Mississippi County Celebrates 100th Home Sold Through “Work Here. Live Here.” Program
MISSISSIPPI COUNTY, Ark. (September 16, 2024) – The Mississippi County “Work Here. Live Here.” (WHLH) housing incentive program celebrated the 100th home sold through the program today with a special ceremony in Gosnell’s Diamond Pointe Subdivision. In two years, WHLH has fueled $26.7 million in home sales and construction across Mississippi County from 100 homes in nine different towns and cities.
WHLH offers up to $50,000 off the cost of a new home and up to $25,000 off an existing home. The program has not only attracted new residents from states such as Illinois, Texas and Louisiana, but also created first-time home-buying opportunities for more than 60 county residents.
During the event, Mississippi County Judge John Alan Nelson officially declared September 16 as “Work Here. Live Here.” Day and presented the proclamation to Marcy Skelton-Mask of the Grow Mississippi County Foundation, which is responsible for overseeing the WHLH program.
In his proclamation, Judge Nelson highlighted the program’s impact on the community.
“The ‘Work Here. Live Here.’ initiative is more than just a housing program; it’s a catalyst for economic growth and community development,” he said. “By encouraging our workers to live where they work, we’re strengthening our local economy, expanding our tax base and fostering a more vibrant and sustainable community.”
The celebration featured remarks from key stakeholders, including Randy Scott, CEO of Farmers Bank & Trust, Lenore Trammell, CAO of Big River Steel and Mike Jacques, board chairman of the Great River Economic Development Foundation, who all reiterated their commitment to the program’s ongoing success.
“As Mississippi County continues its transformation into a leading hub for industry and innovation, the ‘Work Here. Live Here.’ program remains central to the county’s strategy to attract and retain a skilled workforce,” said Scott. “With the opening of two new steel mills on the horizon, the initiative is expected to play a critical role in ensuring the county’s continued growth and prosperity.”
“As the first company investor, Big River Steel believes that homeownership is more than just a financial investment; it’s a cornerstone of community strength,” said Trammell. “When individuals and families own their homes, they invest not only in their own futures but also in the vitality and stability of their neighborhoods. This deep-rooted commitment fosters a sense of belonging and encourages community engagement, which ultimately leads to stronger, more resilient communities. With programs like ‘Work Here. Live Here.’ and its partners, our communities will soon be as strong as the steel fueling our economic growth.”
Following remarks, the 100th homeowners, Scott and Tammie Pfantz, pinned their home on a map marking all the houses built since WHLH started. Judge Nelson also presented the Pfantz family with a symbolic golden key to their home.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders shared her congratulations via a recorded message, praising the collaborative efforts that have made the program a success.
“Congratulations to Mississippi County on the 100th house sold through the ‘Work Here. Live Here.’ program,” Governor Sanders said. “I’m proud to be the governor leading America’s top steel-producing county. I’m grateful for your work and look forward to welcoming all the families you help bring to Arkansas.”
About “Work Here. Live Here.”: “Work Here. Live Here.” (WHLH) is a pioneering housing incentive and relocation initiative designed to attract and retain workers within Mississippi County, particularly those in the manufacturing sector. Launched two years ago, the program has successfully facilitated the sale of 100 homes, contributing to $26.7 million in new home construction across Mississippi County. WHLH currently partners with 13 employers. Employees of those 13 businesses are eligible to receive up to $50,000 toward the cost of a new home or up to $25,000 for an existing home, making first-time homeownership a reality for over 60 residents.
The WHLH program is part of Mississippi County’s broader strategy to capitalize on its transformation into the nation’s leading steel-producing county. By encouraging workers to live where they work, the program strengthens the local economy, expands the tax base and supports sustainable family life within the community. As the county prepares for the opening of two new steel mills, the WHLH initiative remains central to revitalizing and growing the local population, ensuring that Mississippi County continues to thrive as a hub for industry and innovation.
