Economic Development
Contact the Economic Developer

The RDC operates a Revolving Loan Fund Program providing gap financing for eligible projects that create and retain jobs for the communities of the region. Many of the projects also include financing from the SBA and Rural Development programs as well as the required private capital.

We also assist communities with Employment Incentive Program (EIP) funding through the Department of Community Affairs and with Economic Development Administration grants for various infrastructure and financing programs.

Back to the Top

Planning and Zoning
Contact the Zoning Planner

Back to the Top

Service Delivery Strategy

The RDC assisted ten of its fourteen counties with the development of their Service Delivery Strategy required by the state. Assistance ranged from education programs to inform local governments of what needed to be accomplished to facilitation of meetings and development of the written strategy. All fourteen counties of Southwest Georgia are currently in compliance.

Back to the Top

Water Resources
Contact the Water Resources Planner

...due to the fact the economy of Southwest Georgia is heavily dependent on the water as a resource for its agribusiness community. Other major industries in the region also depend on water for processing and production.

Back to the Top

Grant Writing
Contact the Grant Writer

The RDC assists local jurisdictions in preparing, planning, writing, and administering a wide variety of State and Federal Grants. These grants include successful applications for the Community Development Block Grant Program, Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency ACT (ISTEA), Recreation Assistance Fund, Heritage 2000 Grants, Local Development Fund, and Governor's Discretionary Fund. For areas needing assistance, please contact the RDC.

Back to the Top

Geographic Information Systems
Contact the GIS Team

The Southwest Georgia RDC maintains a full range mapping service for its local governments, and assists the state in developing GIS information and data. This includes the production and update of zoning maps, tax parcel maps, site selection maps, E911 maps, voting district maps, and GPS surveying.                                  

Back to the Top

Historic Preservation Planning
Contact the Historic Preservation Planner

The Historic Preservation Planning program assists local governments and individuals in Southwest Georgia with the preparation of National Historic Register nominations.

The staff coordinated the restoration of the Baker County Courthouse damaged by the flood of 1994, as well as assisted local governments following the flood by assessing properties damaged for historic significance. This program enabled local and state government to assess property damaged by the flood in a timely and responsive manner.

The staff also assists property owners in Southwest Georgia to successfully meet the requirements of the Federal Reinvestment Tax Credit Programs.

Back to the Top

Educational Workshops
Contact the Workshop Coordinator

The RDC conducts workshops and seminars covering a wide range of topics for local governments and private citizens of the region. Past topics have included Economic Development Academies, various zoning topics, housing, downtown revitalization, and leadership development.

Future topics will include board training for local governments and development authorities, economic development, and local government employee training.

Back to the Top