With the launch of our new website, we wanted to take this opportunity to reintroduce ourselves and offer an overview of our agency for those new to our mission.

Our Mission & Identity 

Region 3-A Development and Regional Planning Commission is a multi-county regional planning agency dedicated to serving local governments, businesses, and communities across Northeast Indiana. Operating as a regional planning organization, Region 3-A serves as a pivotal bridge connecting municipal leaders with state and federal resources to foster long-term prosperity. Established to promote cooperative regional planning, the commission works closely with local leaders, community partners, and residents to guide sustainable development, modernize public infrastructure, and enhance overall quality of life.

At its core, Region 3-A is driven by a passionate team of technical experts and administrators dedicated to building vibrant communities. Under the leadership of Executive Director Sandra Tamez, who brings over a decade of regional planning experience, the commission prioritizes listening, collaboration, and shared vision to achieve meaningful progress. Supported by skilled staff, including Director of Technical Services Brian Kinner, Housing Specialist Dave Gee, and Community Development Planner Kellie Knauer, Region 3-A ensures that even the smallest rural municipalities gain equal access to crucial opportunities.

Our Core Services & Expertise

Region 3-A operates as a full-service technical assistance and planning resource, helping communities turn visionary ideas into fully funded, completed projects. The organization specializes in securing grant funding, navigating complex regulatory environments, and executing comprehensive strategic plans tailored to the unique economic realities of Northeast Indiana.

Key functional areas of our work include:

• Economic Development: Formulating regional economic strategies, supporting business growth, and partnering with federal agencies like the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to fund essential infrastructure.
• Community Development & Grants Management: Providing comprehensive grant research, income surveys, grant writing, and administration for programs such as the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA), Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), and USDA Rural Development.
• Transportation Planning: Managing regional transportation projects, infrastructure improvement plans, and multimodal mobility solutions to ensure safe, efficient transit across county lines.
• Housing Programs & Technical Services: Supporting housing revitalization through initiatives such as the Northeast Indiana Housing Partnership, Inc. and Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation housing supervision.
• Environmental & Infrastructure Support: Managing environmental assessment programs, such as Brownfield Coalition Assessment grants, and facilitating critical water, sewer, and public health projects.

Empowering Local Communities 

For small towns and county governments, administrative bandwidth and specialized grant-writing capacity can often present major obstacles to securing state and federal dollars. Region 3-A fills this critical gap by acting as an extension of local municipal staff. From identifying potential funding channels to conducting income surveys and overseeing post-award compliance, Region 3-A guides local leaders through every stage of project development.

In addition to grant management, Region 3-A facilitates connections between local committees, regional networks, and state agencies. Whether a community is seeking initial guidance through Main Street 101 workshops, expanding local housing opportunities, or building wastewater improvements, Region 3-A offers hands-on expertise to convert community ambitions into lasting achievements. By combining regional strategy with local support, Region 3-A continues to champion the growth and prosperity of Northeast Indiana.

Leadership & Staff

Region 3-A is driven by a passionate, experienced team of technical experts and administrators dedicated to building vibrant communities across Northeast Indiana. Governed by local county and municipal officials from Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, and Whitley counties, our staff acts with a shared purpose to advance the entire region. Together, we ensure that even the smallest rural municipalities gain equal access to crucial development opportunities. To learn more about our team, leadership, and regional partners, please visit our About page.