HINTON, (Hinton News) – The City of Hinton has been chosen as one of only 10 communities across the country to join the Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge (RPIC) cohort. According to a press release from the Housing Assistance Council (HAC), RPIC is a USDA program: the program funds “planning support, technical assistance and training to encourage placemaking activities in rural communities.
Each chosen community will receive 15 months of support, including capacity-building support, seed grant funding and connection to a peer cohort. A collective gathering for the cohort is scheduled for May 2023 in Alabama for “hands-on rural placemaking training.”
The HAC press release states, “HAC’s RPIC cohort will engage with a curriculum that emphasizes placemaking as a tool for economic development and community cohesion. Community-identified needs will inform the curriculum. In May 2023, the cohort will gather in Newbern, AL, to learn alongside Auburn Rural Studio faculty, students, and partner organizations.”
Hinton is one of two communities from West Virginia participating in RPIC, the second being Philippi. Each area has a specific goal for the program, and according to Candice Helms, Executive Assistant for the City of Hinton, the town is focusing on tourism and economic development. HAC notes, “RPIC will help Hinton’s city government navigate affordable housing, historic preservation, and other opportunities – especially the prioritization of community needs.” Helms said, “We are thrilled!”
Hinton News will provide updates on this project as information becomes available.
