The shift in Miner County is profound. Neighboring towns are scrambling to discover the 'secret sauce.' National audiences are paying attention. But the truth is, the journey has been long and hard, littered with hundreds of meetings and dozens of setbacks. It's never been glamorous, but it's always been important.

Today, the people of Miner County look forward to a future none of us imagined just a decade ago. Together, we changed the course of history for our community. Learn how Miner County has restored hope, reversed trends, and renewed the economy below.

 

Hope Restored

The process of restoring hope in Miner County took time, but today, success stories abound.

• The exodus of young people has come to a screeching halt. With promising industries, increasing wages and a high quality of life, Miner County is where more young families are choosing to live.

• Miner County poverty levels have significantly decreased. MCCR, along with community leaders, focused on the necessity of creating living wage jobs to accomplish this goal.

• Renewed hope has encouraged the growth of celebrations and events in Miner County, such as Strawbale Days (Carthage), Hometown Holidays (Howard) and September in the Park (Howard).

• Elected and non-elected officials understand local economic data and make informed decisions. Public, non-profit and private entities work together and empower each other every day.

Trends Reversed

Reversing decades of decline isn't easy, but the numbers speak for themselves.

• Valuations are increasing, tax revenue is increasing, and tax levies are decreasing. These are signs of an increasingly healthy economy in Miner County.

• The City of Howard has seen a 163% increase in sales tax revenue in the last ten years.

• For the first time in 80+ years, the population in Miner County is projected to increase in 2010 by the Governor's Office of Economic Development.

Economy Renewed

Renewing the economy has been about more than jobs - it's been about creating an economic system that works for real people. Here is what's happened in Miner County as a result of this perspective.

• Miner County began growing green industries and creating green jobs before green was popular. A wind turbine gearbox remanufacturing plant, a modern organic beef processing facility and a wind blade repair and production facility helped add 150+ living wage jobs (with benefits) to the local economy.

• More quality living conditions are available for families, thanks to the purchase and renovation of old apartment buildings by the Rural Learning Center. Occupancy in the apartments and homes increased from 13% to 90% in less than one year.

• Housing for seniors continues to develop in Miner County with single level independent living options as well as assisted living facilities.

• Essential services and businesses are returning to Howard, including a growing healthcare industry that provides career opportunities for local residents and a strengthened economic base.

• A registered, licensed daycare was established to serve over 50 area children. In addition, the daycare provides skill-enhancing work for 17 individuals in the community, who complete 20 hours of training each year.