Seven Indiana regions have submitted applications for development funds from the Indiana Regional Cities Initiative.
The initiative was spearheaded by Gov. Mike Pence to "develop regional visions that are supported by compelling strategic plans focused on quality of place."
Altogether, proposals for the initiative total more than $3.78 billion.
“I am truly inspired by the collaboration and action we have witnessed in our Indiana regions during this process,” said Governor Mike Pence. “With these tremendous visions for the future of our communities, I am confident that Indiana’s dedication and commitment to quality of place initiatives will establish our regions as global destinations, attracting top businesses and top talent to fill the jobs we continue to create in the Hoosier State.”
In Central Indiana, proposals include IndyGo's 35-mile Red Line Bus Rapid Transit system, a 60-acre tech and innovation district and enhanced trails and pathways.
See more about each region's proposals below:
Central: The central Indiana region evaluates economic challenges it faces, such as population growth, compared to peer metros across the country like Charlotte, Nashville and Denver. The region’s priority projects include a 35-mile Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line dubbed the Red Line, a 60-acre tech and innovation district, and enhanced trails and pathways to advance the region’s quality of life appeal. Together, these projects will total more than $597 million in investments. [View application]
East Central: The east central ADVANCE region’s vision is centered on harnessing existing momentum and energy to reinvent the region’s economy by focusing on a new generation of entrepreneurs, institutions and communities as well as recreational and cultural areas. Plans, which total more than $147.9 million in investment, include continued revitalization of Muncie’s downtown area and development along the White River, as well as New Castle’s up-and-coming arts district that builds upon Robert Indiana’s legacy. [View application]
North Central: The northern Indiana region’s vision is to be recognized for its world-class higher education and community partnerships, superior access and connectivity, and high-performing communities. The region’s quality of place initiatives, which total $731.5 million in investment, include revitalization of the former Studebaker Plant in South Bend, investment in Wellfield Gardens in Elkhart and continued collaborative initiatives with the University of Notre Dame. [View application]
Northeast: This Road to One Million vision aims to grow the northeast region’s population from 789,015 to 1,000,000 residents by retaining and attracting a young, more educated workforce. The region’s proposal includes 38 projects to be implemented in the next two years, including development along the St. Mary’s River in Fort Wayne, revitalization of the former Clyde Theater and a new 45,000-square-foot Food Innovation Center in Bluffton. The proposal totals more than $842 million in regional investments. [View application]
Northwest: The northwest region focuses on attracting talent and new business with a focus on connectivity as the region looks to grow and build upon its industrial past. The region plans to invest more than $509.4 million with projects such as Indiana Dunes State Park facility revitalization and significant improvements to the South Shore Line to improve access and convenience while capitalizing on Chicago’s commuting population. [View application]
Southwest: The southwest region established a vision of “Great Life, Great Community, Great Environment, Great People,” with the goal of growing its population by more than 70,000 people by 2025 by focusing on repopulating urban centers, developing partnerships with local universities and reinvigorating historic destination. Plans, which total $926.3 million in investments, include a Science Center at the Signature School, residential development in Evansville’s city center and gateway projects like the Warrick Country Wellness Trail. [View application]
West Central: The Wabash River Region is comprised of collaborative, diverse partners who are working together to shape a region of prosperous communities, quality talent from educational institutions, thriving industry and small business, and infrastructure to support growth. The region’s investment plans total approximately $34 million and include renovations of the historic New Moon Theatre in Vincennes as well as transformation of the 180,000-square-foot ICON building along the Wabash in Vigo County to include working space, amenities and housing for entrepreneurs. [View application]
