Category: Community Development

Next in our county coverage series is Steuben County, located in the northeast corner of Indiana. Founded in 1836, Steuben County serves around 34,435 residents and includes the city of Angola and towns such as Ashley, Clear Lake, Fremont, Hamilton, Hudson, and Orland. This blog highlights community development in Angola, the county’s only city, and its contributions to the county’s growth.

Angola: The Heart of Steuben County

Angola, founded in 1838, is the county seat of Steuben County and home to approximately 9,456 residents (2023 census). It is also the proud host of Trine University. The city’s most notable landmark is “The Monument,” a Civil War memorial built in 1917, prominently located in a downtown traffic circle. Known locally as “The Mound” or “The Circle,” this memorial features statues representing all four military branches and a statue of Columbia, symbolizing liberty. Notably, it lists 1,278 Steuben County men who served in the Civil War—more per capita than any other Indiana county. Renovated in 1993, The Monument remains a focal point for community events. Nearby, the historic Steuben County Courthouse, recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, adds distinctive charm to the city. Angola’s slogan, “Proudly working together to make visions a reality,” underscores its commitment to continual community improvement.

Angola’s Community Assets: Parks, Recreation, and Downtown Initiatives

The City of Angola manages over 200 acres of parkland and 4.2 miles of trails, encompassing three main parks:

• Commons Park: Spanning over 100 acres, featuring Friendship Playground, baseball/softball diamonds, soccer field, picnic shelters, and Commons Hall, an indoor event rental space.
• Firemen’s Park: Offering recreational spaces and community engagement opportunities.
• Nature Park: Providing serene trails for outdoor enthusiasts.

Angola Parks & Recreation hosts numerous annual events and programs, including the Summer Recreation Program, Easter Egg Hunt, Pig Out in the Park, Independence Day Celebration, American History Fest, and various seasonal concerts, fostering community spirit year-round.

Angola Main Street (AMS) enhances the downtown area through targeted marketing, aesthetic improvements, and support for local businesses. Recognized as Indiana’s 3rd Best Main Street organization in 2019, AMS achieved National Accreditation from OCRA in January 2024. This accreditation enables access to additional resources, grants, specialized training, and networking opportunities, significantly boosting downtown revitalization efforts. AMS aims to create an inclusive, vibrant downtown featuring gathering spaces, improved navigation, and appealing visuals like murals and local art installations.

Region 3A Updates: Funding Opportunities

Region 3A encourages local communities to explore available grants. Despite federal uncertainties, funding opportunities remain accessible, and agencies continue accepting applications. For assistance or more information, please visit Region 3A’s website.

We’re here to support your community development initiatives every step of the way!

Explore the vibrant opportunities and strategic initiatives fueling economic growth and prosperity in Noble County, Indiana. From civic leadership to business development, Noble County is setting a benchmark for regional economic success.

Introduction to Noble County

Welcome to our latest county spotlight! This month, we’re highlighting Noble County Economic Development, a key focus area for Region 3A. Situated in Northeast Indiana, Noble County is home to approximately 47,457 residents and features a rich history dating back to its founding in 1836. Named after Indiana’s first U.S. senator, James Noble, the county encompasses the cities of Kendallville and Ligonier, along with the towns of Avilla, Cromwell, Rome City, Wolcottville, and Albion, the county seat.

Our Development Destination series highlights impactful economic development sites, growth opportunities, and transformative projects within Region 3A. This spotlight explores how Noble County leverages initiatives like Engage Noble to drive local economic prosperity.

Noble County’s Commitment to Economic Development

Noble County prioritizes promoting, protecting, and enhancing quality of life for residents, businesses, schools, and local organizations. With a clear vision to create a safe, healthy, and prosperous community, Noble County advances economic development through strategic partnerships, investments in infrastructure and education, and robust community engagement.

The county’s dedication to these efforts is exemplified by its flagship program, Engage Noble.

Engage Noble: Building Leaders for a Stronger Community

Engage Noble is designed to cultivate civic leaders, build regional capacity, and ensure a thriving economy. Central to Engage Noble is the principle of servant leadership, captured by the motto “Serving First and Leading Later.” Specifically, this philosophy views leadership as a lifelong journey of service, evident in individual interactions and relationships. In other words, it prioritizes acts of service performed for the benefit of others over personal recognition or status.

Servant leadership within Engage Noble recognizes the evolving nature of individuals and emerging community challenges, necessitating an approach rooted in core values like humility, vulnerability, courage, and gratitude.

Key objectives of Engage Noble include:

• Fostering a heart for service within the community
• Understanding foundational leadership principles such as trust, empathy, and collaboration
• Recognizing and leveraging community assets to effectively address local challenges

Engage Noble promotes the development of diverse civic leaders, increased participation in local decision-making, and resilient communities through active collaboration and thoughtful reflection. Participants benefit from opportunities to learn about local resources, expand their networks, and explore leadership roles within the community.Learn more about Engage Noble here.

Region 3A Updates: Grant Opportunities Available

At Region 3A, we want you to know that grants are still available. Despite the uncertainties at the federal level and common misconceptions, rest assured that funding is still accessible, and agencies are actively accepting applications.

To our communities, please reach out to us for any funding assistance you need. We’re here to support you every step of the way!

For more information, visit our website here: Home – Region3A – Northeast Indiana

The 2025 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) prepared by Region III-A Development and Regional Planning Commission is available for 30-day public review and comment. The CEDS document is an economic development tool designed to leverage assets across northeast Indiana to bolster the regional economy. The CEDS can be accessed online by clicking here.

