By Caitlyn Hancock, East Central Indiana Regional Partnership—
MUNCIE, IN – The East Central Indiana Regional Partnership (ECIRP) has completed the application process for READI 2.0, marking a significant milestone in the region’s economic development journey. Following the success of READI 1.0, which set the groundwork for regional development planning, READI 2.0 now takes a bold step forward by focusing on strategic collaboration and data-driven initiatives to boost economic growth and improve quality of life in East Central Indiana.
During the READI 2.0 planning process, ECIRP emphasized strategic collaboration, drawing on lessons learned from READI 1.0. Recognizing the importance of stakeholder engagement, ECIRP conducted extensive meetings, including workshops and surveys, engaging over 3,000 participants to shape the updated regional development plan. This inclusive approach ensured a comprehensive perspective and alignment of goals across diverse stakeholders.
In addition to fostering collaboration, ECIRP identified key investment priorities, focusing on enhancing quality of life, addressing housing and infrastructure needs, supporting childcare and families, and promoting education and opportunity. Thesestrategic goals provide a roadmap for transformative projects that will drive economic prosperity and community well-being in East Central Indiana.
Trevor Friedeberg, President and CEO of the ECIRP, expressed gratitude to the partners and stakeholders who contributed to the READI 2.0 planning process. “We extend our sincere thanks to all the partners and stakeholders who worked tirelessly during READI 2.0 planning. Your dedication and collaboration have been instrumental in shaping our shared vision for East Central Indiana’s future.”
Having submitted the application to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), ECIRP is looking ahead to the next phase of READI 2.0. In April, the IEDC review committee will evaluate applications and allocate regional grants. Additionally, the region has created a new redevelopment plan, which lays a road map that will extend beyond READI 2.0 and help place East Central Indiana on the path to prosperity.
Launched by Gov. Holcomb and led by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), READI encourages regional collaboration and data-driven, long-term planning that will attract and retain talent in Indiana. The $500 million READI 2.0 fund was passed by legislation during the 2023 session with 15 regions participating in the initiative.
For more details on READI 2.0 and to read the regional development plan, please visit https://forgeeci.com/readi-2-0/.
About the East Central Indiana Regional Partnership
The East Central Indiana Regional Partnership is dedicated to fostering economic growth in the East Central Indiana nine-county region as the lead economic development marketing and business attraction organization. Through collaboration with local economic development organizations and the state’s lead agency – the Indiana Economic Development Corporation – ECIRP will work to attract new investment, support existing industries, and enhance the quality of life, place, and opportunity for all residents.
