Indiana Governor Mike Braun announced Tuesday the start of a new statewide effort aimed at strengthening local neighborhoods, spurring development projects and creating jobs. The Indiana Community Impact Accelerator, a centerpiece of the state’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI 2.0), will initially serve three communities: Thrive35 of Huntington County, the city of Elkhart and the La Porte County Housing Alliance.
Program design and goals
The three‑year accelerator will provide participating communities with funding, technical expertise and professional support to move priority projects forward. Focus areas include strategic planning, redevelopment of neglected properties, arts and cultural improvements, and new housing development. Braun said the program addresses common challenges such as limited staffing, fragmented development efforts and insufficient funding.
“Through READI, Indiana communities statewide are breaking ground and cutting the ribbon on downtown expansions, innovation districts, parks and trails, community amenities and so much more,” Braun said. “With this new Accelerator, we will help even more communities strategically plan and bring to life priority projects.”
Fellowship component
A key element of the accelerator is a new fellowship that will place nine mid‑career professionals in communities across the state for two‑year assignments. Fellows will earn between $60,000 and $75,000 annually while receiving training and professional‑development opportunities. Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich noted the fellowship will help create jobs and strengthen both local and regional economic development efforts.
Funding and partnership
The initiative is led by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation in partnership with the nonprofit Intend Indiana. It is partially funded through a 2024 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., which contributed $250 million to support community development through READI 2.0. Overall, Indiana’s READI program represents a $1.25 billion investment in regional development strategies designed to attract talent, improve quality of life and expand economic opportunities.
Looking ahead
More than 30 Indiana communities are expected to participate over the next three years, with additional applications opening in early 2027. Interested municipalities can apply for the fellowship program at communityimpactaccelerator.org. The rollout of the accelerator underscores Governor Braun’s commitment to empowering local leaders, fostering private‑sector growth and preserving the traditional family‑centered values that make Indiana neighborhoods thrive.
By providing resources and expertise directly to towns and counties, the accelerator aims to turn ambitious plans into tangible results—new jobs, revitalized downtowns and stronger, more resilient communities across the Hoosier State.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
