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JDA presents annual report; relocation guide and 'RealVita' recruitment campaign expand employer tools
Summary
The Walsh County JDA updated the commission on workforce and housing initiatives, including a new relocation guide and regional 'RealVita' marketing campaign aimed at recruiting workers and supporting employers with relocation and training resources.
The Walsh County Job Development Authority (JDA) presented its 2024 annual report and an updated regional relocation guide tied to the "RealVita" (regional recruitment) campaign. The board highlighted workforce, housing and child-care initiatives that aim to help employers recruit and retain workers.
Highlights from the report - RealVita/relocation guide: The initiative offers a regional brand, a website, social media channels and a condensed printed relocation guide intended for employers, new hires and visitors. The guide and campaign aim to communicate local housing, schools, health care and community amenities to prospective residents and relocating workers. - Spark-build housing and housing study: The JDA referenced a 2024 rural housing study that found Walsh County needs roughly 1,200 housing units by 2030 to meet workforce demand. The JDA supports spark-build pilot projects that create single-family housing in small towns; the presentation noted completed pilot homes that sold before construction finished. - Child care center: The JDA helped assemble financing and partners for a county childcare center. The provider opened in February with initial licensing for 65 slots and enrollment around 51to 52 children; capital costs for the renovated building totaled about $1.37 million. Fundraising, donated commitments and state support have narrowed an earlier funding gap to roughly $55,000 at the time of the meeting, the JDA said. - Workforce programs: The JDA continues to operate and promote internship programs and the Career Builders program (which provides employer matching funds for scholarships or student loan repayment). The board said local uptake of these workforce incentives is strong.
Why it matters: JDA staff told commissioners the programs link directly to employer recruitment and retention, efforts to increase housing supply, and to expand child-care capacity that supports employees. The JDA framed these projects as necessary to sustain local employers and to increase taxable population and sales tax receipts.
Commission response: Commissioners praised the JDA for the work and requested continued updates as projects (spark-build phases and childcare fundraising) progress.
Provenance: JDA director Stacy presented the annual report and relocation guide during the June 17 meeting; the presentation and associated questions are recorded in the transcript.
