Mark Twain Regional Review - March 2026
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The March edition of the Mark Twain Regional Review highlights several projects and initiatives happening across Northeast Missouri. These updates reflect continued progress in infrastructure investment, community development, and regional collaboration.
For the Moberly area, several key highlights demonstrate how regional partnerships and funding programs are helping move local projects forward.
$321,000 in CDBG Funding Awarded to the City of Moberly
One of the most notable updates for our community is the announcement that the City of Moberly has been awarded $321,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for a commercial demolition project.
These funds will support the removal of blighted or underutilized commercial structures, helping prepare sites for redevelopment and future investment. Projects like this are an important step in revitalizing properties, improving community appearance, and creating opportunities for new economic activity.
Community Development Block Grant funding is administered through the Missouri Department of Economic Development, and projects are supported regionally through the Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments (MTRCOG).
Randolph County Leadership Recognized
Randolph County also received statewide recognition when Presiding Commissioner Sid Conklin was named the 2025 County Commissioner of the Year by the County Commissioners Association of Missouri (CCAM).
This award recognizes Commissioner Conklin’s leadership and dedication to strengthening county government and improving collaboration across Missouri communities.
Strong local leadership plays a critical role in advancing economic development initiatives and supporting projects that improve quality of life for residents.
Regional Safety Initiatives Include Randolph County
Another important initiative highlighted in the newsletter is the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program, which will analyze roadway safety data and help develop strategies to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
Through this program, Randolph County is one of several counties participating in a regional safety planning effort, alongside Macon, Marion, and Ralls Counties. The project will identify risk areas and develop proactive solutions to improve transportation safety across the region.
Programs like SS4A help communities become more competitive for future federal transportation funding while improving safety for residents and visitors.
Regional Collaboration Continues to Deliver Results
Across the eight-county Mark Twain Region, more than $2.7 million in Community Development Block Grant funding was awarded to support community infrastructure, demolition, and public facility improvements.
These investments are helping communities address long-standing infrastructure needs, redevelop properties, and prepare sites for future growth.
Regional organizations like the Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments play an important role in supporting communities by providing technical assistance, grant administration, and planning services that help local governments successfully implement projects.
Looking Ahead: Regional Economic Development Summit
Community leaders and economic development professionals will gather on March 31, 2026, for the Regional Economic Development Summit at the Mark Twain RDC Multi-Purpose Building in Perry.
The summit will bring together funding agencies, economic development professionals, and community leaders to discuss:
Workforce development strategies
Available state and federal funding resources
Practical tools communities can use to support economic growth
Events like this help strengthen partnerships across the region and provide valuable insights that can be applied locally.
Strengthening the Moberly Region
Economic development is strongest when communities work together. From grant funding and infrastructure improvements to leadership recognition and regional planning initiatives, the progress highlighted in the Mark Twain Regional Review demonstrates the value of collaboration across Northeast Missouri.
The Moberly Area Economic Development Corporation is proud to work alongside regional partners to support projects that strengthen Randolph County and position our communities for future success.
📄 You can read the full March edition of the Mark Twain Regional Review below.