The Northwest Indiana Forum has played a role in securing $115 million in grant funding for Northwest Indiana through the state’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative.

This includes securing $50 million from READI 1.0, $45 million from READI 2.0 and $20 million in Lilly Endowment funding. The investments are being leveraged to generate over $2 billion in public and private co-investment across the Region. The funding will fuel 71 projects spanning talent, infrastructure, placemaking, business development and marketing, and entrepreneurship and innovation.

The initial round of READI has catalyzed over $700 million in total investment through 42 projects. With 70% of funds spent, the Region can now launch READI 2.0 and Lilly Endowment-funded initiatives.

As part of the first $131 million investment from the Lilly Endowment’s $250 million statewide grant, the IEDC recently approved 17 projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life and place across Indiana communities. Northwest Indiana received 15% of those funds and will receive a combined $20 million for two projects:

• Greater Gary Community Revitalization Effort – Gary: Managed in partnership with the NWI RDA, the City of Gary was awarded $15 million to continue to revitalize the city’s Downtown Transit Development District, including the demolition of blighted properties and neighborhood stabilization efforts.
• Singing Sands Suites – Michigan City: Awarded $5 million for a 300-unit, three-story mixed-use apartment complex adjacent to Trail Creek. Designed as workforce housing this development will offer attainable rents for working families, veterans and new residents.

Looking ahead, READI 2.0 investments are set to prioritize infrastructure and capital improvements. The Northwest Indiana Forum has submitted 24 READI 2.0 projects to the IEDC for final approval, totaling the full $45 million award and continues to pursue additional funding through the Lilly Endowment process.

“These projects embody the bold, forward-thinking investments essential to advancing the vitality of Northwest Indiana’s communities and economy,” said Heather Ennis, Northwest Indiana Forum president and CEO, in a press release. “We’re already proud to call Northwest Indiana home and with the support of READI, we’re doubling down on the very strengths that make our region exceptional: a place where people want to live, work, and invest. We’re energized to help fuel this momentum alongside so many outstanding regional partners committed to building a brighter future for our Region.”