Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission

10/19/2026

More than $33.6 million is coming to the Delta region! 🎉

Six organizations across Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee have been awarded a combined $33.6 million through the U.S. Department of Labor's $81 million Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) 7 investment.

Representing a substantial share of the total WORC 7 funding, these awards will support workforce development, address critical employer needs, and expand access to quality, family-sustaining careers across the Delta region.

Congratulations to our six WORC 7 grant recipients!

📰 Read More: https://bit.ly/4iq8jn7
🔗 DOL Announcement: https://bit.ly/4yZ8xrs

10/19/2026

10/16/2026

City of Doniphan Adopts First-Ever Active Transportation Plan to Boost Safety, Health, and Connectivity

DONIPHAN, MO — October 16, 2026 — The City of Doniphan has formally adopted the 2027 Active Transportation Plan (ATP), marking a historic milestone in the community’s commitment to improving public health, pedestrian safety, and multi-modal mobility. Approved by Resolution #011 by Mayor Dennis Cox and the Doniphan City Council, the plan provides a comprehensive 5-to-10-year roadmap for local sidewalks, crosswalks, trails, and public parks.

Developed in partnership with the Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission (OFRPC), the ATP was made possible through a State Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) grant awarded by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).

“Adopting this plan gives Doniphan a clear strategy for the future,” said Mayor Dennis Cox. “Supporting our local economy and laying the groundwork for long-term growth.”

Addressing Health and Safety Needs
The initiative comes in direct response to local health and infrastructure challenges. Ripley County currently faces lower life expectancy rates and higher physical inactivity levels compared to state averages, with only 25% of residents living near parks or recreational facilities. Additionally, a study of local crash data from 2002 to 2025 revealed 14 pedestrian injuries and one pedestrian fatality within city limits.

Key Projects and Strategic Vision
Guided by public surveys and community walk audits conducted in May 2026, the 2027 Active Transportation Plan outlines key priority projects aimed at creating "Complete Streets" and activity-friendly routes. To bring these community priorities to life, the plan details various external grant opportunities and financing mechanisms. The city will seek funding through state and federal programs, including the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), and Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grants.

The complete 2027 Active Transportation Plan is available for public review at Doniphan City Hall and can be found athttps://www.ofrpc.org/cmsAdmin/uploads/2/doniphan-2027-atp-approved.pdf

About the City of Doniphan
Located along the scenic Current River in Southeast Missouri, the City of Doniphan is dedicated to providing quality municipal services, supporting local economic development, and fostering a healthy, vibrant community for all residents and visitors

10/15/2026

📢 NOW HIRING: Community Development Specialist 📢

The Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission (OFRPC) in Poplar Bluff, MO is seeking a full-time Community Development Specialist to help local communities thrive through grant writing, project administration, and regional collaboration!

🌟 Perks & Benefits:

35-hour workweek & flexible schedule / possible 4-day workweek

MoLA**RS Pension Plan, Health Insurance/HSA, dental, vision, life insurance, and growing vacation time

Salary Range: $35,000 – $38,000

📋 Requirements:

4-year degree in a related field or equivalent experience

Strong organizational, communication, and tech skills

Valid driver's license for regional travel

📅 Deadline to Apply: October 28, 2026

👉 View full details and find how to apply here:
https://www.ofrpc.org/newsDetail.php?Join-Our-Team-as-a-Community-Development-Specialist-603

Are you a highly organized and detail-oriented professional looking to make an impact? The Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission is seeking a dedicated Community Development Specialist to join our team in a full-time capacity (35 hours per week). This role is crucial in providing technical ex...

10/15/2026

City of Doniphan Formally Adopts “Doniphan 2027 Comprehensive Plan” to Guide Growth and Development Toward 2047 Bicentennial

DONIPHAN, MO — October 15, 2026 — On October 6, 2026, the Doniphan City Council formally passed Resolution #012, adopting the Doniphan 2027 Comprehensive Plan—a long-range guiding document designed to steer the city’s physical, economic, and community development through its upcoming 180th anniversary in 2027 and onward toward its bicentennial in 2047.

