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 an important part of Governor Holcomb’s 2017 Next Level Legislative Agenda, aligning with his goal to make the state a jobs magnet. Last fall, the IEDC awarded $150,000 planning grants to four additional regions to encourage continued development efforts: central, east central, northwest and the Wabash Valley region. Additionally, Governor Holcomb’s agenda calls for $4 million in the next state budget to continue the momentum of the Regional Cities initiative.
Details:
*Open house: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Press conference: 11:40 a.m.
