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.
Eligibility
- Units of local government with documented infrastructure deficiencies
- Projects serving primarily low-to-moderate income households
- New systems, expansions, and rehabilitation of existing systems
- Communities with current approved plans or utility studies
How It Works
We assist with preliminary engineering reports, environmental reviews, income surveys, application preparation, and full grant administration from award through final closeout. Our staff have administered dozens of water and wastewater projects for member communities.
Infrastructure Programs
Stormwater Improvement
Aging stormwater infrastructure creates flooding, erosion, and water quality problems that affect residents, businesses, and natural resources. Region 3-A assists communities with stormwater master planning, MS4 compliance support, and grant applications for infrastructure improvements.
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
We help communities develop stormwater management plans that satisfy regulatory requirements while prioritizing projects by community impact. Our planners assist with OCRA and EPA Section 319 grant applications and can provide technical coordination with IDEM and FEMA.
Infrastructure Programs
Public Facilities
Community centers, fire stations, senior facilities, and other public buildings are critical services. CDBG and OCRA Public Facilities grants support construction, renovation, and equipment for publicly-owned community facilities serving low-to-moderate income populations.
Eligibility
- Publicly owned or nonprofit facilities serving LMI populations (51% or greater)
- Projects that eliminate slum and blight conditions
- Facilities that address an urgent community need
- Units of local government and 501(c)(3) nonprofits
How It Works
Region 3-A assists with LMI income surveys, project budget development, construction document review, Davis-Bacon compliance, and grant reporting. We help applicants navigate the state's CDBG program through OCRA and coordinate with local legal counsel on procurement requirements.
Infrastructure Programs
Blight Clearance
Blighted and abandoned properties reduce property values, create safety hazards, and undermine neighborhood investment. Region 3-A assists communities with CDBG Blight Clearance grants to demolish dilapidated structures and clear sites for reinvestment.
Eligibility
- Units of local government with documented blight conditions
- Properties meeting Indiana's legal definition of blighted structure
- Projects contributing to a neighborhood revitalization strategy
- Municipalities with clear site disposition plans
How It Works
Our planners assist with blight condition documentation, environmental review for asbestos and lead, procurement for demolition contractors, and grant administration. We can help communities develop a blighted structure inventory and prioritize sites based on community impact and redevelopment potential.
Planning & Revitalization
Main Street Revitalization
Indiana's Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) Main Street program supports downtown revitalization through the proven four-point approach: Organization, Promotion, Design, and Economic Vitality. Region 3-A provides technical assistance to member communities pursuing Main Street designation and 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 assists with Main Street program applications, facade improvement loan fund structuring, historic tax credit identification, and CDBG-funded downtown planning studies. We help communities leverage the Main Street framework to attract private investment alongside public grants.
Planning & Revitalization
Planning Grants
Good planning precedes good investment. OCRA Planning Grants support pre-development studies, feasibility analyses, and community planning processes that position communities for successful implementation grants. Region 3-A helps communities identify planning gaps and develop competitive grant applications.
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
Planning Grants are a fast-track opportunity to develop the documentation needed for larger grants. Region 3-A assists with scoping, RFP preparation, contractor selection, and grant administration. We often serve as the planning consultant under these grants.
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.