By JP Hall—
MUNCIE, IN—As the Muncie Action Plan (MAP) wraps up another productive year, we are excited to reflect on our efforts to enhance the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County. As we gear up for our Annual Community Meeting on Wednesday, January 29th, at 6:00 p.m., we invite the public to join us in the Multi-purpose Room at Ivy Tech. Each of our four task forces will present their accomplishments and progress throughout 2024 during this gathering. This article marks the second in a series of updates from our dedicated task force leaders, showcasing the impact of MAP’s initiatives and collaboration within the community.
Muncie Action Plan Task Force 2 is focused on Making Walnut Street exceptional, as well as strengthening bonds with connecting neighborhoods. This was a new area for Muncie Action Plan when last rewritten, taking the torch from pride and image and quality of place, and devoting attention to the historic heart of the city.
This past year has been one of collaboration, discovery, and progress for Task Force 2 as we worked to champion the revitalization of Downtown Muncie. From the start, our committee was intentionally designed to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, representing a wide variety of interests—city officials, tourism professionals, nonprofit leaders, foundation representatives, business owners, and Ball State University. This diversity ensures our efforts reflect the broad and interconnected needs of the downtown community.
To guide our work, we partnered with the Indiana Communities Institute at Ball State University. Their expertise helped us facilitate meaningful discussions, bringing clarity to our role within the larger framework of downtown revitalization. Over the course of several meetings, we analyzed existing plans, distilled the TogetherDM Plan and the City’s Strategic Investment Plan, and identified common threads that united them. This process revealed where Task Force 2 could have the greatest impact: as advocates for downtown, connectors of like-minded stakeholders, and communicators of best practices in revitalization.
With this clarity, we refined our mission into three core focus areas:
- Advocacy: We are committed to championing the efforts of downtown stakeholders while aligning shared visions for progress.
- Analysis: By evaluating existing organizations, resources, and gaps, we help ensure that efforts are streamlined and effective.
- Communication: Simplifying and sharing plans, providing public education, and fostering community buy-in are central to our approach.
These focus areas have guided our recent progress. We’ve actively supported key initiatives like the Creative Space Action Plan and the TogetherDM Plan, working to enhance walkability, public spaces, and creative opportunities downtown. We’ve also begun packaging the TogetherDM Plan’s downtown section into a simplified, user-friendly format for both stakeholders and the public. We have also partnered with the College of Architecture and Planning and will continue to connect their technical and design expertise for the betterment of all downtown stakeholders.
Throughout all of this, our role has been one of support, not competition. Task Force 2 doesn’t aim to replace or overshadow existing efforts. Instead, we strive to amplify and enhance them. By fostering collaboration, providing technical resources, and championing ongoing initiatives, we’re ensuring that the revitalization of Downtown Muncie remains cohesive, inclusive, and impactful.
As we reflect on the past year, we’re proud of the progress made and the foundation laid for future efforts. Our work has strengthened connections between stakeholders, clarified shared goals, and brought a renewed sense of energy. Moving forward, we remain committed to advocating for downtown, connecting stakeholders, and empowering Muncie to realize the full potential of its vibrant center. Together, we’re building a brighter future for Downtown Muncie.
