About
Three Rivers Planning & Development District (Three Rivers) is a private, non-profit organization formed by local government entities and business leaders to promote overall economic development, foster responsible short- and long-term community planning, and aid general civic, social, and economic development.
Under the leadership of Vernon R. (Randy) Kelley, III, Three Rivers promotes, administers, and interprets a wide variety of programs that fall under the jurisdiction of various state and federal agencies.
Three Rivers, working with its Local Government, Community and Business Partners has created and serves as the administrative and fiscal agent for multiple entities to assist in Community and Economic Development.
Three Rivers’ core service area includes Calhoun, Chickasaw, Itawamba, Lafayette, Lee, Monroe, Pontotoc, and Union counties in northeast Mississippi.
However, several of our divisions provide services and support beyond the aforementioned eight counties.
- GM&O Rails-to-Trails Recreational District of North Mississippi
- Mississippi Access to Care (MAC)
- Three Rivers Local Development Company, Inc.
- The PUL Alliance
- Three Rivers Community Development Entity
- Itawamba Mississippian Railway, LLC
- CodeRED®️ Weather Warning
- Three Rivers Agency on Aging
- The Mississippi Partnership for Workforce Development, Inc.
- Three Rivers Solid Waste Management Authority
- North Mississippi Mayors Association
- Three Rivers Community Investment, Inc.
- Enhance Mississippi, LLC
Three Rivers has provided valuable assistance to its economic and community development partners since its inception in 1971 and will continue to play a primary role as the region continues to grow and develop.
Three Rivers takes pride in being creative, innovative, and proactive in regards to the provision of its services and recognizes the vital role of partnerships.
What is a Planning & Development District?
A planning and development district (PDD) is a regional organization typically formed by a group of local governments, including cities, towns, and counties, to address common economic and community development issues. These districts are established to facilitate coordinated planning and implementation of development projects that transcend individual municipal boundaries. By pooling resources and expertise, planning and development districts can effectively tackle larger-scale initiatives such as infrastructure improvements, workforce development, environmental conservation, and economic diversification.
Planning and development districts play a crucial role in fostering regional cooperation and ensuring that development efforts are strategically aligned with the needs and goals of the area they serve. They often provide technical assistance, grant writing, and project management services to local governments and other stakeholders. Additionally, PDDs engage in data collection and analysis, helping to inform decision-making processes and policy formulation. By serving as a central hub for regional planning, these districts help to streamline efforts, attract investment, and drive sustainable growth that benefits the broader community.
