Residents and visitors of Guntersville are enjoying an expanded recreation trail along the eastern portion of the U.S. 431 bridge that now connects to the new City Harbor development.
“Outdoor recreation is becoming increasingly more important to communities and a powerful tool for economic development and enhancing quality of life for residents, said TARCOG Economic Development and Planning Director Lee Terry. “TARCOG is excited anytime we get to assist one of our communities with adding to their inventory of outdoor recreation opportunities for residents of northeast Alabama.”
Guntersville Mayor Leigh Dollar has said the riverfront trail has been well-received and that she saw people on the trail walking and running on the weekends even before the paving was completed.
She said she believes it will be a huge draw for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.
The recently completed $400,000 expansion project began in 2018. TARCOG assisted on the project by helping secure $320,000 in Regional Trails Program funding. The City of Guntersville covered $80,000 of the cost.
Before construction start. the trail was 3.7 miles long. A two-phase extension project involved funding from Alabama Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs Regional Trails Program.
From left in Mentone in DeKalb County are TARCOG Economic Development Coordinator Leslie Wright, TARCOG Economic Development and Planning Director Lee Terry, ADECA Deputy Director Ashley Toole, ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell, Mentone Mayor Rob Hammond, ADECA Division Chief Crystal Talley, and Mentone Town Clerk Kristen Emory
When it comes to grant applications, planning is a crucial step that can benefit all parties interested in improving something in their community. In the small town of Mentone, home to about 325 people, city leaders recently took the opportunity to host officials with the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and TARCOG to discuss a few projects, big and small.
A tour of the historic Moon Lake Village was a top priority. After Moon Lake Elementary closed in 2021, the Town of Mentone took over the school campus after DeKalb County deeded it to the town. It’s located on the eastern side of the city limits.
In 2022 they began developing the campus as Moon Lake Village, a collection of shops, offices, spaces for artists and galleries. Northeast Alabama Community College also holds classes there and a new restaurant is planned for the former lunchroom.
The group discussed potential ways to do even more with the site to draw visitors to Mentone.
Mentone has applied for an Appalachian Regional Council grant to upgrade electricity plumbing, bathroom accessibility and other infrastructure across the former school campus. During the tour, the group discussed potential ways to do even more with the site to draw visitors to Mentone.
TARCOG is planning a virtual discussion with statewide military installation leaders and other municipal and regional partners to share details about the Joint Land Use Study and Implementation Project for Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville.
Executive Director Michelle Jordan said the meeting will showcase work funded by two grants from the U.S. Department of Economic Adjustment, now called the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC).
The first grant provided the City of Huntsville funding for a joint land use study of Redstone Arsenal and its contiguous boundaries with multiple municipal and county jurisdictions that started in 2017. That was followed by an implementation grant to TARCOG for items identified in the study.
“Now we want to share what we learned through the process with other military installations who may be interested in doing something similar,” Michelle said. “This particular grant is available to help military installations remain viable and protected as their contiguous cities continue to grow and thrive.”
It’s been a great process, she said, to make sure that everyone works together to get what they need.
“As part of the implementation phase of the grant, we wanted to have a statewide forum to share how we went about securing and executing our OLDCC grant with other entities throughout the state,” she added.
Officials who attend will also hear from representatives from grant partners on the project including:
Redstone Arsenal
Matrix Design Group, a planning, engineering, environmental and transportation consultant
We know how dedicated our staff works to — enrich the lives of those who are aging and disabled in our community — AND assist municipal and county governments to make our area an even better place to live.
You can vote for TARCOG at the link below in the Services Section..
By serving as a bridge between communities and federal resources, TARCOG plays a crucial role in ensuring that Northeast Alabama continues to thrive with dual designations from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).
TARCOG proudly holds the designation by EDA as an Economic Development District (EDD) and from the ARC as a Local Development District (LDD), says Economic Development and Planning Director Lee Terry,
“This dual role not only enhances TARCOG’s capacity to serve the needs of Northeast Alabama but also underscores its commitment to fostering sustainable growth and improving the quality of life in the region,” Lee says.
