New Nurmed director pitches regional data, technical help and possible membership support for Madison County housing needs

Thompson, introduced at the meeting as the new executive director of the Northern Rocky Mountain Economic Development District, told Madison County commissioners he intends to continue and expand the district's technical-assistance work in the region. Thompson said Nurmed has supported local initiatives over the past decade, including housing assessments, assistance for the Twin Bridges affordable housing project and technical funding for parking and infrastructure work.

Thompson described Nurmed as a federally designated economic-development district that receives most of its funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and noted the office is exploring a stronger membership model to support ongoing services. He said Nurmed is awaiting the outcome of a partnership-planning grant from the EDA and that the district provides economic-impact assessments and other data tools for local planning.

Commissioners and Thompson discussed the previous role Nurmed played in funding or overseeing a housing coordinator position and whether the county should assume or fund such a role going forward. Thompson suggested the county could be asked to consider membership or targeted support but said no formal request was on the table during the meeting.

Why it matters: Rural counties often rely on regional technical assistance for grant writing, housing analysis and planning. Nurmed's capacity to provide data and project support may help Madison County develop projects and compete for state or federal funding.

Thompson said Nurmed hopes to continue collaborating with Madison County and will follow up with commissioners about membership and potential technical assistance offers; no formal funding request was made at the work session.