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DRA DISPATCH
News and Notes for DRA Staff
First Edition, August 2026
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Welcome to the DRA Dispatch!
Hey team! Welcome to the first edition of the DRA Dispatch! This newsletter is a quick, bimonthly roundup of what’s happening across DRA. We’ll alternate with our virtual all-staff meetings, so look for the next one in October. Got ideas for future issues? Scroll to the bottom.
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Traffic Light Team Building Activity
Green Light, Yellow Light, Red Light: A New Way to Talk Teamwork
By now, most staff should have received their Traffic Light activity materials in the mail. If yours hasn’t arrived, reach out so we can get you a set.
What should we continue, wish for or stop?
The Traffic Light Team-Building Activity is a simple way to encourage open communication, celebrate what is working and identify opportunities to strengthen our workplace culture. Using the familiar colors of a traffic light, staff are encouraged to reflect on how we work together:
- Green (Continue): What are we doing well? Think about the practices, behaviors or traditions that contribute to our success and should continue.
- Yellow (Wish): What do you wish we did more often? Share ideas that could improve collaboration, communication, morale or the way we work together.
- Red (Stop): What practices or habits may be getting in your way? Identify things we could change or leave behind to create a more effective and supportive workplace.
Your Voice Matters. Whether you are new to DRA or have been here for years, this activity is an opportunity to share ideas, recognize our strengths and help shape how we work together.
After you have completed your plate activity, please return it in the stamped envelope provided. We ask that you make every effort to return it by August 30, 2026.
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Program Snapshot: States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP)
By the Numbers: SEDAP
DRA received 195 FY 2026 SEDAP applications requesting approximately $81.8 million in total funding. Here’s how requests break down by state:
| State |
Applications By Number |
Amount Requested |
| Louisiana |
71 |
$30,558,376.86 |
| Mississippi |
35 |
$14,375,469.91 |
| Alabama |
32 |
$14,858,645.55 |
| Arkansas |
17 |
$7,503,093.50 |
| Illinois |
16 |
$5,042,795.00 |
| Tennessee |
12 |
$4,947,876.00 |
| Missouri |
7 |
$2,547,214.00 |
| Kentucky |
5 |
$1,959,520.00 |
Total: 195 applications | $81,792,990.82 requested
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HR Corner
Need to Request Leave? Plan It. Request It. Enjoy It.
Taking time away from work is important whether you’re planning a vacation, handling a personal matter, attending an appointment, or simply recharging. Taking time also prevents burnout, fosters a positive work environment, and increases employee satisfaction.
Before you make plans, simply:
- Submit leave requests in ADP Time & Attendance as early as possible. Advance notice helps supervisors plan for coverage and keeps things running smoothly while you’re out.
- Know your leave options. Personal and Sick leave are accrued leave options (accrued each pay period based on years of service). Other leave options include Jury, Voting, Holiday, Comp Time, Bereavement, and FMLA, depending on the circumstances and eligibility requirements (check the employee handbook for more details).
- Check your leave balance. Before submitting a request, take a quick look at your available Personal or Sick leave balance in ADP to ensure you have adequate leave before requesting.
- A request isn’t an approval—yet! Please make sure your leave request has been approved before assuming your time off is confirmed. (Ping your supervisor to approve your request before your time off begins.)
- Out sick for more than two days? A physician’s statement IS required and should be submitted directly to HR as soon as possible. Medical documentation should not be submitted to your supervisor.
- Think your leave may qualify for FMLA? Please communicate directly with HR so they can guide you through the process, determine eligibility, provide the appropriate documentation, and ensure medical information is handled confidentially. Detailed medical information should not be shared with your supervisor or co-workers. HR will communicate necessary details for work-approved accommodations.
- Unexpected things happen. If you need unscheduled leave, notify your supervisor as soon as reasonably possible and notate the leave in your timecard accordingly.
HR Quick Tip
Good leave planning is a TEAM effort. Employees communicate early, supervisors plan for coverage, and HR is here to help make sure leave is handled appropriately and consistently.
Not sure which leave type to choose or whether your situation may qualify for FMLA? Reach out to HR!
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Around The Delta
Breaking Ground for a Stronger Delta
ICYMI: We joined community leaders and partners in Clarksdale to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Higher Purpose Center, a transformational investment that will expand access to healthy food, education, arts, wellness and economic opportunity.
Projects like this reflect the power of collaboration and a shared commitment to strengthening communities across the Delta. DRA is proud to support investments that help create vibrant places where people can live, work and thrive. Read more here. |
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From The Field
DLI Executive Academy Gets a Write Up
“…seeing it through entirely new eyes.” — Renée J. Johnson, on presenting at the DLI Executive Academy
Renée J. Johnson, a presenter at our recent DLI Executive Academy in Marion, Illinois, published a reflection on the experience. She writes about touring downtown redevelopment projects with participants and calls DRA’s regional, multi-sector approach to economic development an underappreciated model. Read it here. |
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Mark Your Calendar
- Annual Performance Reviews: Due Tuesday, August 25, 2026
- Labor Day: Monday, September 7, 2026
- Delta Leadership Institute, Session V, Memphis, TN: September 14–17, 2026
- September Virtual All Staff: September 23, 2026, at 11 a.m. CST
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Celebration Station
August Birthdays
Ryan Sayles – August 3
August Work Anniversaries
Genice Hollins — August 1 (4 years)
Jillian Morrison — August 5 (2 years)
Ryan Sayles — August 14 (3 years)
Anita Stasher — August 18 (9 years)
Tamiya Howard — August 19 (2 years)
Amy Smith — August 19 (2 years)
Lisa Dunn — August 26 (2 years)
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Sugesstion Box
Have an idea for the Dispatch or for DRA more broadly? Send your thoughts to Executive Director Laura Veazey at lveazey@dra.gov. We want to hear from you.
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