What is REDI?

REDI is a regional economic development initiative formed by the Southwest Tennessee Development District. It is focused on creating regional collaboration in West Tennessee.

The goal of REDI is to create a public/private sector partnership in this region of West Tennessee to address issues that affect job creation and quality of life for West Tennessee citizens. Representatives from 14 communities in West Tennessee came together last fall in a three-day conference to discuss ways we could work together as a region to make West Tennessee better. Twelve counties signed on to be a part of REDI. The leadership of these counties is looking beyond county lines to create a unique vision for this region that’s distinctive and progressive. This forward thinking philosophy is critical to the success and growth of West Tennessee. The 12 counties individually represent average rural communities but together, as a region, the population notably becomes 340,350…..making us the 4th largest “county” in the state. The consensus is that the future of economic development for this region is linked to transforming the educational culture and improving access to higher education for both youth and adults. The REDI College Access Program is one of the key components of this regional initiative. Other programs include wider access to broadband capabilities and other economic drivers that will move this region ahead.

The 12 counties represented by REDI are indicated on the map below. For a specific contact for any of these counties, simply click on the county. The contacts for REDI are: