BACKGROUND

On a national and global level, the current economic environment requires metropolitan areas to collaborate on an unprecedented scale to remain competitive. Our metropolitan area is uniquely challenged by its tri-state geographic footprint and the challenges that come with coordinating and working together across multiple state jurisdictions.

In the past, no formal organization existed authoritatively to bring the region together to work collaboratively on truly regional challenges, priorities and opportunities. 

RegionSmart, established in 2019 as a 501(c)3, has been productive in establishing a solid track record of creating an ecosystem of people, projects, and resources to support the building of stronger, sustainable communities in the MidSouth. One of our established efforts is the Mid-South Mayors’ Council, a collection of over one dozen Mayors in the region.


OPPORTUNITY

The Mid-South Mayors’ Council is proposing the formation of the RegionSmart Tri-State Compact Initiative (the “Agency”) to focus on unlocking regional opportunities, setting priorities, and attracting support and funding to benefit the entire region.

The U.S. Constitution authorizes states to enter into Interstate Compacts (“Compact”), which are agreements between States to accomplish certain shared objectives. There are several Compacts creating Agencies around the Country, and more are proposed by metro regions crossing state lines.

A Compact is approved by passing legislation in the States setting forth the agreement or Compact, and then having the U.S. Congress “consent” to the Compact. The passage of the appropriate legislation creates the District and the Agency.

The RegionSmart Tri-State Compact Initiative would be devoted exclusively to regional issues as agreed upon by the States. The Compact would in no way interfere or prevent any jurisdiction from pursuing their own projects and priorities as they currently do; the sole purpose is to maximize the competitiveness of the region on truly regional priorities.

The RegionSmart Tri-State Compact Initiative would be governed by an equal number of Commissioners from each state. Any project would have to be approved by a majority of Commissioners in each of the three states, thereby ensuring true regional support. The Agency will have the authority and autonomy to pursue projects approved by its Commissioners. It will not compete with existing jurisdictions or other entities in the region; rather, the purpose is to bring more resources and investment to key issues that the entire region supports.


TIMING

The federal government has made clear that regional cooperation across state lines is a key component of successful grant and funding strategies. We saw this in the American Recovery Act and locally in the TIGER grant awarded for the Main to Main project connected via the Harahan Bridge.


PRIORITIES

The RegionSmart Tri-State Compact Initiative (“Agency”) will leverage shared resources and constituencies to advance the district. It will build on the distinct and unique attributes of the MidSouth. It will lead efforts to implement these priorities by utilizing the abilities granted to it. The Agency will enhance the economic viability and quality of life in many ways, specifically through:

Collaboration

  • Convene representatives/leaders from across state lines (DOTs, MPOs, Planning Professionals, Industry Leaders, etc) and build relationships to participate in a collective vision for the region, increase competitiveness, and expedite implementation.

  • Create a repository of all municipality and regional plans to coordinate joint efforts, leverage investments, and achieve best practices through access, sharing, and alignment.

Funding

  • Serve as a federal grant fund applicant to greatly expand and attract federal funding dollars and opportunities

  • Eventually issue bonds for approved projects based on its abilities to generate funding and repayment generated by such projects.

Infrastructure

  • Lead efforts to create a regional infrastructure priority list.

  • Conduct economic impact studies of projects throughout the region

Implementation

  • Prioritize, champion, and potentially lead regional projects when supported by a minimum of three commissioners in each of the three states in order to be taken on by the new entity.