Robeson County EC
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State: North Carolina
County (Census Tracts): Robeson (9603, 9608, 9617, 9619, 9620)
Community Population: 29,598
Community Area: 238 sq. mi.
Poverty Rate: 27%
Unemployment Rate: 7.7%
Per Capita: $7,023
Education: Graduation rate is 56.7%
Overview
The ultimate goal of the Robeson County Enterprise Community Program is a new approach to create sustainable community development in the most impoverished areas of the County. A lack of public transportation and a lack of access to information have been identified as priority problems.
The Enterprise Community project provides a rare opportunity for a variety of neighborhoods and communities to join forces in addressing common economic and social challenges. The County offers a unique combination of cultures, ranging from the traditions of the Lumbee Indians, the culture of the African Americans, to the bagpipe music of the Scottish descendants. One of the largest counties in land area in North Carolina, Robeson County has remained very rural. The largest incorporated city in the county is Lumberton with a population of 18,000.
The Lumber River Council of Governments was chosen as the lead agency for the application. A steering committee comprised of elected officials was appointed to oversee the process. A work group was comprised of individuals from non-profit organizations, neighborhood and community development associations, public health care facilities, the education community, services agencies and the private sector, ( e.g. local utilities, banks).
The information developed was taken to the people in a series of "grassroots" meetings in order to educate them about the EZ/EC process. From this process, 14 task forces. These task forces were created worked on developing a vision and a strategic plan. The vision calls for civic networking including both the public and private sector. The networking will be used to coordinate strategies for economic development, create improvements in infrastructure, and develop enhanced educational opportunities.
Key Activities
Economic Opportunity:
The task forces working on economic development arrived at 3 strategies: (1) establish a business technology center/incubator with a goal toward expanding exports. (2) consolidate waste water (and possibly water) services under a regional authority with a goal of creating a healthier community. (3) establish a civic telecommunications network so that citizens will have access to health, employment, and other information.
Community Building:
The Robeson County Enterprise Community Home Network system was developed to act as a conduit for local EC Councils and The Community Development Resource Center to provide the tools for communication with the local communities. Citizen involvement, access to capacity building, and the structural development of their communities are represented as the walkway and foundation of a community establishing sustainability. The formation of a number of area/neighborhood EC councils will provide citizens and leaders access to participation in revitalization efforts.
Sustainable Economic and Community Development:
The community plan is to:
- Develop parenting skills classes to reduce the high rates of child abuse and neglect
- Develop character building classes for children
- Expand drug education programs
- Utilize local expertise to renovate substandard housing
- Develop school to work classes
- Develop recreation programs for children
These strategies were developed with the ultimate goal to encourage self-sufficiency.
Major Public Sector Commitments
State Government Resources:
A statement is included about the Governor's commitment to the application but specific funding allocation are pending legislative approval.
Federal Government Resources:
USDA & Corporation for National Service - a volunteer will be provided from the Americorps Rural Development Team.
Contact:
Name: Cynthia Johnson Address: 118-120 South Main Street Red Springs, NC 28377 Phone: 910-843-7601 Fax: 910-843-1888 Email:
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