INDIANAPOLIS – The Regional Cities of Northern Indiana, consisting of 22 cities and towns in Elkhart, Marshall and St. Joseph counties, have been awarded one of three major grants for regional economic development through Governor Mike Pence’s Regional Cities Initiative today. The grant, in the amount of $42, was made possible by Indiana lawmakers who funded the program earlier this year with a tax amnesty program.
“On behalf of half a million of us who live in Elkhart, Marshall and St. Joseph counties, I want to thank Governor Pence, the state legislature and the IEDC for providing such an innovative catalyst for economic development,” said John Affleck Graves, Executive Vice President of the University of Notre Dame and Chair of the Regional Development Authority for the North Central Region. “Every other state in the union is watching Indiana closely right now. And we’re honored to be chosen as one of the first grant recipients. Regional Cities has already led our communities to collaborate in unprecedented ways and going forward, our responsibility is to further galvanize this new found regionalism, as we work together to create a vibrant, thriving economy in all of the South Bend-Elkhart region.”
At approximately 1 p.m. Eastern Time today, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) released recommendations of the Strategic Review Committee for Governor Pence’s Regional Cities Initiative to the public. The committee recommended that the plan developed by Regional Cities of Northern Indiana receive a funding grant.
At approximately 2 p.m. Eastern Time, the IEDC board met publicly to vote on the committee’s recommendations and approved the $42 million grant to Regional Cities of Northern Indiana.
“When future generations of Hoosiers look back at Indiana’s bicentennial year, they’ll see an Indiana that embraced its place in history,” said Governor Mike Pence. “Hoosiers in North Central Indiana have come together with a bold vision to transform their region. Unprecedented collaboration with the University of Notre Dame and a plan to overhaul the vacant, 1.2 million-square-foot Studebaker plant into a center for innovation and entrepreneurship help illustrate the evolution in store for the Michiana region. Through their involvement in the Indiana Regional Cities Initiative, communities across North Central Indiana now shine as one and demonstrate that together, we can create a stronger future for our regions and for the great state of Indiana.”
“It’s absolutely wonderful news for the South Bend/Elkhart region,” commented Pete Buttigieg who serves as Mayor of South Bend, the largest city among 22 cities and towns in the North Central Region. “This has been a terrific process, and our communities have already won thanks to the regional collaboration that the process prompted. Funding through the Indiana Regional Cities Initiative will help our economy grow even more quickly—and it’s a big vote of confidence in our approach.”
About Regional Cities of Northern Indiana
Regional Cities of Northern Indiana serves over half a million people in 22 interconnected cities and towns in Elkhart, Marshall and St. Joseph counties. The group consists of and leverages the vast experience and services of Northern Indiana's leading business, academic, philanthropic and government leaders to develop transformational economic development projects and strategic initiatives that will improve quality of life and spur population growth. The Regional Development Authority (RDA), comprised of a five-member board representing all three counties, is guided by the strategic plan developed by Regional Cities of Northern Indiana as it oversees projects of regional importance.
For more information, visit www.RegionalCitiesofNorthernIndiana.org.
