Community development is critical to the economic vitality, quality of life and long-term sustainability of every community. Projects may include municipal and regional utilities, historic preservation, neighborhood and downtown revitalization, community facilities and industrial infrastructure. Region III-A has been assisting communities since 1974, by writing and administering grants from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) to assist in funding such projects. These funds, which originally were granted directly to municipal and county governments from HUD through the Urban Development Action Grant (UDAG) program and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, are now administered and distributed through the Indiana Office of Rural Affairs and Indiana Housing Finance Authority.
Community Development also involves work with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, to assist in the planning and development of parks and recreation programs and facilities in Northeast Indiana. Trail development for nature and recreation has been a growing area of involvement for Region III-A. Working with communities, Region III-A can help find creative solutions to issues such as bio-diesel development and distribution, comprehensive and land use plans, storm water mitigation and a host of other initiatives. Region III-A is a full partner when invited to participate in community development initiatives and projects.
As a full partner, Region III-A takes the complete view of the project. To the extent possible and feasible, Region III-A will assist with all aspects of project development and project implementation. This may involve helping to identify and access sources for local match, insuring organizational capacity and other related issues to insuring success. The organization’s purpose is to assist member municipalities and counties in achieving those projects of highest priority.