Earlier today the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Development Authority (RDA) submitted the Smart, Connected Communities 2030 Plan on behalf of the region to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) as step two of the request for financial partnership process.

The plan outlines the vision for the South Bend – Elkhart region, the process of engaging stakeholders in informing that vision, the strategies that will bring the vision into reality, and the outcomes when success is achieved. The Plan also includes a set of Example Projects to demonstrate the type of investments that could be advanced with the support of READI funding. The 200+ page plan was developed through inclusive collaboration with community, business, and educational leaders and guided by the third-party economic development consulting firm, Fourth Economy.

As we look to the future of the South Bend – Elkhart region, we ask that you take a few moments to reflect on the impact our first financial relationship with the state of Indiana had on our region by watching: South Bend – Elkhart Region Reflects on Regional Cities.

​​​​​​Our region is at an inflection point and we are poised to seize the opportunities ahead of us. You can read how we intend to do just that in the Smart, Connected Communities 2030 Plan.

Before the end of the year, we will move into the final step of the READI process, presenting to the state’s review committee. From there, we will receive notification of our region’s award status and navigate the way forward just as we always have, with the support, insights, and collective knowledge of the people that make the South Bend – Elkhart region a great place to call home.

WE+YOU,

Regina Emberton
President and CEO
South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership