northwest indiana forum

Ignite the Region

We are working to update the IGNITE plan and want to hear your thoughts on how to improve NWI! Click Here to tell us what you think!

the introduction

In late 2017, multiple organizations and communities in Northwest Indiana launched an ambitious effort to develop the first economic development strategic plan for the seven-county region, including Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton, Jasper, Pulaski, and Starke. TIP Strategies was engaged in February 2018 to facilitate the planning process and to develop the planning documents. Over the course of eight months, a broad coalition of regional partners and stakeholders came together to guide and inform this initiative. The end product—Ignite the Region: A Regional Strategy for Economic Transformation—was presented to the public in September 2018.

The Northwest Indiana Forum is currently leading an update of Ignite the Region: A Regional Strategy for Economic Transformation, the organization’s economic development strategic plan for Northwest Indiana. The 2025 update is focused on integrating arts, culture, tourism, and sustainability into the existing economic transformation strategy for the seven-county region, which includes Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton, Jasper, Pulaski, and Starke counties.

In the coming months, the Forum will collaborate with a diverse coalition of organizations and communities across Northwest Indiana to shape and refine the initiative. The updated strategy will be unveiled this spring.

This effort is supported by the State of Indiana’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) program and is being guided by Public Sphere Projects, a national planning and placemaking consultancy.

See What We Have Been Up To:

VISION

“Northwest Indiana drives its vibrant and inclusive communities by creating the most dynamic economic environment of the Midwest, fueled by innovation, diversity, and talent.”

pillars of ignite

Ignite the Region is built around five aspirational goals that serve as the pillars of future economic vitality and growth for the region. They reflect a holistic view of economic development that addresses business development and marketing, entrepreneurship and innovation, infrastructure, talent, and placemaking. Under each goal outlined within the plan are several strategies and actions needed for implementation.

Pete Doherty 060.jpg — Business Development
& Marketing

read the plan

Released in 2018, Ignite the Region: A Regional Strategy for Economic Transformation presents a framework for building economic growth and prosperity in the region. The strategy provides an evaluation of Northwest Indiana’s economic development challenges and opportunities, informed by quantitative analysis and qualitative input. It articulates a forward-looking vision of the Northwest Indiana economy. This plan provides a holistic set of goals, strategies, and actions designed to promote economic diversification and collaboration by enhancing the region’s talent base, infrastructure, entrepreneurship ecosystem, and unique places. Additionally, it includes a timetable for implementing the initiatives and activities and identifies the organizations best suited to lead those efforts.

ignite 2025 updates