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Last updated on Tuesday, February 14, 2017
(INDIANAPOLIS) - On Wednesday, Governor Eric J. Holcomb will join regional leaders from across the state to spotlight ongoing planning and implementation of the Regional Cities Initiative, which aims to retain and attract talent by enhancing the quality of place in Indiana communities.
As part of the initiative's first phase, the state selected three regions - north central, northeast and southwest Indiana - to receive $42 million each in matching funds to support their regional development plans focused on growing Indiana communities into nationally-recognized destinations for talent. These plans outline 100 quality of place projects totaling more than $2 billion in combined state, local and private investment. More than half of these projects are expected to be complete by the end of 2018.
Within the first seven months of implementation, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) has approved 20 projects in these regions for state match funding. Together, these projects account for more than one-third of the state's committed $126 million, and they will leverage an additional $592.23 million in local and private funding.
The Indiana Regional Cities Initiative is a key part of Governor Holcomb's economic agenda and his five-pillar plan to take Indiana to the next level. Last fall, the IEDC awarded $150,000 planning grants to the four additional regions that participated in the initiative - central, east central, northwest and the Wabash Valley region - to encourage continued regional development efforts. Additionally, Governor Holcomb has proposed another $4 million in the next state budget to encourage Indiana communities to embrace regionalism and long-term planning focused on quality of place.
Details: *Open house: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Press conference: 11:40 a.m.
*Representatives from the seven regions that applied for state funding through the Indiana Regional Cities Initiative will be present to highlight the momentum and successes in their communities as well as plans for future quality of place initiatives.
Location: Third Floor, South Atrium at the Indiana Statehouse
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