PLACEMAKING

Communities that offer a variety of amenities are the ones best able to attract and retain skilled and talented workers, especially younger workers who possess in-demand skills. A community that appeals to talent will, in turn, attract new employers. Ignite The Region’s Placemaking initiative is to create the amenities and places that enhance Northwest Indiana’s appeal to diverse groups of people. Our Placemaking Initiative is comprised of seven strategic goals:

1. Maximize the transit-oriented development (TOD) potential associated with the South Shore Line Double Track NWI and West Lake Corridor rail projects

2. Support the development of vibrant downtowns and distinct neighborhoods and districts

3. Ensure the region encourages and promotes the development of diverse and affordable housing options

4. Support the ongoing initiative to establish a healthcare residency program in Northwest Indiana

5. Create a regional approach to developing and promoting the farm-to-fork sector in the region

6. Incorporate the site location needs of target industries into local and regional planning and placemaking strategies

7. Continue regional and local efforts to expand cultural, arts, entertainment and recreational infrastructure and amenities

FEATURED IN VIDEO: Leah Konrady, One Region;

Tony Sindone, Purdue University Northwest

Micah Pollack, Indiana University Northwest

RESOURCES

Below you will find a list of several resourceful links pertinent to advancing the development of Northwest Indiana’s Placemaking initiative

• Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA)
  The RDA was created to partner with others in the “heavy lifting” required to develop the infrastructure that will make Northwest Indiana economically vibrant.

• Double Track Project 
  The South Shore Line (SSL) proposes to construct a 25-mile second track for the South Shore Line between Gary and Michigan City. The continuous second track will allow trains and passengers to continue to their destination without stops and delays for passing trains, maintenance work or other track issues.

• West Lake Corridor Project
  The West Lake Corridor Project would be an approximate 8-mile southern extension of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District’s (NICTD) existing South Shore Line (SSL) between Dyer and Hammond, Indiana. The proposed project would provide new transit service between Dyer, Indiana and Metra’s Millennium Station in Downtown Chicago, Illinois, a total distance of approximately 29 miles.

• One Region

  One Region strives to grow population, attract and retain talent, and increase household income in Northwest Indiana: Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties

• Calumet Collaborative
  The Calumet Collaborative catalyzes innovative partnerships between Illinois and Indiana community, government, business, and nonprofit stakeholders to advance a thriving Calumet region through transformative sustainable development.

• NIRPC
  The Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) is a regional council of local governments serving the citizens of Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties in Northwest Indiana. NIRPC provides a forum that enables the citizens of Northwest Indiana to address regional issues relating to transportation, the environment, and economic development.

• Legacy Foundation
  Legacy Foundation is a community foundation and the leading philanthropic partner serving Lake County, Indiana. We have been connecting people with resources since 1992.