New Region Puts Quality Downtowns, Outdoor Amenities in the Spotlight

The 180 Alliance Region had its debut Thursday, September 30 as the region officially submitted its application for the READI initiative. The newly formed region of Boone, Hendricks, Johnson, Montgomery, Morgan, and Putnam counties has set its sights on a partnered future for “Indiana’s Next Chapter” in talent growth. The regional application places a high emphasis on downtown revitalization, outdoor amenities, and arts and culture.

This up-and-coming region has seen over 22% of Indiana’s growth in the last decade, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, so it is no secret that these communities are great places to work, live, and raise a family. The region’s downtowns are now being redefined as an epicenter for business and community building. Quality outdoor amenities and public art initiatives have catapulted each town’s unique character drawing new residents and visitors each day.

The 180 Alliance regional vision recognizes that while each community is in a different stage of development, they share the same values – directing growth while protecting the unique sense of place attributes that make these communities so attractive in the first place.

The 180 Alliance Region sought the professional expertise of HWC Engineering, SB Research + Planning in developing the proposed application and regional vision.

According to the IEDC, the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) will dedicate $500 million in state appropriations to promote strategic investments that will make Indiana a magnet for talent and economic growth.

Through this initiative, the state encouraged neighboring counties, cities, and towns to partner to create a shared vision for their future, mapping out the programs and projects that are critical for the region to retain talent today and attract the workforce of tomorrow.

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