Regional Cities Initiative - North Central Indiana

Regional Cities Initiative - North Central Indiana

Funder: Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC)

Overview:
The Regional Cities Initiative is a state-level program spearheaded by Indiana that provides funding to support quality of place projects designed to attract and retain top talent in designated regions. The South Bend-Elkhart region (North Central Indiana) was selected as one of three Indiana regions to receive state funding through this initiative.

Geographic Scope:

Serves Elkhart, Marshall, and St. Joseph counties in North Central Indiana

Covers 22 interconnected cities and towns

Represents over half a million people

Total Award for Region: $42,000,000 allocated toward approximately 100 quality of place projects totaling more than $2 billion in combined state, local, and private investment

Focus Areas:
Projects must address one or more of the following:

Arts & Culture

Health & Wellness

Economic Development

Housing

Examples of funded projects include:

Marshall County Wellness and Life Enrichment Center (aquatic center and soccer complex) - $2M state funding

South Shore Line improvements (Phase I) - $800,000 state funding

Studebaker Factory Buildings redevelopment (Building 84) - $3.5M state funding

Apex Climbing South Bend - $400,000 RDA allocation

Technology Training & Demonstration Center - $507,000 RDA allocation

The 500 Building (Hotel Elkhart redevelopment) - $900,000 RDA allocation

South Bend Chocolate/Indiana Dinosaur Museum Destination - $500,000 RDA allocation

Potawatomi Zoo Front Entry - $450,000 RDA allocation

REES Theater Restoration (Plymouth) - $300,000 RDA allocation

Millrace Multi-Use Pavilion (Goshen) - $300,000 RDA allocation

Ironworks Phase II/Beutter Park Phase II (Mishawaka) - $114,000 RDA allocation

Community of WaNee Vision 2020 (Nappanee) - $100,000 RDA allocation

Boys & Girls Club Marshall County - $100,000 RDA allocation

Eligibility Requirements:

Projects must be distinct and feasible with realistic budgets

Must demonstrate clear return on investment calculations and timelines

Must be implementable within a 12-month timeframe

Budget must represent a public-private partnership with:

- 60% private sector funding
- 20% local government co-investment
- 20% state government co-investment

Projects should focus on "brick and mortar" infrastructure rather than programming alone

What They Don't Fund:

Programming as standalone element (must be accompanied by physical infrastructure projects)

Projects without realistic implementation timelines

Regional Administration:

The Regional Development Authority (RDA) oversees disbursement of funds

RDA comprised of five-member board representing Elkhart, Marshall, and St. Joseph counties

South Bend-Elkhart Regional Partnership serves as administrator

Contact Information:

Regina Emberton (South Bend-Elkhart Regional Partnership): 574-400-5432 or REmberton@MichianaRegion.com

Phone: 574-344-4686

Email: info@southbendelkhart.org

Address: 635 S Lafayette Blvd, Ste. 123, South Bend, IN 46601

Background:
Passed in 2015 with bipartisan support by the Indiana General Assembly. The initiative is overseen by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and aims to help regions develop positive and unique national brands to become destinations for talent. The South Bend-Elkhart region submitted the "Innovate Indiana" plan outlining 39 regional development projects in three counties totaling $703 million in quality of place investments.