Businesses, philanthropists invited to take part in regional collaboration
The mayors of Anderson, Carmel, Fishers, Indianapolis, Noblesville, and Westfield and the commissioners of Hamilton and Madison counties have announced 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 Interstate 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.