Clinton County was one of 20 communities nationally to receive technical assistance from Local Foods, Local Places. Local Foods, Local Places helps people create walkable, healthy, economically vibrant neighborhoods through the development of local food systems. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), EPA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), and the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), with support from the White House Rural Council. Local Foods, Local Places aims to boost economic opportunities for local farmers and businesses, improve access to healthy local food, and promote childhood wellness. Special consideration is given to communities in the early stages of developing local food enterprises and creating economically vibrant communities.

Twelve federal and state agency representatives visited Clinton County in August and facilitated a workshop with approximately 20 community leaders focused on developing an action plan for enhanced local food access and community revitalization. The workshop sparked conversation about the economic needs of farmers as well as the downtown area. There are additional funding and resource opportunities available to the community to help implement the action plan over the next few years.

As result of the workshop, the Clinton County Extension Service Office facilitated the formation of the Albany Revitalization Committee. The committee is comprised of business owners and other community leaders that have not previously been involved in Extension programs and advisory groups. The committee has held three meetings since its formation in September with an average of 18 members in attendance.

The Albany Revitalization Committee sponsored an Albany Christmas Memories event in December complete with extended business hours, a story book walk, business window decorating contest, and our first community Christmas tree lighting. Approximately 450 people attended the event which sparked community pride and togetherness, increased sales for local businesses, and brought attention to the downtown area where a new farmers market will be developed. It was a great outreach event for the community which also helped market Extension. As a result of the newly formed committee and the holiday event, there is positive momentum for community revitalization, local foods, and economic development.