Since becoming mayor I’ve represented Zionsville in a coalition of Central Indiana local government elected officials. It’s been a privilege to learn from and join these local leaders in conversations centered around how we promote and grow our local communities and our region.
To further this collaboration, Zionsville is joining forces with mayors from Fishers, Anderson, Carmel, Indianapolis, McCordsville, Noblesville and Westfield along with commissioners from Hamilton and Madison counties to apply for Gov. Eric Holcomb’s Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) grant. I see this as a key opportunity to join a suburban/urban coalition to partner on initiatives that will accelerate the local economy and sense of place and attract and retain talent.
I am thankful to Gov. Holcomb for providing this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reinvest in local communities. Now, Zionsville has a seat at the table. We have a lot of options available in our community because of this regional partnership. Our goal as a community is to focus on preserving our sense of place and authenticity while also attracting innovative corporate investment and workforce opportunities for our residents. Also, with Zionsville being part of the White River watershed and with the White River uniting us, this is an opportunity to look at underutilized areas and lean into the watershed to create recreational pathways, to bring people into town and to continue to look at sustainability practices.
We have a lot of exciting, transformational opportunities ahead of us because of this regional partnership. In the coming summer months, this coalition will create our regional development game plan. We will continue to keep you updated on specific initiatives we undertake.