USDA Rural Development Mississippi: A Focus on Dr. Trina N. George’s Work

USDA Rural Development Mississippi: A Focus on Dr. Trina N. George’s Work

In Mississippi, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development office is led by State Director Dr. Trina N. George. Dr. George was first appointed to this role in 2009 and reappointed in 2022 under the Biden Administration. With her work, she has facilitated affordable housing, improved infrastructure, and overall, contributed significantly to the state’s economic development.

Background of Dr. Trina N. George

Dr. George boasts an impressive education background, holding an undergraduate degree from Mississippi Valley State University, a master’s degree from Mississippi State University, and a PhD in Public Policy and Administration from Walden University. Additionally, she earned a specialized certification in Creating Collaborative Solutions: Innovations in Governance from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Executive Education.

Prior to assuming her role at USDA, Dr. George worked extensively in the non-profit sector and in U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson’s office for more than 15 years. She is the first African American woman to serve as a state director for Rural Development. She is the mother of three children, all of whom serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The Role of USDA Rural Development State Director

As State Director, Dr. George is responsible for implementing programs and projects aimed at improving infrastructure, creating jobs, and supporting businesses in rural regions. These initiatives stimulate economic growth, increase access to essential services like healthcare and education, and enhance the overall quality of life for rural Mississippi residents.

In the fiscal year 2023, Dr. George led the Mississippi Rural Development Single-Family Housing team to a record-breaking achievement of obligating more than $46.9 million in funding. She attributed this success to key strategies such as forging partnerships with governments, non-profit organizations, and private developers; exploring alternative financing options; streamlining processes; and promoting awareness about affordable housing resources.

Rural Development in Mississippi

Dr. George noted that eighty percent of Mississippi is rural. These small, underserved communities face several challenges such as aging infrastructure, inadequate housing, and a lack of access to healthcare services. In terms of education, Mississippi ranks in the lower half of the country. Internet access also remains a major problem, with the state ranking amongst the lowest in terms of high-speed internet access.

USDA Rural Development, under Dr. George’s leadership, has made direct investments that improve rural clinics and hospitals, provide distance learning and telemedicine funding for healthcare facilities and school systems, replace aging water infrastructure, and expand high-speed internet access.

Spreading Awareness about the Role of USDA in Mississippi

While USDA is well-known in Mississippi, many residents are unaware of the extensive services it provides. To rectify this, Dr. George emphasized the importance of accessibility. Her team carries out regular outreach programs such as the “Buy It, Build It, Fix It” series, which brings program specialists directly to small rural communities to answer questions and assist with the funding application process.

Importance of Public Service and Community Engagement

Dr. George reiterated that anyone in public service must have a heart for serving people, irrespective of their racial, socioeconomic, or political background. Building bridges between public and private sector interests requires building coalitions to achieve the common goal of improving the quality of life for rural Mississippians. Her work in the city government and the USDA has reaffirmed this belief and helped her effect positive change in the state.