
The BRIDGES Conference was established in 2021 to equip communities in the Southeast Crescent Region of the US
The BRIDGES Conference was established in 2021 to equip communities in the Southeast Crescent Region of the US
Southeast Crescent Regional Commission Coalition Regional Meeting
The Southeast Crescent Regional Commission Coalition was organized in 2019 to mobilize a regional network of support to:
• encourage the region to support the activation
of the commission
• support collaboration between the regional
federal commission, federal state agencies,
philanthropy and local communities
• advocate for equity, inclusion and capacity
building of historically underinvested areas of the
region.
The network is comprised of dozens of leaders around the region in federal, state, and local government, academia, policy, community, and economic development.
The SCRC was established in 2008 to make direct federal investment in the Southeastern United States to have an impact on systemic, persistent poverty in the region.
The Southeast Crescent region of the US, often referred to as the US Blackbelt is challenged with economic indicators that are in many cases parallel with those of an emerging nation.
Early in the same year as his death, President Kennedy, moved by the extreme poverty conditions that he found in Appalachia established the "President's Appalachian Regional Commission" to support the advancement of federal legislation to make direct federal investment in the region. Two years after his death, Congress passed the Appalachian Redevelopment Act, thereby creating the ARC as a federal agency.
Today, the ARC is responsible for the Appalachian Development Highway System, has invested and leveraged billions of dollars in infrastructure, industry, workforce development, education, regional analysis and other strategic investments to benefit the region and people of Appalachia. Outside of the Appalachian region of the country, the Blackbelt is the next largest contiguous region of systemic, persistent poverty in the US.
A 2002 study found that “If the economic gaps with the ARC were eliminated in the service sector alone, the Southeast Region would:
• Enjoy additional income of $15 billion.
• Boast 500,000 additional jobs.
• Return $3.2 billion to government coffers— $1 billion to state and local governments and an additional $2.2 billion to the federal treasury.” UGA, 2002
Contact your Senator and Congressman/woman.
Although the Commission was created in 2008, unlike other commissions in smaller regions with fewer challenging economic indicators, the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission has never been put into operation.
Instead, the $30 million authorization has been reduced to a $250,000 annual appropriation that cannot be used until the commission is in operation which requires the appointment of a Federal Co-Chair by the President of the United States.
Once the Federal Co-Chair is appointment is made, the Senate can turn its attention to a proper appropriation to address the dire economic issues of the region and its citizens.
Your support is vital to the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission being able to invest in the Southeastern US
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, United States
Sign up to hear from us about updates in the legislation, upcoming meetings, etc.
WHAT'S NEWS ABOUT THE SCRC
Southeast Crescent Governor's Offices Who Have Stated Support for SCRC
Virginia - Governor Ralph Northam
North Carolina - Governor Roy Cooper
Georgia - Governor Brian Kemp
Governor's Offices Who Are Currently Researching SCRC
South Carolina - Governor Henry McMaster
Alabama - Governor Kay Ivey
Florida - Governor Ron DeSantis
Mississippi - Governor Phil Bryant
Alabama
Florida
Georgia
Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA)
Mississippi
North Carolina
South Carolina
Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC)
Virginia
Congresswoman Elaine Luria (D-VA)
Don't see your question? Send us an email and we'll respond. Maybe we'll post your question!
Legislative Updates, Special Events and other news about the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission
Copyright © 2022 BRIDGES: Building Resilience via Investment & Growth in the South Southeast Crescent Regional Commission Crescent Coalition - All Rights Reserved.
10:00 - 11:00
Welcome and Addresses
11:00 – 1:00
Opening Plenary – SEAP White Paper
Host: Southeast Economic Advancement Project (SEAP)
- Georgia State -
- Emory University -
- Georgia College & State University -
- Tuskegee University -
Moderator – Genny Castillo
1:00 – 2:30
Breakout Session: Hear from the Region
“What We Need & How to Get There”
Afternoon Address: Nathaniel Smith
2:00: – 2:30
Host: National Association of Development Organizations (NADO)
"Conversation with the States"
2:30 – 4:00