Indy Metro Mayors, Commissioners Join Forces in Preparation for Indiana's READI Grant, Invite Business and Philanthropy to Collaborate
Indianapolis joins Hamilton and Madison Counties, Anderson, Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield to dream big for White River Redevelopment, Economic Impact
Indianapolis, Hamilton County, and Madison County, Ind. – The mayors of Anderson, Carmel, Fishers Indianapolis, Noblesville, and Westfield and commissioners of Hamilton and Madison County announced today a regional collaboration to apply for Governor Eric Holcomb’s Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) planning grant and funding.
Uniting under a shared vision, the cities of Anderson, Carmel, Fishers, Indianapolis, Noblesville, and Westfield, and Hamilton and Madison Counties have begun identifying key programs, initiatives, and projects that will accelerate local, neighborhood economies, quality of place experiences, innovation, and develop, attract, and retain talent.
The regional group is a coalition of communities that has previously collaborated on the development of the White River Vision Plan, which was released in December 2019. The addition of Anderson and Madison County expands the region further east along the White River through Anderson and Mounds State Park terminating just before reaching I-69.
The White River connects each community participating and provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform this underutilized natural resource into an economic, lifestyle, and innovation driver. The committee is organizing to contribute to the development of a proposal for the Indiana READI initiative. These communities are united as part of the labor and recreation shed of the White River region.
The City of Noblesville initiated early coordination and planning efforts by contracting with Fourth Economy to guide the development and planning of a READI Grant submission. Fourth Economy has a proven track record of success in supporting these types of initiatives.
The regional group will focus on an overarching theme of connectivity with supplemental focus areas possibly including trails; transportation; infrastructure; environmental and green economy jobs; workforce and employment centers; and water availability and quality.
The regional group is issuing a call-out for contiguous municipalities, businesses, and philanthropic groups interested in supporting these efforts.
Interested parties may contact the regional group at READI@mywhiteriver.com. The region intends to formalize its partnership and submit its proposal for the planning grant by the July 1 deadline.
More information about the White River Vision plan and the communities in the White River region can be found at mywhiteriver.com.
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Quotes of Support
Anderson “This regional collaboration builds upon our connected resources and mutual visions of sustained economic growth and quality of life initiatives that enhance the lives of our citizens,” stated Anderson Mayor Thomas Broderick, Jr. “Our team intends to present a transformative plan that will take advantage of our resources and strengths to advance our region.”
Carmel "The White River is an untapped resource for recreational amenities, natural and environmental appreciation and smart, strategic development that will increase the quality of life for our residents and our visitors," said Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard. "We are already working with Fishers on other projects involving the river and we enthusiastically support this new coalition that seeks to boost our efforts as a region connected by this beautiful river."
Fishers “The White River is an incredible natural resource that has been underutilized as a driver for economic, lifestyle, and workforce development,” stated Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness. “This collaboration brings together key stakeholders in the White River region that could see a real impact if chosen.”
Hamilton County "Successful connectivity initiatives can only be achieved through focused collaboration,” said Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt. “I look forward to working with other leaders in our region, and seeing this vision through."
Indianapolis “The future of the Indy metro region is inextricably interconnected,” said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. “Each community has unique assets and distinctive challenges but the success of the region requires us to work together to attract top talent, invest in our residents, and maintain an ecosystem of business innovation. Through this READI grant process, we hope to leverage the White River to jump-start economic and community development projects that will ensure Central Indiana remains an attractive place to live, work, and play.”
Noblesville “With a data-driven approach, a collective vision already established with the White River Plan and measurable initiatives to track results, we believe that this focus will achieve the goal of creating a regional development plan that will stand out from the rest,” Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen said.
Westfield “It is critical that we work as a region to remain competitive in a global marketplace,” said Westfield Mayor Andy Cook. “Although Westfield does not touch the White River, this regional initiative will carry a vision and ideas to look at development downstream and infrastructure improvements east-west from the River to eventually I-65. We are lucky to have this kind of collaboration and vision.”
About READI
READI builds on the framework and successes of the Indiana Regional Cities Initiative and the 21st Century Talent Initiative, encouraging neighboring communities across the state to work collaboratively to develop a bold vision for their future that, when implemented, will attract, develop and retain talent in Indiana. Regions will develop data-driven, actionable and sustainable development plans that outline strategies focused on improving the quality of place, quality of life and quality of opportunity within their communities. IEDC will award up to $50 million per region to accelerate the implementation of regional development plans and the programs and projects identified that will catalyze economic and population growth.
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