Developed under the leadership of Mayor Dennis Cox, the City Council, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and a dedicated Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), the "Doniphan 180" initiative marks a major milestone for the municipality. The project was produced in partnership with the Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission (OFRPC), engineering consultant Smith & Company, and funded through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the Missouri Department of Economic Development following recovery efforts from historic flooding.

A Vision for Growth, Resiliency, and Community Quality

The Doniphan 2027 Comprehensive Plan addresses key development categories vital to small-town vitality, including land use, transportation, infrastructure, economic stability, placemaking, public health, and ecological preservation.

“Through efficient and effective leadership, the City of Doniphan exists to provide quality services in an environment designed to encourage future prosperity,” the plan’s vision statement outlines. “It is a municipality founded on a strong fiscal government with a durable economy that recognizes the rights of all citizens, respects the local cultural heritage and environment, and supports its citizens in the pursuit of a healthy, active lifestyle.”

Key Priorities and Strategic Highlights
Placemaking & Downtown Enhancement: Capitalizing on Doniphan’s natural assets—specifically the Current River—the plan focuses on downtown revitalization, expanding riverfront features, enhancing public parks (such as the proposed Quick Creek floodable park), and creating walkable, appealing public spaces.

Housing & Infill Development: To combat housing burdens and demographic shifts, the plan highlights strategies for infill development, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), starter home development, and multi-family options supported by recent grant awards like the $4 million CDBG housing grant.

Infrastructure & Flood Resilience: Building on post-2017 flood recovery, the plan emphasizes critical water and sewer system upgrades—including backup well projects and lagoon capacity maintenance—to ensure long-term utility reliability and flood mitigation.

Multimodal Transportation & Safety: Comprehensive roadway and sidewalk enhancements prioritize pedestrian safety, crosswalk visibility, trail connectivity linking Riverfront Park to downtown, and regional traffic flow along major corridors including U.S. Highway 160.

Economic Diversification: Supporting local entrepreneurship, leveraging the Loyal Hood Industrial Park enterprise zone, and strengthening partnerships with regional stakeholders like the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce and Three Rivers College to build a resilient workforce.

Community-Driven Process
Community input served as the cornerstone of the planning process. Through public open houses, town halls, stakeholder interviews, and citywide surveys, Doniphan residents helped draft the 12 core guiding principles that form the foundation of the plan.

“This plan is a living document that belongs to the citizens of Doniphan,” said municipal officials. “It provides a roadmap that honors our rich history while proactively preparing our infrastructure, housing, and economy for the future.”

Accessing the Plan
The full Doniphan 2027 Comprehensive Plan document is available for public review at Doniphan City Hall (110 North Grand Street) and online athttps://www.ofrpc.org/cmsAdmin/uploads/2/doniphan-comprehensive-plan-100626-approved.pdf

10/14/2026

🏛️ GRANT OPPORTUNITY FOR SMALL MUSEUMS! 🏛️

Are you looking to expand learning experiences or improve collection care at your small museum? The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is currently offering the Inspire! Grants for Small Museums program!

This special initiative supports small museums in creating hands-on discovery opportunities and enhancing the management and preservation of their collections.

💡 Funding Details:
Small Projects: $5,000 – $25,000 (No cost-share requirement!)

Large Projects: $25,001 – $75,000 (Requires a 1:1 match)

Grant Period: Up to 3 years

🗓️ Application Deadline: November 13, 2026

🔗 Learn more and apply here: https://www.imls.gov/find-funding/funding-opportunities/grant-programs/inspire-grants-for-small-museums?fbclid=IwY2xjawU8w1VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mAXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4iLTREfMVSE4qjoXswNkCH4w5v2mQCSal0OWqjwhYoM13FhK6-MxLpz4NXdQ_aem_xWaIqRJxNbOzkMQZoBgqyg

Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your museum's impact and bring new projects to life! Spread the word to local museum professionals, historical societies, and community partners who might benefit.

10/09/2026

Just a friendly reminder that the Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission will be CLOSED on Monday, October 12th in observance of Columbus Day.

Regular hours resume on Tuesday, October 13th, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Thank you and have a safe holiday!

10/08/2026

WE’RE HIRING: Community Development Specialist 🏛️ regional impact, great benefits, and incredible work-life balance!

Are you organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about making a real difference across Southeast Missouri? The Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission is looking for a full-time Community Development Specialist to join our team in Poplar Bluff!

