Economic Development
Our Economic Development services help communities and organizations compile the data, funding, and site readiness they need to attract investment and grow local employment.
Site Remediation
Brownfield Redevelopment
Brownfields are formerly industrial or commercial properties where redevelopment may be complicated by the presence, or potential presence, of environmental contamination. Region 3-A helps communities navigate the federal and state programs that assess and remediate brownfield sites, unlocking them for productive reuse.
Eligibility
- Units of local government (cities, towns, counties)
- Nonprofit organizations working on behalf of a community
- Sites with documented or suspected environmental contamination
- Projects with a viable end-use plan (commercial, industrial, green space, or residential)
How It Works
Region 3-A assists applicants in Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments, EPA Brownfields Assessment and Cleanup grant applications, and the development of site reuse plans. We help communities assemble the documentation package required by IDEM and EPA, and coordinate with state Voluntary Remediation Program staff throughout the process.
Site Certification
Shovel Ready Site Certification
Indiana's Shovel Ready Certified Sites Program accelerates economic development by certifying that a site has completed the due diligence required to close a deal in 90 days or less. Region 3-A works with local EDOs, landowners, and utilities to compile the certification package and shepherd it through the IEDC review process.
Eligibility
- Industrial or commercial sites of 5 acres or more
- Sites with or seeking access to three-phase power, water, sewer, and transportation
- Sites with willing owner cooperation and clear title
- Communities with a marketing plan and economic development partner
How It Works
The certification process requires environmental baseline documentation, infrastructure confirmation letters, zoning verification, geotechnical reports, and title work. Region 3-A coordinates each of these deliverables and prepares the final submission to IEDC. Sites are reviewed annually and certified for three-year periods.
Federal Funding
EDA Grant Programs
The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) provides federal grants for public infrastructure, planning, and technical assistance projects that create or retain jobs and leverage private investment. Region 3-A helps communities identify eligible projects, develop competitive applications, and administer awards through closeout.
Eligibility
- Economically distressed communities meeting EDA eligibility criteria
- Infrastructure projects with documented economic impact (jobs created/retained)
- Projects aligned with a current Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
- State and local government entities, tribes, and universities
How It Works
Region 3-A maintains and updates the regional CEDS document, which is required for EDA grant eligibility. We assist communities with project scoping, benefit-cost analysis, environmental review, and application preparation. For awarded projects, we provide grant administration, reporting, and closeout support.
Tax Policy
Tax Abatement Guidance
Indiana's tax abatement programs provide temporary property tax reductions to encourage capital investment and job creation. Region 3-A provides impact analysis for local governing bodies considering abatement requests, helping elected officials make informed, transparent decisions that balance incentives with fiscal impact.
Eligibility
- New manufacturing, logistics, and technology facilities
- Substantial expansion of existing facilities
- Projects that create new full-time jobs above wage thresholds
- Equipment, personal property, and real property may be eligible
How It Works
Region 3-A prepares abatement impact assessments that estimate the tax revenue foregone, projected new payroll and employment, and net fiscal benefit to the taxing district. We also assist with the required SB-1 and CF-1 filing processes and can help communities develop their local abatement policies and application procedures.
Need help with a project?
Our team is ready to assist with planning, funding, and project administration.