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

Brownfield grant funding programs are extremely competitive, evaluating applications on a strict 200-point scoring scale with almost no room for error. To maximize the probability of securing an award, we work closely alongside community members and local partners to compile all required details and assemble a comprehensive, compliant, and collaborative proposal. Once grant funding is secured, our team oversees full project administration. We collaborate with the community, contract the necessary remediation services, and manage all required financial documentation and reporting.

Funding options made available through development and infrastructure policies actively support brownfield property redevelopment. By adopting smart growth land use strategies, such as enabling mixed-use developments or driving more efficient land utilization, redevelopment becomes significantly more cost-effective. Furthermore, directing infrastructure investments toward roads, water, and sewer services on brownfield sites enhances their appeal to prospective developers.

Site Certification

Shovel Ready Site Certification

Shovel Ready is a state designation by the Indiana Site Certified program to certify that sites are ready for development. Communities can apply for different levels of certification including Prime, Gold, and Silver. Generally, the phrase "shovel-ready" describes the condition of a site that is ready for a project to be started.

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

In our role, we collaborate directly with economic development corporations to secure designation. When property owners invest in a site, they reach out to us to help prepare it for shovel-ready certification. Our team manages the application process, coordinates with state officials, and helps guide the project to designation. These site certifications enable property owners to market available conditions effectively to prospective companies, attracting new businesses and driving regional economic growth.

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

The EDA typically provides a 50/50 match of grant funding for infrastructure projects. However, it can be more or less depending on economic factors. Private investment and community investment go a long way in making potential infrastructure projects come to fruition. We help communities leverage their resources to secure grant funding on these projects. We ensure that all of the information and criteria is provided to get the most funding available for infrastructure projects.

Region 3-A has achieved $6,229,999.00 in grant funding for EDA Construction projects since 2000.

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 work directly with companies seeking a tax abatement for a property. We collect comprehensive project details from the business and analyze their operations to fully understand their scope. Once the project scope is defined, we compile all required documentation and forms that the governing authority needs to evaluate. Serving as a liaison, we facilitate communication and gather required materials from the company to ensure the council has the necessary insights to make a well-informed choice.

Need help with a project?

Our team is ready to assist with planning, funding, and project administration.

Contact Us