recognizes that raising awareness of the cost of complacency  regarding vacant and unavailable homes and properties grabs the attention of residents and brings about action.


Introducing a new SCEDD service, "Reclaiming Community Assets" program, in which we will work with your community to:

  • Create a map of vacancies within your municipality;
  • Host a public meeting to share the map along with opportunities for redevelopment;
  • Facilitate community project meetings to create and implement a plan to transform properties from "Vacant to Vibrant"!




Contact Sharon to explore the potential of RCA in your Community!


Community Needs Assessment Survey Townhall Meeting in Red Cloud.

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT & IMPLEMENTATION

GRANT PREPARATION & ADMINISTRATION

Every community needs some assistance to realize their project goals.  SCEDD primarily assists with funding provided through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development:


SCEDD may assist communities in preparation of USDA Rural Development grant applications.  Technical assistance for other grants, such as private foundation sources, can be provided at an hourly rate.

NUISANCE ABATEMENT

There’s a need in many communities for an unbiased assessment of properties, one that spotlights possible nuisance issues and prompts owners to spruce up their properties. The Nuisance Abatement Program answers this call by addressing concerns such as: 

  • Unlicensed cars
  • White goods, tires and pallets in yards
  • Uncontrolled weeds, grass, trees, bushes
  • Houses with broken doors/windows
  • Outbuildings in disrepair


Nuisance/code enforcement is not only about making our communities healthier, safer, and more attractive for economic development, but also presents an opportunity to revitalize housing, something that’s desperately needed in our rural communities.

EXPLORE TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES

The Nebraska Department of Transportation is ready to assist government agencies in pursuing grant dollars through the new Nebraska Infrastructure Hub which is a grant pairing portal.


Does your community or county have a road, bridge, sidewalk, trails, or multi-faceted project related to transportation in mind? SCEDD is excited to promote this new opportunity as a valuable resource for developing projects. Click on logos to connect to the resources.