Please, submit comments in writing by April 15, 2025 at 11:59pm to:

Matt Brinkman, Executive Director
Region III-A Development and Regional Planning Commission
217 Fairview Boulevard
Kendallville, Indiana 46755
mbrinkman@region3a.org

Questions? Call: (260) 347-4714

Introduction to Series

Welcome to our 2025 blog campaign series spotlighting all six counties we serve! This series will cover Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, and Whitley County. Each blog will highlight economic development, community events, organizational practices, and most importantly, updates from Region 3A.

Huntington County Regional Roundup

We’re kicking off our series with Huntington County, home to 36,780 residents in Northeast Indiana. Huntington County includes the City of Huntington, along with the towns of Roanoke, Warren, Andrews, and Markle.

In December 2024, Huntington County was selected as one of four communities to participate in the inaugural Rural Empowerment & Development (RED) Program. This program, developed by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs and the Indiana Communities Institute at Ball State University, aims to foster community growth through innovative strategies.

Over the next few months, local teams will work alongside experts to identify and implement 5 to 15 actionable community projects. This initiative builds on previous efforts to strengthen Huntington County’s development, positioning it as a model for other communities. Huntington County joins 3 other counties in the “pilot” round of this program which begins this month.

Read more about the RED Program here: Press Release – OCRA RED Program

Region 3A’s Purpose

Region 3A functions as a regional unit of government, supporting Northeast Indiana’s community and economic development. With a strong focus on transportation, housing, and economic projects, Region 3A acts as a single point of contact for six counties and 32 municipalities, streamlining coordination with state and federal agencies.

Our mission is to advance the growth and development of Northeast Indiana. To learn more about Region 3A, visit our website here: Home – Region3A – Northeast Indiana.

Stay Tuned!

Next month, our blog will focus on LaGrange County. Stay connected to explore more updates and stories from our region!

What is an EDD and how can your community benefit?  

Region III-A Economic Development District and Regional Planning Commission was formed in 1974, making the agency 50 years old this year! Region III-A is one of nine economic development districts (EDDs) in Indiana.  

At times, we find that it is not exactly clear what an EDD is or how they differ from other development organizations or grant writing services. As part of our 50 year anniversary, we revisit the basics of an EDD and recount some Region III-A history in this post. 

What is an Economic Development District?

EDDs are quasi-governmental, multi-jurisdictional entities that are typically comprised of multiple counties and the cities and towns within them. Each EDD has its own geographic service area; EDD service areas cannot overlap. The intent is to facilitate a locally based, regionally driven, economic development planning process that utilizes the involvement of all stakeholders within the district. The EDD serves as the unbiased creator of an economic development roadmap known and a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for regional economic development.The CEDS provides a written coordinating mechanism for all stakeholders to engage in meaningful conversation and debate about the economic direction of their region. The EDD facilitates and owns this process. 

How Are Economic Development Districts Designated by EDA?

Becoming an approved EDD is not an easy quest and requires complying with several requirements and following a detailed process, final approval of which falls to the Federal EDA. To request EDD designation, an applicant must have an EDA-approved CEDS and at least one geographical area within the designated service boundaries that meets EDA’s regional distress criteria as set out in 13 CFR § 301.3(a). EDDs are designed to represent multi-county areas so entities that request designation should be able to serve and represent the entire geographic area of the proposed region and not just a small representation of such. The requirements set out in 13 CFR parts 303 and 304 must be met and all necessary documentation provided.

Once the appropriate documents are compiled, they must be paired with a summary that is developed by a regional office of the requested designation, including the name of the organization requesting the designation, and rationale for the regional office’s recommendation and include this in the EDD designation package. The summary must be completed based on a thorough review of the designation request. 

Benefits of an EDD:

While there are agencies that can provide certain services for specific types of projects, your EDD is the most appropriate lead for comprehensive planning and funding coordination services. 

– Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

– Eligible for funding from the Economic Development Administration (EDA)

– Collaboration among several municipalities and agencies

– Existing relationships with multiple state and federal agencies

– Technical Assistance and Resources

History of Region III-A Economic Development District and Regional Planning Commission

Region III-A was formed in 1974, 50 years ago, by founding members Steuben, Lagrange, Noble and Whitley Counties. Eleven years later, in 1985, Huntington County was added with Wabash County following years later in 2010. In those 50 years we have provided technical assistance on countless projects and have helped secure tens of millions of dollars in funding for our communities. As our communities and funding opportunities have grown, so has our staff and valuable experience.

We look forward to continuous education, value add and prosperity for the six counties and thirty two incorporated cities and towns in the region.

Large municipal projects often only consider bonding alone or grants and cash as funding sources. While these methods are tried and true, new ways to fund projects are available to innovative municipalities. Today, municipal governments and districts have more options than ever in funding options.  

Instead of trying to find one large source of funds, municipalities can use multiple sources of funding to create a “capital stack” by combining different types of funds, grants, and debt to pay for a project. With state and federal governments issuing billions of dollars in grant funding every year and private financing options growing in popularity, municipal project leaders have huge flexibility in tailoring a capital stack to each project. Each financing mechanism has its benefits and drawbacks – the capital stack approach can create more flexibility, responsiveness and enable utilization of the benefits of each. 

For example, a water project may earn a state grant that matches 50% of the estimated cost. The municipality could then issue bonds for 25% of the cost, then seek a public-private partnership to utilize private lending for the remaining 25%. 

Sometimes, this capital stack approach makes the difference between a project moving forward or not. 

Approaching projects with a layered, or “stacked”, financing approach allows municipalities to decrease reliance on large grants while still funding projects in a cost effective manner. Region 3A is ready to help you access grant funding and work with our partners to secure other sources of financing.