By Greg Grisolano
ggrisolano@joplinglobe.com
WEBB CITY, Mo. — Although no official statement has been issued on the future of Missouri’s DREAM program, some city and state officials say they are confident the program will continue under Gov.-elect Jay Nixon.
“We haven’t heard any plans from Governor Nixon’s office,” said Spencer Jackson, a spokesman for the Missouri Department of Economic Development. “It’s been a very successful program, and all the communities that have taken part have enjoyed it.”
The Downtown Revitalization and Economic Assistance for Missouri program was created by outgoing Gov. Matt Blunt. It combines resources from the state’s economic development, finance board and housing development agencies to assist smaller communities with downtown revitalization. The program is designed to streamline access to state assistance.
Ten communities, including Webb City and Lamar in Southwest Missouri, were selected as DREAM cities in 2008. Neosho and Aurora were chosen in 2006 and 2007, respectively.
A spokesman for Nixon’s office did not return a phone call seeking comment. Nixon’s term starts Jan. 12.
Chuck Surface, Webb City’s economic development director, said he’s optimistic that the program will continue without major changes.
“I’m not too worried about the DREAM initiative being changed at that point,” he said. “It may affect cities coming after us, but I don’t look for it to change the cities that are already in the program.”
Surface said Webb City officials will be meeting next week with representatives of the Missouri Department of Economic Development to sign a three-year contract for assistance in planning the city’s downtown revitalization.
Jackson said he believes the state will see a call to expand the program in the future, so other communities can participate. He said funding for the program for the most part comes from existing resources within state and city budgets.
“I think there will be a call to expand it,” he said. “I think if you look at the return these communities are getting, it’s a win-win for everybody involved.”
Funding
Communities that are designated as DREAM cities are eligible for grants and matching funds to provide planning and other opportunities for economic growth. The state pays for 80 percent of the cost of consultants, while the cities provide a 20 percent match.
