News release from the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership:
Public Feedback Solicited for Regional Cities Proposal
(June 3, 2015) – Phase 1 Projects that are under consideration for inclusion in the Northeast Indiana Regional Cities Initiative proposal are now available online for public comment. The Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership and Greater Fort Wayne Inc. have been working over the last six months to assemble a slate of quality of life projects to submit for the state’s Regional Cities Initiative competition in order to win $42 million in matching funds for the region. Public feedback is being solicited between now and June 15.
The goal of the Regional Cities Initiative is to make Indiana a magnet for talent attraction by creating a national identity for Indiana cities. Regions have been invited to submit proposals to the state by July 1 with a slate of game?changing, quality of life projects (amenities and attractions that will attract and retain young talent).
To date, an “unfiltered” portfolio of $1 billion of investment and over 70 projects from across the 11-county region has been compiled. This portfolio will be refined after the public comment period ends and before it is submitted to the state. The Steering Committee will weigh the public’s priorities and comments along with the IEDC Regional Cities guidelines to ensure that each project in the portfolio significantly adds to our competitive position to win these matching funds.
“We are confident that we are creating a compelling proposal that will accelerate growth in our region, the likes of which we’ve never seen before,” said Regional Cities Initiative Steering Committee Co-Chair Tim Pape, partner at Carson Boxberger. “We have a relentless drive to succeed here in Northeast Indiana; and we believe the state will see our potential for progress and have no doubt that we are indeed an investment-worthy community.”
The proposal draws from hundreds of existing community plans, focus groups in each of the 11 counties, interviews with stakeholders, walking tours, and planned private sector investments. The full portfolio will be inclusive of Phase 1 Projects (years 1 and 2); longer term projects (years 3-8 implementation); and ideas for projects beyond the state’s initial 8-year timeframe.
The public is being asked to weigh in and help prioritize the draft slate of Phase 1 Projects (to be completed in years 1 and 2).
“We are asking for your input to make sure our Phase 1 projects reflect the gritty determination and bold ingenuity that this region is known for.” said Regional Cities Initiative Steering Committee Co-Chair Tom Leedy, president of the Dekko Foundation. “We are the largest regional collaboration in the state, and we know that we are stronger together. That collaboration is what has gotten us this far and we look to you now again to offer your feedback as we near the finish line.”
To provide feedback on the proposed Phase 1 Projects, go to www.neindiana.com/regionalcities.
About the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership
The Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership was formed in 2006 to help build a globally competitive economy in Northeast Indiana. It is a public-private partnership creating business investment by generating business leads, developing product and fostering regional collaboration. In 2010, the Partnership launched Vision 2020 to bring the region together around five key areas for economic growth: 21st Century Talent, Competitive Business Climate, Entrepreneurship, Infrastructure and Quality of Life. The 10 counties of Northeast Indiana include Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells and Whitley. For more information, visit www.NEIndiana.com.About Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
Greater Fort Wayne (GFW) Inc. serves Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana, as its primary point of contact for economic growth. GFW Inc.’s main focus is on prosperity and community vibrancy through economic development, advocacy, programs and resources that support business success, leadership development, graduate retention and community engagement. To learn more, visit https://www.greaterfortwayneinc.com/.
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