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Demographics 

State: Oklahoma
Counties (Census Tracts): Coal (9881, 9882), Pontotoc (9886, 9887, 9891, 9892), Johnston (9902)
Tribes: Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations
Community Population: 21,799
Net area: 999.1 square miles
Poverty Rate: 30.9%

Background

• This is a Round I Champion Community that has achieved significant success in implementing their plan.

Coal, Pontotoc and Johnston counties are located in the south-central, east-central southeastern portions of Oklahoma, a farming and ranching area that is in the poorest quadrant of the state. Distance and a dispersed population, along with adjustments in the agricultural economy, have fostered long-term cycles of poverty, low-income levels, high illiteracy and a stagnant economy. The communities lack adequate healthcare and transportation services, which also inhibit successful economic growth. 

Strategic Plan Highlights 

The underlying theme of the plan is economic empowerment through:

• Child-care Assistance—improve cost and accessibility so that families can find higher paying and better quality jobs
• Job Opportunities—provide incentives for business expansion and relocation, financial assistance to small businesses and training/consultant support to area businesses
• Affordable Housing—increase the availability of family housing to residents by building affordable homes, provide financial support for rental housing, remodeling of existing homes and financial assistance to initial utility hook-ups and fees for residents
• Health-Care and Related Services—provide emergency and preventative healthcare assistance and nutrition services to all residents, improve the availability and quality of drinking water and sanitary sewer water and provide environmental cleanup assistance
• Transportation Services—expand services to meet the needs for services such as transportation to childcare and healthcare facilities.

County and city governments, along with community organizations, senior citizens, civic groups and the tribes have formed successful partnerships amongst one another and will continue to help and support the communities empower themselves and strengthen the entire region. 

Leveraging

Community Involvement 

Outreach to the residents in the designated areas was through a compilation of surveys, press releases, newspaper articles and public meetings. The process has been all inclusive where the two Indian tribes and the three non-Indian communities have had equal roles. The communities see that it’s crucial for all members of the region to work collectively to build their region. No group is left out.

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