DeSoto County Champion Community

Lead Entity: DeSoto County Economic Development Office                       

Demographics
 

State: Florida

Counties (Census Tracts): 9803
Community Population: 6,803
Poverty Rate: 27%

Net Land Area: 290.86 sq.miles

Background: 

• Unemployment rate: 7.0%

• Per Capita Income: $ 18,384

• The county received designation by the state of Florida as an Enterprise Zone 

Community Overview:

High unemployment coupled with low wages and a large percentage of exceptions to the county’s tax base, have all combined to create financial distress for DeSoto County. DeSoto County was the second slowest growing county in the region in the 1990 to 1996 period. Slow population growth is a key factor with economic development in the county and taxes could rise as a result of the slow growth. The county’s economy is dependent on agriculture. Attracting a farm worker base and providing them with affordable housing is essential for area development. In 1997, the county, in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce, the School Board, and the City of Arcadia, implemented an economic development plan for growth, appointing the DeSoto County Economic Development Office as the lead agency. 

Strategic Plan Highlights:  

With the implementation of its strategic plan, DeSoto County Economic Development Office seeks to achieve a balance in economic and sustainable community development. Their strategy includes:

• Economic Development: Grow the economy with business development, tourism, and job retention or creation. Create a revitalized county image, increase spending, and allow for tax incentives to attract new industry to the area;
• Housing: Construct assisted living complex, affordable housing, housing rehabilitation, and migrant farm-worker housing;
• Communication: Improve governmental structure through inter-local agreements to maximize community assets; and,
• Community Image: Develop a cost effective recreation program for all ages and visitors that include building a new Agri Civic Center, Athletic Complex, and to develop a Greenway.

Partnerships have been developed with:

• City of Arcadia;

• DeSoto County Board of County Commissioners;

• State of Florida Office of the Governor; and,

• Enterprise Florida.

Leveraging:

The DeSoto County Economic Development Office has identified a range of organizations at the federal, state, and local level for fund, technical assistance, and in-kind contributions. Current leverage includes: $50,000 state grant for Agri Civic Center, $175,000 CDBG housing repair, and $200,000 state grant to build a low income apartment complex.

Community Involvement:

Outreach was made to all segments of the community. Benchmarks have been streamlined for the DeSoto County Economic Development Office to more accurately track progress and reach their goals.  

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