News release from the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership:
Northeast Indiana Forms Largest Regional Development Authority in Indiana
RDA formed to apply for Regional Cities Initiative funding
(June 12, 2015) – Last night, June 11, Kosciusko County became the 11th county to pass an ordinance to join the newly formed Northeast Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA). The RDA has been formed because only RDAs are eligible to receive the matching funds available through the state’s Regional Cities Initiative. The Northeast Indiana RDA, currently the largest RDA in the state, consists of Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells and Whitley counties.
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 compete for up to $42 million in state matching funds by submitting proposals with a slate of game?changing, quality of life projects (amenities and attractions that will attract and retain young talent).
“Our region is committed to progressive leadership, so it’s no surprise that we were able to quickly coalesce around forming a Regional Development Authority,” said Dr. Sherilyn Emberton, president of Huntington University and member of the Regional Cities Steering Committee. (Huntington County was the first county to join the RDA.) “Huntington County is proud to be a member of the RDA. We’re ready to seize the opportunities that come with pursuing the Regional Cities Initiative and beyond.”
An RDA may be created between two or more adjacent counties or second class cities (population of 35,000 to 599,999). No funding commitment is required by member communities to create or join. The RDA may apply to the new state funded Indiana Regional City Fund (administered by IEDC) for matching grants and loans; it may also accept loans, grants, and other contributions from federal, state, and private sources.
“I commend each and every one of our partner counties on the time they invested in pursuing the ordinances needed to join the RDA and accelerate growth in our communities. Our region’s willingness to collaborate and adapt allows us to take advantage of unique opportunities like applying for the Regional Cities funding,” said John Sampson, president and CEO of the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership. “I am truly inspired by the ingenuity and determination I have witnessed, and I look forward to working together to make Northeast Indiana a top destination for talent.”
Next steps for the RDA include electing a five-member board as outlined by state law. A process for electing a board and an initial set of bylaws will be proposed by the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership.
To find out more about the Regional Cities Initiative, 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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