Southwest Tennessee Development District

The Southwest Tennessee Development District serves an eight county region that includes Chester, Decatur, Madison, McNairy, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, and Henderson Counties.

SWTDD is making a lasting difference in West Tennessee by promoting rural/urban renewal and revitalization in our communities through the betterment of its economic base, physical infrastructure, and improved quality of life for citizens.

These goals are achieved through our Aging & Disability staff and our Economic &
Community Development staff.

Southwest Area Agency on Aging & Disability

The staff of the “Southwest Area Agency on Aging & Disability” (SWAAAD) works tirelessly to help the elderly and disabled in our region – who can become some of society’s most vulnerable citizens. SWAAAD staff screen and evaluate clients to determine needs, suggest services and do follow-up assessments. A primary goal of the “aging” staff is to provide a way for elderly and disabled consumers to be able to stay home as long as is safely possible. With that goal in mind, they are able to assist through needs assessments, referring consumers to other service agencies, working with local support groups and providing education/outreach when needed. Staff members provide one-on-one counseling for both consumers and caregivers on all available long-term care services and supports. In addition, SWAAAD is the public conservator for the public guardianship for the elderly and protects patient rights and quality care through our long term care ombudsman.

Economic & Community Development

Our Economic &
Community Development team seeks to build a better region through strengthening the economic base, the physical infrastructure and the educational attainment levels in the area. SWTDD’s ECD team has experts in multiple disciplines who work primarily with county/city governments to help connect them with state/federal services and opportunities.  This can include the writing of grants to help pay for such things as a new ambulance, tornado sirens, improved parks, disaster assistance, or improved sewer and water systems. SWTDD has both a grant writer and a grant administrator on staff to help our member governments improve the safety and the quality of life in their communities. (Grants are written for free by SWTDD for our city/county governments). In addition, SWTDD also has staff experts in strategic planning [SOAR], regional planning, solid waste, environmentals, historic preservation, housing, small business loans, and rural roads/transportation-related issues.