There is a renewed sense of optimism and enthusiasm in Phillips County. Many residents who have seen decades of previous revitalization attempts fail have expressed real confidence that this effort will be successful. Attendance at civic functions has increased, as has communication between various factions that have historically been at odds. One tangible result of enormous significance that illustrates this trend is the merger of two cities to create a new county seat, Helena-West Helena. This had long been identified by progressive voices in the community as a wise move to address the myriad common challenges facing the two cities, including corruption and mismanagement, but decades of division had thwarted all previous attempts. It took new leaders, most of whom had participated heavily in the community planning process facilitated by Southern, to bring about this change, which was made official when majorities in both cities voted for the merger in early 2005. Many of the residents who assumed leadership roles during the strategic planning process went on to win election to office in the new city government, despite having little if any previous leadership or government experience.