Tri-County Electric Cooperative (TCEC) takes pride in working diligently to help foster economic development opportunities for the benefit of new and/or existing businesses, local citizens and non-profit organizations. TCEC strives to offer meaningful resources and services that can help improve the communities in which we serve.

In partnership with Kirksville Regional Economic Development, Inc., Northeast Missouri Regional Planning Commission, Northeast Missouri Electric Power Cooperative and Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. TCEC launched a workforce housing initiative in early 2022. This effort began with a review of our region’s housing inventory to understand where opportunities for growth existed and how we could play a role in that growth.

To assist with this area of need in our service territory, TCEC has contracted Hometown Housing, a comprehensive housing development firm. Hometown Housing has helped to analyze the current housing markets, uncover opportunities that exist and assist with program development to provide a sustainable solution to the local housing needs. 

The first phase of this process was to assess the current housing market and begin to prospect with major, local employers to uncover the specific demands. This was done through housing surveys and employer housing workshops led by the Hometown Housing team. 

The second phase includes town hall meetings with city and county officials to discuss viable options in their communities. Separate meetings were held in Scotland, Adair and Schuyler counties on January 25 and 26. The agenda for the meeting included an overview of the program, review of the research, discussion on needs of the region, a market assessment outline and next steps for possible solutions.

Next steps for the program include implementation of focus groups in each of the counties and continued work on projects in the region. For more information on this effort, contact Tri-County Electric Cooperative at 660-457-3733.