6 Regions, One Nebraska discusses new leadership and housing for Madison County

NORFOLK, Neb. -- 6 Regions, One Nebraska is a new approach suited to a new era of economic development and guided by the ideas and insights of surrounding area leaders.

Northeast Navigator Denise Wilkinson spoke in depth on the specific people involved during the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet.

6 Regions, One Nebraska is a brand-new program that has partnered with the Governor's office, State Department of Economic Development, and the Nebraska Chamber. 

6 Regions, One Nebraska Northeast Navigator Denise Wilkinson said, “This is to help workforce needs like  child care, quality of life, and leadership skills for all of Nebraska.”

As part of that program, Northeast Community College also identified building leadership skills for young people interested in becoming elected officials and recognizing the housing shortage. 

President Leah Barrett of Northeast Community College emphasized, “We want to work together by Identifying opportunities with in our community," said Leah Barrett, president of Northeast Community College. "We want to learn how we can make affordable housing for anyone wanting to move here or grow their families in our communities.”

The is program is growing and is still in its beginning stages. In order to move forward and be successful with everything they have planned, they have applied for a grant funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.

“Once we receive the grant, this will help us train everyone and bring them up to speed with our 6 Region system," Wilkinson said. "We plan to have training portals, bring in success stories, and we will tie it to innovating housing needing code barriers.” 

To help tackle this housing crises and code barriers within the community, 6 Regions, One Nebraska is considering using a method by South Sioux City. They have developed a housing kit which allows the purchaser to pour concrete in and have a complete house within three months. 

“To do this right we need involvement. Until we talk to the community leaders and housing agencies, we do not know where to put our focus on," Wilkinson said. "The end goal of 6 Regions, One Nebraska is not the success of projects. Success will be measured when each community collaborates, shares resources, and works together to make Nebraska an even better place to work, live, and play.”