ELKHART – The economic bond between three contiguous Northern Indiana counties shifted formally into a new era shortly after 8 a.m. Eastern Standard Time this morning when the third county council in less than 7 days voted to approve the formation of a single Regional Development Authority (RDA). The new RDA will represent more than half a million people in 22 cities and towns throughout Elkhart, Marshall and St. Joseph counties.
Elkhart County Council members convened on Saturday morning to discuss and then vote on the RDA just days after the Marshall County Council and the St. Joseph County Council voted in favor of the measure earlier in the week. Marshall County voted to approve the RDA on Monday, June 8. St. Joseph County officials voted to approve the RDA on June 9th.
“Every time the RDA came up for a vote, it was approved with nearly unanimous support by the respective county council members,” said Regina Emberton, principal spokesperson for Regional Cities of Northern Indiana. “Business, academic, philanthropic and government leaders from across the entire region have been working toward this goal since early last fall. This morning’s vote is a reflection of how we all expect to be working together as a region—on behalf of more than half a million people from this point forward—it’s an exciting development. And as a result, we intend to see significant economic change in our region over the next 5-10 years.”
Regional Cities of Northern Indiana has been working with private, academic and public leaders throughout the region to nurture and formalize a collection of large-scale projects that will help to transform the region by spurring population growth and improve quality of life. The new RDA will provide the regional oversight and consultation necessary to coordinate the project selection, funding and work.
The RDA’s first job will be to submit an application to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) this summer for one of two $42 million grants being awarded across the state for transformational regional development projects. The IEDC grants are part of Indiana Governor Mike Pence’s $84 million Regional Cities Initiative which was funded earlier this year by the state legislature’s tax amnesty program.
“Even if we don’t get the (state) money, creating a working relationship among the cities and towns and counties in itself is going to be really great,” said John Letherman, Elkhart County Council President earlier this week.
In the event that the state does not select Regional Cities of Northern Indiana to receive the $42 million award, the unified region will move forward on projects that will economically develop the region.
Speaking to the council in favor of the RDA this morning were Amish Shah, President & CEO of Kem Krest, Dallas Bergl, President & CEO of Inova Federal Credit Union, Kyle Hannon, President & CEO of the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce, Allan Kauffman, Mayor of Goshen, Dick Moore, Mayor of Elkhart and James Turnwald, Executive Director of Michiana Area Council of Government (MACOG). MACOG also represents the same 22 cities, towns and villages in the continguous Elkhart, Marshall and St. Joseph Counties. “We have leadership from every corner of the region working on this,” added Emberton.
“What we have seen throughout this collaborative process is a tremendous desire to grow this entire region to become the national destination for families to relocate or for companies to invest here,” said Jim Finan, Economic and Business Development Manager at Indiana Michigan Power and a member of the Regional Cities of Northern Indiana steering committee. “With a regional mindset, any time an investment is made in our region, we all benefit.”
“The RDA will help every private and public investor understand who we are as a region,” says Dr. Pete McCown, President of the Elkhart County Community Foundation. “Our three counties are a collective world player in higher education, research, social entrepreneurship, manufacturing and distribution. I can list example after example of our supreme strengths. This recognition by the county councils is a nod to our existing success and our potential for even greater success.”
“The RDA also puts us in an enhanced position as a region for federal grants,” added Emberton. “We’re much stronger working together. And now we’ll also have more influence when it comes to encouraging collaboration and efficiency on future projects of regional importance.”
For more information on the County Council vote, the Regional Cities Initiative or Regional Cities of Northern Indiana, contact Regina Emberton at (574) 400-5432.
