Community and Economic Development  

Since its inception in 1967, MAPA's mission has been to provide a forum for coordinating local planning and development activities. It brings local governments in the region together to address problems which are regional in scope and which cross jurisdictional boundaries. When working with its member counties, communities, and special purpose governmental entities on projects and programs, MAPA coordinates and consults with a wide network of public and private contacts throughout the region. These contacts include the staffs and elected officials of cities and counties, the Departments of Economic Development in Nebraska and Iowa, State Data Centers in Nebraska and Iowa, local chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, natural resource districts, utility companies, public and private universities, and community colleges.

Today, because of changes in the economy, industrial technology and world trade, governments in the region are being challenged to take a more active role in economic activities that influence community development. This has led to the need for professional assistance in developing and implementing programs to both preserve and expand existing businesses as well as to attract new investments. Coordinating these activities is vital in order to reduce duplication of services and to make efficient and effective use of regional resources.

A number of organizations in the MAPA region address issues associated with economic development. The local chambers of commerce, county development organizations, utility companies, community colleges, economic development foundations, and the Nebraska Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO) cooperate with one another on efforts that will make the MAPA region a vital, forward-looking area for development. MAPA works well with all these groups and others to assure open and appropriate communication, and to make sure that everyone has information about the variety of economic development activities available.