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MAEDC Advocates for Randolph County at Missouri Northeast Legislative Days

  • Jan 22
  • 3 min read

The Moberly Area Economic Development Corporation (MAEDC) recently joined partners from across the region at the Missouri State Capitol for the annual Missouri Northeast Legislative Days. As an active member of the 14-county Missouri Northeast Development Partnership, MAEDC worked alongside regional peers to advocate for policies that directly impact Randolph County and rural Northeast Missouri.


Legislative Days, held January 20–21, 2026, provided an important opportunity to meet with state leaders, legislative staff, and agency partners to elevate the priorities that matter most to our local employers, workforce, and communities.


While Missouri Northeast leads as a regional coalition, MAEDC’s focus remains clear: ensuring that Randolph County’s voice is heard and that state policies align with our local economic development goals.

Elevating Randolph County’s Priorities at the Capitol


During two days of meetings and conversations, MAEDC emphasized that rural communities require thoughtful investment and practical solutions. Together with Missouri Northeast partners, our message was consistent: rural Missouri deserves strong infrastructure, workforce support, and competitive economic development tools.


The Missouri Northeast 2026 Public Policy Agenda centers around four key focus areas that directly align with MAEDC’s local priorities: Grow, Make, Move, and Connect.

GROW: Strengthening Workforce and Community Foundations


MAEDC supports policies that strengthen the people and systems that allow Randolph County to thrive.


Key priorities include:

  • Expanding apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship pathways

  • Strengthening connections between K–12 education, post-secondary institutions, and employers

  • Reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens related to childcare while maintaining safety

  • Expanding workforce housing tools to increase market-rate housing availability in rural communities


One proposal we are closely monitoring is HB1716/SB1105, which would establish a Rural Workforce Housing Fund providing competitive matching grants for nonprofit-administered housing investment funds. Workforce housing remains a critical need for business retention, recruitment, and long-term community growth in Randolph County.

MAKE: Keeping Randolph County Competitive


Economic competitiveness begins with preparedness. Supporting continued investment in site development and infrastructure ensures Randolph County remains ready for new industry and expansion opportunities.


Priorities include:

  • Continued funding for the statewide Industrial Site Development Grant Program

  • Investment in modern and reliable utility infrastructure

  • Support for Missouri Works, Missouri One Start, and Missouri Fast Track


These tools are essential for positioning Randolph County as competitive within Missouri and nationally.

MOVE: Infrastructure that Supports Growth


Reliable transportation infrastructure supports both existing employers and future recruitment efforts. MAEDC supports:

  • Investment in safe and efficient transportation systems

  • Continued funding for public port authorities and multimodal industrial development

  • Rail spur development and improved rail access


Infrastructure investments directly impact our ability to support manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, and distribution industries throughout our region.

CONNECT: Expanding Access and Opportunity


Economic growth depends on access to modern essentials. MAEDC supports continued investment in:

  • Broadband expansion across rural communities

  • Recreation and tourism initiatives that strengthen community vitality

  • Rural healthcare access and workforce development


These quality-of-life investments are critical to attracting talent, supporting families, and ensuring long-term economic sustainability.

Why Rural Impact Looks Different


One important message shared during Legislative Days is that the scale of impact in rural Missouri looks different than in metropolitan areas. Even modest job growth or capital investment can have transformative economic effects in rural communities.


For example, adding 20 jobs in rural Northeast Missouri counties can equate to thousands of jobs in larger metropolitan markets. That perspective matters when it comes to funding decisions, evaluation metrics, and statewide priorities.


For Randolph County, every project matters. Every employer expansion matters. Every infrastructure investment matters.

MAEDC’s Ongoing Commitment


Legislative Days are not just about two days in Jefferson City. They are part of a year-round effort to:

  • Strengthen relationships with state leaders and agency partners

  • Advocate for policies that support business attraction, retention, and expansion

  • Secure competitive tools that enhance Randolph County’s readiness

  • Ensure rural Missouri remains a priority in statewide conversations


Through our partnership with Missouri Northeast, MAEDC continues to elevate Randolph County’s voice and advocate for practical, results-driven solutions that strengthen our local economy.


Rural Missouri is worth investing in, and MAEDC is proud to help lead that effort.



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