East Alabama Action Commission

On May 8, 2007, Governor Bob Riley unveiled a strategic initiative for improving the quality of life in Alabama's rural communities. Governor Riley announced the formation of the Alabama Rural Action Commission and the establishment of eight regional Rural Action Commissions that coincide with or combine regional council service areas. (Regional Rural Action Commission map).

The Alabama Rural Action Commission initiative was based on the Governor's Black Belt Action Commission, which he created in 2004. The Black Belt Action Commission coordinates volunteers, who worked together to improve health, education and living standards in Alabama's Black Belt counties.

The eight regional Rural Action Commissions, with the assistance of the State's regional councils, are intended to stimulate community engagement in economic development, establish new partnerships, develop measurable objectives for improving quality of life throughout the respective regions, and emphasize regional partnerships, using the experience, leadership, and resources of the regional councils. The initiative focuses on developing strategies for priorities such as economic development, health care, and education in rural areas of the state.

On August 30, 2007, Governor Riley came to Anniston for the kick-off meeting of the East Alabama Action Commission, which was held at the Anniston City Meeting Center. Over 300 local officials and citizens were present at the event. (Anniston Star article) The East Alabama Action Commission coincides with the ten-county service area of the East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission. The East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission provides staff support and facilitates meetings of the East Alabama Action Commission and its committee structure.

Governor Riley appointed the following committee chairs:

Regional Co-Chairs:

Congressman Mike Rogers
Mayor Anna Berry of Heflin

Deputy Chair:

Bill Curtis, Executive Director, East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission

Education Committee Chair:

Dr. William A. Meehan, President, Jacksonville State University

Economic Development Committee:

Probate Judge Terry Mitchell, Coosa County
Mr. Pat Shaddix, Director, Center for Economic Development, Jacksonville State University
Ms. Valerie Gray, Director, Chambers County Industrial Development Authority

Culture, Heritage, and Tourism Committee:

Mr. W. Peter Conroy, Director, Environmental Policy and Information Center, Jacksonville State University
Ms. Nikki Owen Smallwood, Cleburne County