Being designated as an EDD and LDD positions TARCOG as a vital player in regional economic planning and development initiatives. The EDA designation allows TARCOG to access federal funding and resources specifically aimed at stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and fostering innovation.
Meanwhile, the ARC designation provides TARCOG with additional resources focused on community and economic development, particularly in the Appalachian region.
“This unique combination empowers TARCOG to tackle various challenges faced by local governments, from enhancing infrastructure to promoting workforce development,” Lee says. “By integrating these resources, TARCOG is better equipped to address the diverse needs of its member governments and the communities they serve.”
TARCOG offers a wide range of services that leverage its EDD and LDD designations:
Funding Assistance: TARCOG helps member governments navigate the complexities of federal and state funding opportunities. Whether it’s applying for EDA grants or ARC programs, TARCOG provides the expertise needed to secure financial resources for critical projects.
Comprehensive Planning: With extensive knowledge of planning methodologies, TARCOG assists local governments in developing comprehensive plans that align with regional goals. This includes zoning regulations, land use planning, and long-range strategies aimed at sustainable growth.
Capacity Building: Recognizing that many local governments face operational challenges, TARCOG offers training and support to enhance their capabilities. Workshops, seminars, and technical assistance are designed to equip local leaders with the tools needed to implement effective programs and policies.
Economic Development Strategies: TARCOG collaborates with member governments to develop targeted economic development strategies. By analyzing regional strengths and identifying opportunities, TARCOG helps communities attract investment, create jobs, and foster entrepreneurship.
Community Engagement: Engaging local residents and stakeholders is crucial for successful development initiatives. TARCOG facilitates community involvement through public meetings, workshops, and surveys, ensuring that the voices of citizens are heard and considered in decision-making processes.
TARCOG’s dual designation is not just a title; it represents a commitment to fostering collaboration among local governments and regional organizations.
As TARCOG moves forward, Lee says the focus remains on empowering member governments to build vibrant, resilient communities. By harnessing the strengths of its EDD and LDD designations, TARCOG is dedicated to advancing economic development and improving the quality of life for all residents in the region.
For more information, contact TARCOG’s Economic Development and Planning Department at 256-830-0818.
How long have you been at TARCOG and what do you do? I have been at TARCOG for two years and I manage the economic development side of the Economic Development and Planning Department which includes keeping track of all our open grants as well as working with our member governments and local nonprofits on project development and funding applications. I also oversee our Revolving Loan Fund.
What did you want to be when you grew up? What haven’t I wanted to be when I grow up? I’ve been lucky enough to be able to try out a few different life paths, but I have been considering being a Pilates wife more and more.
What do you hope to accomplish within the next year? To be honest … the Universe usually decides what I accomplish from year to year, not me. So, I am eager to find out what’s in store for me as well!
Who is your hero and why? Do obsessions count? I’m a stan of a fair amount of people … we don’t have time for a list.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? I love experiences. So, if money wasn’t a factor, and if there’s anything cool or fun happening within a reasonable driving distance, I’m there.
What is the best piece of advice someone has given you? “Nothing lasts forever.” It’s a good motivator to take chances in life. For instance, nothing lasts forever so you might as well take the chance while you have it … but also, if you take the chance and you don’t like it … nothing lasts forever so you can always just go try something else until you find the best fit.
What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done? I actually jumped off a bridge before … and it hurt … a lot. So, I learned my lesson.
Who knows you the best? I’m pretty mysterious … but there’s also never been a time where I haven’t told a stranger my whole life’s story.
What would you do if you won the lottery? I’m fiscally liberal … so likely I would book a whole bunch of trips with my friends. Catch me cruising in Mallorca with the non-drowsy Dramamine.
Congratulations, Leslie! Thank you for all that you do!
TARCOG plans to submit a PRO Housing application for a $2,130,122 request from HUD to conduct a housing study across TARCOG and NARCOG regions to identify any barriers that may exist to affordable housing creation.
The request also includes implementation dollars for TARCOG and NARCOG to work with communities presenting barriers through planning resources/services. TARCOG and NARCOG will commit $784,147 of in-kind match for a project total of $2,914,269.
