The Central Indiana Regional Development Authority announced Wednesday the start of a comprehensive economic planning initiative aimed at unifying the region’s 31 member communities under a shared development strategy.
The “Catalyze Central Indiana: Strategic Alignment to Ignite Growth” planning process will develop a long-term economic strategy designed to establish a clear economic identity for the region and coordinate resources across public, private, and philanthropic sectors.
“This plan is really going to help solidify Central Indiana as the economic powerhouse of the Midwest that we’ve already known ourselves to be,” said Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen, co-chair of CIRDA. “Central Indiana, an area that has 40% of the state’s GDP, needs to be at the table and also be a major part of the conversation for Indiana’s future when it comes to economic growth and job creation.”
The planning effort will focus exclusively on economic development and positioning the region for global competitiveness. The strategy will be built on an assessment of Central Indiana’s existing assets, including industry sectors, physical infrastructure, and workforce capabilities.
CIRDA has enlisted several organizations to support the planning process, including the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, Ginovus, Policy Analytics, the Indiana Business Research Center at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, and Barnes & Thornburg. Local chambers of commerce and regional philanthropic organizations will also participate.
“This collaboration and vision reflects Central Indiana’s focus on creating a unified strategy that builds on its strengths for future growth,” said Jennifer Messer, executive director of CIRDA.
CIRDA was established through bipartisan state legislation to create greater strategic alignment among the region’s 31 cities, towns, and counties. The authority serves as a unified voice for Central Indiana on regional economic development initiatives.
Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness is one of the founders of CIRDA.