Community Development
Indiana offers program funding for projects that unite communities and improve quality of life. We help member communities identify the right program, prepare the application, and administer the award.
Infrastructure Programs
Wastewater & Drinking Water
Safe, reliable water infrastructure is foundational to public health and economic vitality. Region 3-A helps communities access CDBG, OCRA, USDA Rural Development, and SRF funding for water and wastewater system improvements, from planning through construction administration.
The OCRA Wastewater/Drinking Water Program was established to provide aid to communities struggling with adequate water supply and failing wastewater treatment. The program finances and assists in improving the quality of water and wastewater in Indiana, along with providing water and sewer infrastructure for counties and communities for development in the long term.
Eligibility
For more information on eligibility, visit in.gov/ocra/cdbg.htm.
How It Works
This competitive program offers the largest amount of funding, with applications reviewed across two annual cycles. Partnering directly with the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA), we support local communities seeking to upgrade drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. We provide comprehensive assistance throughout the grant lifecycle, guiding application coordination, submission, and subsequent administration. The process begins with a project identification meeting alongside the community's engineer to develop a preliminary engineering report. Our team gathers all necessary documentation for application submission, and upon award, manages project administration to ensure full regulatory compliance.
Region 3-A has achieved $8,334,329.55 in grant funding for Wastewater and Drinking Water projects since 2000.
Infrastructure Programs
Stormwater Improvement
Aging stormwater infrastructure creates flooding, erosion, and water quality problems that affect residents, businesses, and natural resources. Stormwater Improvement is a program offered by OCRA which provides funding for cities and towns to address their stormwater systems. It was founded to provide aid to communities with little to no infrastructure, leading to flooded property and sewer backups because of inadequate stormwater management.
Eligibility
- Communities with documented flooding or drainage deficiencies
- Projects addressing NPDES MS4 permit compliance
- Municipalities and counties with stormwater utility authority
- Green infrastructure projects with demonstrated LMI benefit
How It Works
By evaluating the financial impact of combined sewer overflows, we assist local governments in obtaining funding driven by documented efficiency gains and flood risk reduction. Without adequate stormwater systems, poor drainage frequently leads to localized flooding and excess infiltration into wastewater networks. Our team works alongside communities to craft compliant stormwater management strategies that target high-impact projects first.
Region 3-A has achieved $428,800 in grant funding for Stormwater Improvement projects since 2000.
Infrastructure Programs
Public Facilities
Public facilities, including community centers, fire stations, senior centers, libraries, museums, and performance venues, are vital shared spaces that drive local economic growth and strengthen community development. Through the OCRA Public Facilities Program and CDBG grants, financial support is available for a wide variety of publicly-owned facilities serving low-to-moderate income residents.
These grants assist communities with financing for:
- Facility construction and expansion
- Building renovations and structural updates
- Essential equipment acquisitions
How It Works
Funding is available for community centers and qualified non-profit organizations to develop or enhance commercial building spaces. Eligible projects include facility rehabilitation or expansion to address local community needs. Our services include assisting with community funding coordination by providing resources, assessing prospective economic benefits, and managing grant application drafting and submission. Upon approval, we administer the funds, oversee project execution, guide applicants through the state's OCRA CDBG program, and liaise with local legal counsel on procurement compliance.
Region 3-A has achieved $2,274,227.45 in grant funding for Public Facilities Program projects since 2000.
Infrastructure Programs
Blight Clearance
Designed to assist communities impacted by blighted sites, the Blight Clearance Program supports the removal and redevelopment of deteriorating properties. Vacant or unusable industrial locations and deteriorating downtown structures may qualify for OCRA funding. By addressing abandoned and blighted properties, the program helps remove safety hazards, protect property values, and spur investment across local neighborhoods.
How It Works
Our team assists local governments in creating blighted property inventories and prioritizing sites according to community impact and redevelopment opportunities. To help municipalities clear unwanted structures, OCRA offers grant funding specifically for building demolition. We manage the process by drafting and submitting grant applications to secure funding for these initiatives. With monthly application deadlines, property owners and local leaders can initiate project planning at any point during the year.
Blight Clearance Process
Feedback provided so the application can be strengthened and resubmitted.
