Sebascott's model of rural development evolved from the workshop series, but also benefits from contributions of the Rocky Mountain Institute (the first four principles of economic development), the Rural Economic Policy Program of the Aspen Institute (the triangle design), and Tupelo, Mississippi (recognition that building civic capacity is the base upon which other efforts build).

Geographic Scope
Sebascott serves the rural portions of Sebastian and Scott Counties. We will make opportunities available to any interested people and communities.

• Legal Structure:
  Incorporate as a non-profit by year-end 1997.
  • Certificate of Incorporation was granted by the Secretary of State on July 11, 1997.
  
  

• Board Development:
  Create a permanent and active board of director that represents the area geographically.
  • A board of directors was elected on August 14, 1997. The board then elected officers.
    
  • Training program for the board: TCOC (Training Community Organizations for Change) was started in September of 1997, twelve members of the board participated in the 10 month program which included seven state meetings and two local meeting.
  
  

• Financial Development:
  Several grants were received to initiate the funding for the strategic plan. Additional grants were received to fund the training and operation of the Council. Grants are to be written as funds are needed.
  

• Establish Office For Operations:
  • The City of Mansfield agreed to house and share an office on a cost share basis.
    
  • The City of Mansfield also agreed to share their Economic Development Coordinator to serve as Executive Director of the Council.
  
  

• Civic Capacity:
  Develop leadership of local people:
  • The Council has participated in the TCOC Program with twelve people taking part.
    
  • Currently, twelve people are participating in the Vision-2010 Program.
  
  

• Stewardship:
  
  • Best utilization of the areas resources was addressed in beautification, area clean-ups, Arbor Day celebrations, and flood plain management.
    
    • Twice annually, large dumpsters are made available for disposition of large items (old appliances, etc.) and trash.
      
    • Arbor Day celebrations are held at local schools with tree plantings.
      
    • Flood plain studies of Mansfield, Huntington, and Hackett were made available to the respective cities.
  • Coordinate and publicize area arts, culture, and events.
    
    • Various committees were appointed and are currently working on Trails and Recreation, City Signs, Coop Prairie Cemetery, Cherokee Cemetery, and Dixie Theater, as well as Program, Financial, Economic Evaluation, and Arts, Culture, and Historic Committees.
  
  

• Economic Development:
  
  • An effort was made to increase jobs by developing and retaining local businesses.
    • Two new businesses have located in Mansfield, the Dollar Store and the Truck Stop (Texaco), resulting in 28 new jobs. The Northwest Regional Juvenile Program Facility has increased jobs by 42 this fall.
      
    • The installation of the NW Scott Rural Water System resulted in as many as 48 jobs in the area during 1999.
      
  • Improve water and waste water infrastructure.
    • Install the NW Scott County Rural Water System and the Mansfield in-town improvements. This was completed in late 1999 with approximately 200 new customers for the Mansfield Water System and a new water tank holding 750,000 gallons. This tank will provide an extended supply of water in case of emergency and possibly reduce the ISO Insurance Rating for those on the system.
      
    • Extend natural gas to residences, poultry operations, businesses, and industry. AOG extended their natural gas lines in NW Scott County along with the installation of the water system.
      
    • South Sebastian County Water Users Association extended their lines to customers in their area that was not served, resulting in approximately 500 new services.
      
    • Regional Waste Water Systems were proposed.
      
    • Preliminary Planning was done on a sewer system for Hartford with treatment being done at Mansfield.
      
    • Preliminary discussions were held for a sewer system for Bonanza with treatment being done at Poteau, OK.