CONGRATULATIONS TO TARCOG Principal Planner Phoenix Robinson who has been elected president of the Alabama Chapter of the American Planning Association for the 2025-2026 term.
Before she takes office in 2025, Phoenix will be honored in October at the 2024 Mississippi/Alabama Fall Chapter Conference in Tuscaloosa after being nominated and selected to receive the 2024 Alabama APA Chapter Leadership award for her work on the chapter’s website for the past several years.
“We are so proud of Phoenix,” said TARCOG’s Executive Director Michelle Jordan, FAICP. “To be elected by her peers from around the state to lead this group, of which I’ve been a part of for 30 years, is quite an honor and well-deserved.”
Phoenix will be the second person in TARCOG’s history to serve in the statewide role.
TARCOG Economic Development and Planning Director Lee Terry said he’s also proud of the recognition that Phoenix is receiving.
“We see day in and day out the hard work that Phoenix puts in and her commitment to the furthering of the planning profession. To see her rewarded in such a way for the things we see in her on a daily basis brings me great happiness for her,” Lee said. “Phoenix is a tremendous asset to TARCOG, and its member governments and partners and we are excited to see the bright future, that these accomplishments indicate, she has ahead of her.”
The American Planning Association is a national organization of diverse planning and planning-adjacent professionals that helps communities, their leaders and residents anticipate and meet the needs of a changing world.
“This simply means that my colleagues and I are dedicated to service in any applicable capacity that helps communities thrive in a sustainable manner in response to change,” Phoenix said.
She said she will be working with the Chapter’s Executive Committee to advance opportunities for planning professionals across the state. This ranges from budding professionals currently in school to those that have worked in the profession for decades.
She will take office in 2025 and serve a two-year term.
As chapter president, Phoenix will also represent the Alabama on the national APA stage, specifically on the Chapter Presidents Council, which advises APA on various matters of concern.
Phoenix said she joined the state chapter in 2016, while in the community planning graduate program at Auburn.
“As I transitioned into the professional side of membership, I discovered opportunities that the Chapter had not yet taken advantage. Some still exist, while new ones have since been revealed. I am stepping into this role to simply do what I do on a daily basis – help a community, in this case, a statewide community of planners – grow and thrive in response to a changing profession and a changing world.”
Phoenix Robinson is still trying to reach two gift card winners by email after the offer of one gift card was expanded to three because of the response to the Safe Streets Survey.
An Athens man won a $100 Visa gift card for completing one of 975 surveys being used to help create a new Regional Safety Action Plan for DeKalb, Jackson, Marshall and portions of Limestone and Madison counties.
TARCOG thanks Gage Coker and everyone who provided input for their participation, said Lee Terry, the agency’s director of Economic Development and Planning.
“Public input is very important when putting together a plan for future road improvements,” Lee said. “Planners need to know what people see and experience each day on the road as part of this process so we’re appreciative of those who helped with the surveys.”
The surveys were completed online and in-person at outreach events throughout the region. Participants email address served as entry to the gift card giveaway.
Phoenix Robinson, principal planner working with consultants on the safety action plan, said Mr. Coker was selected in a random drawing for the gift card. Because of the tremendous response, two additional gift cards were authorized, however Phoenix said she’s been unable to reach the other two winners by email.
“We understand people are often concerned about opening emails from unknown sources, but in this case, we’re legitimately trying to let them know they won a real gift card.” Phoenix said. “For those out there who completed a survey and provided their email address for entry into the $100 Visa gift card giveaway, if you see an email from Phoenix.Robinson@tarcog.us, it’s me and I’m trying to notify you that you are a winner.”
She said currently, the Regional Safety Action Plan is in its final phase in which all of the collected data, research, surveys, stakeholder and public input are being compiled into proposed project lists for what are being identified as the Top 20 High Injury Corridors along the roadways in the region.
Phoenix said customized lists for each county are being developed that will identify suggested safety improvements along those corridors.
The area project is funded by the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.
For more information or any questions or information requests about the regional safety plan process, please contact TARCOG Economic Development & Planning Staff at 256-830-0818.