Grant awarded, then administered by Region 3-A through closeout:
- 1-2 weeksAward letter received
- 2-3 weeksGrant agreement received
- 6-12 weeksGrant agreement execution complete
- 1-2 weeksRelease of funds
- Within 1 year of awardComplete project & grant closeout
Community Development Resources
USDA Rural Development
USDA Rural Development is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture dedicated to improving the economy and quality of life in rural communities. Through direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants, USDA Rural Development partners with local governments, non-profits, businesses, and individuals to fund critical infrastructure and economic development initiatives.
Primary Funding & Program Areas
- Community Facilities: Funding to build, expand, or improve essential community facilities, including healthcare centers, public safety departments, town halls, and educational facilities.
- Water & Environmental Programs: Direct loans and grants for clean drinking water, sanitary sewage disposal, stormwater drainage, and waste management systems.
- Business & Economic Development: Financial backing and technical assistance for small businesses, microentrepreneurs, and cooperatives to support job creation and regional growth.
- Housing Assistance: Programs offering homeownership loans, affordable multi-family housing options, and home repair grants for low-income rural residents.
- Utility & Energy Infrastructure: Investments in rural electric grid improvements, broadband expansion, and renewable energy development.
Planning & Revitalization
Main Street Revitalization
The Main Street Revitalization Program, developed by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA), aims to encourage communities to prioritize long-term development planning. Through this initiative, towns can secure funding for projects focused on business creation, tourism expansion, historic preservation, and broader economic revitalization.
The program drives downtown revitalization using a proven four-point strategy: Organization, Promotion, Design, and Economic Vitality. Region 3-A supports member communities throughout this process by delivering technical assistance to help them achieve Main Street designation and obtain grant funding.
Eligibility
- Communities with a committed downtown organization
- Historic commercial districts with reinvestment potential
- Communities prepared to match OCRA program requirements
- Projects supporting building rehabilitation, facade improvements, and business development
How It Works
Region 3-A supports communities in leveraging the Main Street framework to secure public grants and draw private investment. We offer guidance on Main Street program applications, CDBG-funded downtown planning studies, historic tax credit identification, and the structuring of facade improvement loan funds. To meet the Main Street Revitalization Program's eligibility requirement of having a designated downtown organization, we have assisted rural towns in forming dedicated downtown improvement committees. Additionally, our team collects required data, builds financial models to evaluate infrastructure improvements, and aids in seeing funded projects through to completion.
Region 3-A has achieved $2,633,839.95 in grant funding for Main Street Revitalization Program projects since 2000.
Planning & Revitalization
Planning Grants
Effective community investment begins with sound strategic planning. Supported by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, OCRA Planning Grants help municipalities prepare for future growth by funding pre-development studies, feasibility assessments, and comprehensive local planning efforts. These preliminary processes equip communities to submit strong, competitive applications for subsequent implementation grants.
Through this program, local leaders can pursue funding for key initiatives such as infrastructure improvements, broadband expansion, downtown revitalization, and community facility enhancements. Region 3-A works directly with member communities to identify planning needs and formulate impactful grant proposals.
Eligibility
- Units of local government and nonprofit development organizations
- Planning studies that support future CDBG or OCRA project applications
- Communities with documented planning needs aligned with OCRA priorities
- Matching fund requirements vary by program
How It Works
Designed as an expedited pathway, Planning Grants assist communities in producing the necessary documentation to qualify for larger funding opportunities. Region 3-A supports local leaders throughout this process by identifying specific planning priorities, ranging from targeted utility studies to comprehensive plans covering utilities, roads, and land use, and preparing impactful grant proposals. We actively assist with scoping, drafting requests for proposals (RFPs), selecting contractors, and often serving directly as the planning consultant.
By fostering a collaborative environment, the planning process helps bring community members together to establish shared local priorities. Depending on the scope of the initiative, communities can secure up to $50,000 in grant funding. Our team assists with procuring professional services, submitting applications to OCRA, and providing complete administrative oversight once grants are awarded.
Region 3-A has achieved $673,339.81 in grant funding for Planning Grants projects since 2000.
Planning & Revitalization
Comprehensive Plans
Indiana statute requires municipalities to maintain a current comprehensive plan to exercise subdivision control and other planning authority. Region 3-A prepares and updates comprehensive plans for member communities, conducting community engagement, data analysis, and plan document production.
Available Plan Documents
Roanoke Comprehensive Plan
Town of Markle Comprehensive Plan
Need help with a project?
Our team is ready to assist with planning, funding, and project administration.