Sustainable, Community-Driven Development

Early last year, SOCM members and other community members worked to defeat a proposed sand mine in Grundy county using the County Powers Act. Towards the end of 2023, the same company, Tinsley Properties, put forward another mine proposal in Marion county. Residents quickly came together and contacted SOCM for support. Unfortunately, despite an attendance of over 100 residents (most of whom were against the quarry), Marion County Commissioners voted against adopting the County Powers Act, which would have protected residents in unincorporated areas from "nuisances" such as quarrying within a mile of where they live. 

 

In January, we held a packed house strategy meeting to discuss next steps. Two exciting things came from that meeting: First, there was consensus around a long term campaign focused on bringing together unincorporated communities across the South Cumberland Plateau around a community-informed vision for development and to work to pass policies that allow greater community participation in development decisions. Second, this group of Marion, Franklin and Grundy county residents voted to form the newest SOCM chapter! There is an amazing group of leaders in the community with a great amount of knowledge and energy around this work. 

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If you are facing a similar situation in your community and are interested in learning how to organize for a community-driven vision, contact us.