Greene County Development Corporation and Greene County Extension and Outreach are sponsoring a second strategic population planning public meeting tonight.

Chamber Executive Director Ken Paxton says that tonight’s meeting will be divided into three sections.  The first part will be a presentation by Iowa State University Director of Regional Economics and Community Analysis Liesl Eathington.  She will talk about the results of a study she did about Greene County’s population trends to give participants a solid numbers look at what is currently happening within the county’s population infrastructure.

The next part of the discussion will be the public’s chance to voice their opinions about the declining population in Greene County.  Paxton states that he wants to hear what the strengths and weaknesses are from the public.  He comments that this part will be a brainstorming session, so all ideas will be heard and feedback will be needed.

The final part of the evening will cover some ideas that are already in place.  Paxton notes that after he takes in the public’s input, he will talk about some plans and programs already occurring to help increase the county’s population.

The bottom line, Paxton adds, is tonight’s meeting is a brainstorming session and everyone needs to attend to get their voices heard and ideas can be mentioned to help grow Greene County’s population.  The meeting starts at 6pm in the City Hall Council Chambers in Jefferson.