ThreeStar: ourcompetitive edge
At the heart of a competitive economic development strategy is community development. The ThreeStar program strengthens community assets so Roane competes at a higher level.
- 5
- Scored focus areas
- 4%
- Ability-to-pay discount
- Annual
- Evaluation & activity plan
- Local
- Led by JECD boards
Five measures of a community that competes
The State of Tennessee identified these areas as critical to the success of its communities. Roane County's ThreeStar work is organized around them.
Recruiting, retaining and expanding employers that raise county wages.
Sound budgets and efficient services that keep the county investment worthy.
Safe communities as a precondition for residential and business growth.
A talent pipeline built with schools, TCAT and Roane State.
Healthier residents, stronger families and a more resilient workforce.
Community development is economic development.
What participation earns Roane County
Participation is based on an annual evaluation and activity plan. Local community leaders and Joint Economic and Community Development Boards implement activities that improve the county's competitiveness in a global economy. Participating counties — and the cities within them — earn a four-percent discount on both the business development and community development ability-to-pay calculations (CDBG and FastTrack) for eligible projects each qualifying year.
Only cities in an actively participating county are eligible for the Tennessee Downtowns program. An annual grant for Tier 2 and Tier 3 counties provides seed money for activities focused on health and welfare, public safety, and education and workforce development.
- Based on annual evaluation and activity plan
- Driven by local community leaders and Joint Economic and Community Development (JECD) Boards
- Benefit: 4% discount on business development and community development ability-to-pay calculations (CDBG and FastTrack) for eligible projects, each qualifying year
- Tennessee Downtowns program eligibility requires the county to be an active ThreeStar participant
- Annual seed-money grant available for Tier 2 and Tier 3 counties (for program activities, not general operating expenses)
Measured against ourselves, not against our neighbors
Each year TNECD provides participating counties with a scorecard documenting progress indicators across the five focus areas. The scorecard tracks movement toward the goals set locally by community leaders and JECD boards.
The scorecard and activity plan assess and reward each county on its own progress in the three scored areas of its ThreeStar Activity Plan. Counties address local issues with proven solutions, collaborating with other communities to share best practices and resources.
See the year in numbers
A snapshot of Roane County's economy and an in-depth view of the Alliance's most active, successful programming.