Georgia Communities of Opportunity (Co-Op)
Launched by Governor Sonny Perdue and the Georgia Rural Development Council in March 2007, the Communities of Opportunity (Co-Op) Initiative is a collaborative, locally-driven community development strategy focused on enhancing the economic vitality of rural Georgia communities.
A 2003 study done by UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government concluded that our nation’s rural communities faced unique economic and community development challenges. Past statewide efforts of technical and financial and technical assistance have produced mixed results. Some communities have prospered, while others have not.
In keeping with Governor Perdue’s vision for a growing, health, safe and educated Georgia, Co-Op will challenge local communities to engage in a comprehensive and collaborative approach to community development.
Co-Op is administered by the Georgia Department of Community of Affairs (DCA), in partnership with a number of public and private partners. DCA, the Georgia Rural Development Council and UGA-Fanning Institute have worked closely on this initiative.
Participation in Co-Op will be optional. Communities that decide to participate will receive an assessment and local, follow-up discussions will take place to determine focus areas. Based on a positive response by local community leaders, the Co-Op team will offer assistance to develop a community improvement strategy. Incentives for local involvement will also be offered.
In 2007, the Co-Op Team began community assessments in Georgia's Service Delivery Region 7 rural counties of Burke, Glascock, Hancock, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Taliaferro, Warren, Washington, Wilkes and Elbert County in Region 5.
Community Improvement Strategies were completed, leading to each community's eligibility to receive a small implementation grant. The communities will work toward addressing their highest priorities, as identified in their improvement strategies, over a two-year period.
Additional information on the Communities of Opportunity Initiative may be found at DCA's Co-Op page.
Downloads
Governor's Office Announcement (News Release Only) (PDF)
Governor's Office Executive Order (PDF)
REPORT: Dismantling Persistent Poverty In The Southeastern United States (UGA-Carl Vinson Institute) (PDF)
SE US Study Poverty Map (PDF)
SE US Study Economic Vitality Index (PDF)
REPORT: Dismantling Persistent Poverty In Georgia – Breaking The Cycle (UGA-Carl Vinson Institute) (PDF)
Georgia Study Poverty Map (PDF)
Contact Information
For more information, email Georgia Communities of Opportunity by clicking here.
Patrice Williams, Co-Op Program Coordinator, (770) 968-6584 (click here to email)
Winfred Owens, Director of Regional Services, (706) 583-2731 (click here to email)
Jim Finch, Deputy Commissioner, Local Government Assistance Division, (404) 679-4937 (click here to email)
ALL MEDIA INQUIRIES should be directed to Kimberly King, DCA Communications Director at (404) 679-0615 or click here to email.