Embracing the Sprint

The Murdo Development Corp. has been making waves! Not really.. (haha) we're just having fun accomplishing goals and checking the boxes on our list! From securing a lot for a governor's home to spearheading plans for a childcare implementation grant, MDC has been at the forefront of community development and progress.

Since starting this position, I have heard, "Economic Development is a marathon, not a sprint." And don't get me wrong, it totally is... but at the moment I feel like we're sprinting! Which is a great thing and we are living in all the glory on top of the mountain, because we know that, eventually, we'll step back into the valley and have to work our way up again... but for now, we celebrate!

So let's dig into the fun details!

At the end of 2023, we received funding from SD Housing, Housing Opportunity Fund. This is a forgivable loan that we are utilizing to aid us in the placement of two Governor's homes in the city of Murdo. In the past month, we're excited to say we have purchased one lot and we're currently working on obtaining a second lot to complete that phase of the project! Once lots are purchased, we will need to do some clean up, tear down, and update the infrastructure before homes are scheduled to be placed as late as June 2026. So, yes, while we do have some time, we'd prefer to be prepared in case an opportunity arises to place a home sooner rather than later!

Next is the GOED Childcare Implementation Grant. This funding will aid opportunity for growth surrounding childcare. Half of the opportunity to utilize this grant lies in partnering with the school district. Through this collaboration, we can play a crucial role in shaping the future of early childhood education, childcare provision, and other related opportunities. The other portion of this grant is to make improvements towards a facility to be state licensed, allowing low income families the availability for care.

We know a large portion of our feedback in the childcare survey was the need for an after school type of program. An application has been submitted to implement funding for that program, in which notification is pending. Additionally, there's an opportunity for partnership outlined in the GOED grant for the after-school program.

Thank you all for your patience as I know we missed last month's newsletter. As we continue to move forward and make progress towards our goal, we will continue to keep you informed!

-Ashley Geigle

MAED Director