In this role, you’ll work directly with local cities, counties, and funding partners—preparing key grant applications, conducting project research, and helping bring critical community and economic development projects to life across our region.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us: ⏰ 35-hour work week with flexible scheduling (including possible 4-day work week options) 🏦 LA**RS Defined Benefit Pension Plan 🏥 Health, HSA, dental, vision & life insurance 🌴 Comp time accrual & growing vacation time 📚 Professional development & regional travel opportunities

Key Qualifications: ✔️ Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business, Community Development, Urban Planning, Political Science, Finance, or a related field (or equivalent experience) ✔️ Strong organizational, writing, and communication skills ✔️ Proficiency in MS Office & web-based software ✔️ Valid driver’s license for regional travel

💵 Salary: $35,000 – $38,000 / year

📲 HOW TO APPLY: Apply online via Indeed using the link in the first comment below! 👇

You can also submit your resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references directly to Executive Director Alan Lutes at [email protected] (Subject: Community Development Specialist Search) or mail/deliver them to our office at 3019 Fair Street, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.

🗓️ Deadline to Apply: October 28, 2026

The Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission is an equal opportunity employer. Women and minority applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

10/07/2026

Stay up to date on the trends shaping Missouri’s economy! 📈

The October edition of 's Economic Insights Newsletter is live. Dive into key state employment data, industry growth highlights, and actionable economic intelligence designed to support local businesses, community leaders, and economic developers across the state.

Read the newsletter and subscribe to future updates: lnks.gd/3/3bVT8vh

10/06/2026

Join Our Team as a Community Development Specialist

Are you a highly organized and detail-oriented professional looking to make an impact? The Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission is seeking a dedicated Community Development Specialist to join our team in a full-time capacity (35 hours per week). This role is crucial in providing technical expertise and support that contributes directly to our mission. The Specialist will perform a wide range of planning, grant preparation, and project administration duties. This includes direct interaction with member cities, counties, non-profit agencies, and state/federal funding partners, requiring excellent communication skills and a commitment to community development.

The OFRPC was created to facilitate the cooperative effort of its member municipalities and counties in solving problems and planning the future development of human, natural, and economic resources of the Ozark Foothills region. The Commission serves as a guide to local units of government in accomplishing a coordinated and efficient development of the region and the promotion of its public health, safety, general welfare, and economic prosperity in accordance with the area's existing and future needs.

Join an office culture that has great flexibility to achieve your ideal work/life balance and a rewarding benefits package. A 35-hour week, flexible schedule/possible 4-day work week, comp time accrual, MoLA**RS Defined Benefit Pension Plan, health insurance/Health Savings Account, dental/vision insurance opportunity, life insurance, and vacation time that grows with years of service. Additionally, professional development opportunities are available.

Salary Range: $35,000–$38,000

In this role, you will:
• Prepare grant applications for assigned projects and programs including agencies such as the Economic Development Administration, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Department of Economic Development, Community Development Block Grant, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Delta Regional Authority, and National Park Service.
• Conduct research, financial analyses, budgets, needs assessments, and project completion reports.
• Prepare periodic and annual progress reports for active projects and programs.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with local elected officials, city/county staff, and partners from regional, state, and federal organizations.
• Identify and secure project opportunities and funding proposals that support regional community needs and agency initiatives.
• Travel regularly within the OFRPC region, with occasional overnight travel to statewide meetings and conferences in Jefferson City and beyond.
We are looking for someone with:
• A related 4-year degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Community Development, Urban and Regional Planning, Public Policy, Political Science, Geography (GIS), Finance, Economics, Sociology, Marketing, or a closely related field (or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience).
• Expertise in Microsoft Office applications, technology, and web-based software.
• Superior organizational and time management abilities to handle multiple priorities seamlessly.
• Outstanding interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate a motor vehicle for regional travel.

How to Apply:
Please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter, along with three professional references, by October 28, 2026 to:

Community Development Specialist Search
Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission
3019 Fair Street Poplar Bluff, MO 63901

Or submit via e-mail to Alan Lutes, Executive Director, at [email protected] with the subject title Community Development Specialist Search.

The Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission is an equal opportunity employer. Women and minority applicants are strongly encouraged.