Community Overview:

Located in the uppermost corner of Northeast Tennessee, this rural Appalachian County has a population of 17,499 spread among 299 square miles of mountainous terrain. Recently, Johnson County has experienced unfavorable economic conditions that have lead to persistent levels of poverty. It is part of the Community Adjustment Investment Program (CAIP).

Strategic Plan Highlights:  

With the implementation of its strategic plan, the Johnson County seeks to achieve a balance in economic and community development. Specifically, the community plans to:

• Further develop existing industry while promoting possible alternatives such as, ecotourism and agri-tourism;

• Encourage entrepreneurial investment, especially in E-commerce and the local timber industry;

•  Improve the basic quality of life through educational and environmental programs;

• Obtain assistance in the development and promotion of the Heritage Square Development.

Partnerships:

• HUD, May 2^nd 2002 in the amount of $100,000 for improvements to the Aquaculture Center.

• USDA Rural Development, August 2^nd 2002 in the amount of $25,000 for the Heritage Hall Project.

Leveraging:

·         Heritage Hall Committee received a $2,200 gift from the Upper East Tennessee Funeral Directors on Tuesday October 22, 2002.

Community Involvement:

• The residents of Johnson County opened their homes and gardens for tours. These tours were organized by Nancy Garrick and helped citizen participation within the community.

• Through the months of June and August, the city of Mountain City closed its Main Street every 3^rd Saturday to aid the Farmers Market in the development of agri-tourism.

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