Freedom West Community Development Corporation

PROJECT PURPOSE

The purpose of the Legacy Project 2 is to create a "Farm to Fork" Retail Network and Restaurant Project that will: revitalize two commercial lots in the downtown arts district of Alva, remove blight, create 40+ jobs, add value to agricultural production in the Northwest Oklahoma region, increase sales tax collections for the city, county, and state, add quality of life amenities to the region, reduce weaknesses in the consumer food pipeline, support the economic opportunities of vulnerable populations, reduce food miles, improve dietary nutrition, and positively impact the carbon footprint of the global food production and distribution system. Freedom West Community Development Corporation has a 21-year history of providing services and programs to the northwest Oklahoma region through economic development projects, community improvement projects, production and preservation of affordable housing projects, and by working closely with city and county governments to address the needs of the public. The global pandemic has highlighted the weaknesses in the food production and distribution system in the U.S. and rural regions have experienced an increase in food deserts (USDA definition 30+ miles to a grocery store). Global supply chain problems have negatively impacted agriculture. The Legacy Project will positively impact these problems. Evidence can be provided upon request.

EVIDENCE

USDA indicates that food production and distribution systems are at risk of supply chain disruptions, and that a more direct line between the producer and the consumer needs to be developed, even in rural regions. Northwest Oklahoma is home to multiple "food deserts" according to the USDA. Every development organization and the USDA has indicated that vulnerable populations are most at risk for poor nutrition/dietary access, and due to Covid has experienced job and income loss. Due to Covid, sales tax collections have also decreased significantly over the past 20 months, and four restaurants have closed (City of Alva reports). Evidence can be provided in additional documents upon request.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

According to the U.S. 2020 Census, the majority of the counties in northwest Oklahoma have experienced significant income loss and poverty rate increases. Woods County's poverty rate is now at 15.2% for example. These rates are increasing due to job loss, oil/gas sector decline, and Covid's primary and secondary economic impact on area businesses. The hospitality industry has taken a direct hit due to Covid (US Dept. of Labor). Additionally, the ethnic minority population has increased in all northwest Oklahoma counties as well, while educational attainment rates have dropped or remained stagnant (OSRHE). Covid has affected regional households by job loss, loss of childcare options, and the loss of economic opportunity (overall reduction in employment options). The Legacy Project will add 40+ jobs upon completion, and these include on-site at the Legacy Project, and will increase the number of jobs for small businesses and agricultural producers on the farm/home. Finally, the Legacy Project will add value to agricultural production by creating a direct producer/consumer pipeline for food products.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

The evaluation metrics that will be used to measure impact and performance are as follows: 1. tracking of number of jobs created on-site at Legacy Project and at each producer's location/farm per year 2. tracking of increased sales tax collections annually for city/county collections on-site at Legacy Project 3. track removal of blight upon construction of the new facility on the downtown square-commercial district 4. increased household incomes for each employee on site at Legacy Project and on the farm for producers

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma