CALL TO ACTION:

The House of Representatives in the Indiana General Assembly has decreased the funding from the Governor's Budget (HB 1001) for the Regional Cities Initiative.  As originally presented, the State of Indiana would designate two Regional Cities in the next biennium with an $84 million allocation, totaling $42 million per year.  The version that passed out of the House last week cut this funding to only $20 million for the biennium, or $10 million per year.    

As you all know, One Southern Indiana has a local team of folks working hard so that Southern Indiana can compete for a Regional Cities designation that will leverage funds over the next decade to create game-changing projects.  The goal of the program is to see an investment of $1 Billion in each city over the next decade.   The purpose of these efforts is to increase the trajectory of economic growth in our region by developing projects to enhance our Quality of Place.

As the Indiana State Senate prepares to take up the Budget Bill, we need to show our Southern Indiana support for the Regional Cities initiative.  HELP US by sending an email to the Senate Appropriations Committee by clicking HERE and asking that the Governor's original budget of $84 million be restored.

Before the Senate takes action, we want our voices heard on this program.  The IEDC will be able to share with all senate members the names of each person who has signed on.  Plus, IEDC will know which region of the state was supportive of the effort, which may play favorably during our application process.

 What is the Regional Cities Initiative?

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) will seek legislation in 2015 to create the Regional Cities Initiative which will allow the State of Indiana to be a financial partner with regions that develop a strong vision, plan and partnership to facilitate significant investment in the region.  Up to eight cities or regions in the state will be chosen to receive funding based upon a variety of factors including proposed transformational projects focused on enhancing quality of place.  For more information on the IEDC's Regional Cities Initiative: indianaregionalcities.com 

1si's Strategy for Southern Indiana communities

The next step calls for the Southern Indiana Regional Cities Initiative Steering Committee to work with BNIM, an urban planning firm from Kansas City, to develop a regional vision, identify strategic initiatives and help the task force prepare its proposal to the state, pending the general assembly approval the Regional Cities Initiative budget.  Online conversations, regional workshops and public forums to solicit suggestions will all be used to inspire interest and to ensure that a variety of projects that will benefit all the citizens of Floyd and Clark Counties, as well as the contiguous counties, are chosen.

Funding the Local Effort

The Paul Ogle Foundation is proud to support the Southern Indiana Regional Cities Initiative.  The collaboration of our public officials, municipal governments, private business leaders, community organizers and educators is the key to the success of this project.  The plan created by the Steering Committee will be a tool that we can use to guide our endeavors as one community over the next ten years, and grow our region for the next several decades.

We are counting on you to help us make this happen.  Thank you for your prompt attention to this very important matter.

Sincerely,

Wendy Dant Chesser

President & CEO

One Southern Indiana