Chance L. McDavid, Division Director of the Asset Development Division of the Mississippi Development Authority spoke to the Rotary Club of North Jackson at the Club’s April 30, 2019, meeting. The subject of his talk was Asset Based Community Development. He began by stating that the purpose of the Asset based Development Division is to facilitate growth through asset‐based community development activities that build on existing resources to strengthen local and regional economies to increase wealth and improve quality of life in Mississippi Communities.
Mr. McDavid used the example of the redevelopment of Tupelo based on the Tupelo Model developed by George McLean who he identified as the Tupelo Man. That model shows Economic Development at the top of a pyramid on which Human Development is the base or lowest layer.
He cited examples of successful asset based community development in Water Valley and an ongoing effort i West Jackson. Another example is the Area around Bentonville, Rogers and Fayetteville, Arkansas where the impact of the University of Arkansas and Walmart has created a very vibrant community. The quote that he presented from American Cultural Anthropologist Margaret Mead is most telling about asset based community development: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Mr. McDavid is shown in the following photo with Club President Anna Powers and Club Member Marisa Davidson who arranged Mr. McDavid’s talk to the Club and introduced him. We thank Mr. McDavid for his work improving our State.
