Tonight at 6:00 p.m., the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs will have an informational meeting about their MAPPING for the Future program at the Laborers Union Hall in McLeansboro. Gisele Hamm, the program’s manager will provide an overview of the program and the benefits of Hamilton County participating and implementing the program. MAPPING for the Future “is a strategic visioning and planning processes for rural communities to create long-range vision for the economic development of their community and a plan of action for achieving it,” according to information listed on their website. The program has been successful in attracting businesses, increasing housing and recreational opportunities as well as improving community infrastructure. More information may be found at https://mappingthefuture.iira.org/. “
