Rotary Rural Development

McKENZIE(March 18) — The McKenzie Rotary Club welcomed Brooxie Carlton, Assistant Commissioner of Community and Rural Development for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, as its guest speaker on Tuesday. Carlton provided insights into the state’s efforts to bolster rural areas through federal grant funding.

Carlton detailed her role in overseeing grants from key federal agencies, including the Delta Regional Authority, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Community Development Block Grant program. She highlighted the significant impact of these initiatives in 2024.

Carlton reported, last year, all 95 counties in Tennessee benefited from 506 state grants, totaling $383 million. Notably, over 73% of this funding was directed to rural Tennessee communities. She further explained the state’s tiered system for identifying counties in need, with 33% of the grants allocated to Tier 4, or “at-risk,” counties. Distressed counties are defined as those in the bottom 10% nationally, while at-risk counties fall within the bottom 10-25%. Carlton confirmed that Carroll County is currently classified as an at-risk county.

Looking ahead, Carlton outlined the department’s priorities. A key focus is securing federal funding for broadband expansion, with a mandate to demonstrate service to every household and business by August. Additionally, the department is actively supporting the development surrounding BlueOval City, assisting communities with population projections, housing market analysis, and other essential planning. Finally, they continue to provide guidance on asset-based planning and the creation of industrial sites for local growth.