(May 5, 2023) — Sikeston city officials along with officials from other local communities took part in the 2023 Convening on Rural Housing held Friday at Alan Wire.

To retain, attract and accommodate a strong workforce, affordable housing is a key aspect of successful economic development and community growth.

At the event, the North Delta Economic Alliance held a series of discussions about the challenges and solutions of housing development for rural communities. Topics included affordable housing development solutions, city planning models and funding considerations.

Pamela A. Scott with USDA Rural Development; Crystal Jones with the Perry County, Missouri, Economic Development Authority; Missy Vanderpool of Henderson, Kentucky, Economic Development Corporation and Joe Darnell of Swann Warehouse were featured speakers.

Those in attendance also were able to network with officials from different communities to share ideas as officials from Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, and Tennessee all took part in the event that was hosted by the Sikeston Regional Chamber and Area Economic Development Corporation.