CIRDA INITIATIVES

CIRDA is actively engaged in a variety of programs and initiatives designed to accelerate growth and improve quality of life across Central Indiana. Our efforts are strategically focused on attracting vital investment by prioritizing projects that build and improve foundational infrastructure, create vibrant and attractive communities (Quality of Place), position Central Indiana as a magnet for skilled professionals and innovative thinkers (Talent Attraction), nurture a dynamic environment for new businesses and job creation (Entrepreneurship), and mitigate challenges that impact the well-being of our communities (Societal Risk Factors).

CATALYZE CENTRAL INDIANA

To remain competitive and adapt to a changing world, we need a clear economic strategy. Our goal is to create an identity that will serve as a rallying cry, aligning our public, private, and philanthropic resources. This strategy will communicate our message to the world and inspire pride in our residents.

Alongside various partners—from the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), various chambers of commerce, and committed philanthropic organizations—the time is now to work together and build a brighter future for Central Indiana.

READI 2.0

In 2024 CIRDA was awarded and is currently administering $45M in IEDC READI funds for economic development projects throughout the region and all nine counties within the CIRDA region. The READI projects (exclusive of additional Lilly Endowment Funds for blight projects in the region) are estimated to culminate in more than $1.6B in investment in Central Indiana with more than $450M of private funds invested in 18 regionally impactful projects.

WHITE RIVER TECHNICAL COMMITTEE

The WRTC is a CIRDA subcommittee composed of representatives of CIRDA member communities that are on the White River, and other entities focused on the White River, like Visit Indy, White River Alliance, and Citizens Energy. Most recently, the WRTC as awarded a $1.6M Department of Transportation Connecting Communities Planning Grant for bridge work across the White River in Noblesville.

WATER GOVERNANCE

CIRDA is working with the State of Indiana and the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership to consider water governance models that will allow the region to collaborate on water usage.

CIRDA SCHOLARS PROGRAM

The CIRDA Scholars Program is a collaboration between CIRDA and the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University Indianapolis. The Scholars Program creates experiential learning and leadership opportunities for O’Neill School graduate and undergraduate students as Scholars are immersed in CIRDA’s work toward collaborative regionalism, economic development, and public policy leadership.

CREATIVE ECONOMY PLANNING

Supported by a $100K grant from the Lilly Endowment/IEDC, CIRDA is leading a comprehensive creative economy and arts planning process to elevate Central Indiana’s arts, culture, and creative industries. The creative economy is driven by people who use artistic, cultural, and digital skills to generate economic value. It includes a wide range of fields, such as design, film, music, architecture, culinary arts, fine arts, and digital content creation.