The Regional Cities Initiative funded economic development projects and capacity building to help local agencies collaborate more effectively to promote growth.
A study from Ball State University’s Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) shows that Indiana’s Regional Cities Initiative (RCI), a state program launched in 2015 designed to boost economic development and improve quality of life through regional planning, spurred close to $1.6 billion in economic activity in areas where the program was deployed.
“The RCI regions experienced boosts in GDP, population, and employment, with an estimated average of 1,088 additional jobs and $37 million in GDP per year,” the study found. “In Northeast Indiana, for example, investments in infrastructure and urban development have revitalized downtown areas and bolstered local economies.”
The initiative funded projects such as recreational facilities, housing developments, and broadband. It also provided capacity building and promoted collaboration between local agencies and regional planning, and provided key funding for projects to get off the ground.
The study concluded that “Well-targeted, place-based programs with substantial local involvement have proven instrumental in driving substantial economic outcomes, as evidenced by the initiative's success.”
FULL STORY: Ball State University Study Highlights $1.6 Billion Impact of Indiana’s Regional Cities Initiative
Regional Government Reform on the Ballot in Houston
If Proposition B passes, Houston and other populous areas could gain more voting power in the region’s metropolitan planning organization.
L.A. County's Regional Planning Commission Celebrates 100 Years of Service
The first planning commissioners were appointed by the Board of Supervisors in 1923, making the Regional Planning Commission the oldest county planning commission in the United States.
Vancouver Approves New Metro 2050 Regional Plan
The region around Vancouver in British Columbia has a new 30-year regional plan.
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
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Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service