Comprehensive Regional Plan - Northwestern Indiana Regional ...

LEVERAGE LAND USE
& MULTIMODAL
TRANSPORTATION
NIRPC’s regional role in transportation,
environmental and land use resource
guidance means it is well positioned
to continue to attract state and federal
resources that can be leveraged in the
interest of economic development.
Capitalize on freight assets
Northwest Indiana lies at the center of a
global multimodal freight network. This
keeps business costs low and consumer
prices down. The movement, handling
and storing of freight also generates
significant employment. Capitalizing on
our infrastructure advantages to create
economic opportunities is a key strategy
for revitalizing Northwest Indiana.
Assess economic impacts of planning
NIRPC should routinely assess and
identify economic impacts of its
transportation planning process and
selection of projects.
Provide land assembly assistance
NIRPC will continue to partner with
the Northwest Indiana Forum to create
a stronger understanding of the value
of land assembly in the region. Both
agencies will work together to develop
educational seminars and programs.
SUPPORT THE
NWI ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
The NWI Economic Development District
(NWIEDD) is a partnership between
NIRPC and the Forum that is becoming a
central avenue responsible for regional
economic development. The NWIEDD
serves as a state coordinator and
clearinghouse for regional economic
development grant requests. With
NIRPC’s input and support, the district
is responsible for the preparation and
upkeep of the Comprehensive Economic
Development Strategy (CEDS) document.
NIRPC will continue to provide planning
and programming of infrastructure
for economic development and supply
assistance and support to the NWIEDD.
SUPPORT EDUCATION
& JOB DEVELOPMENT
PARTNERS
A vibrant region means our economy
is thriving and our people are well
educated, and a well-educated
population calls for expanded access
to knowledge and opportunities.
Unfortunately many of our schools,
especially in our older urban areas,
suffer from poor results, low graduation
rates and unequal funding. Many
have commented that our region is
undereducated and underprepared for
jobs.
The availability of an educated work
force is a major factor that firms review
as they seek to relocate to a particular
region. Our institutions of education
must improve to help us compete for
quality jobs that sustain our region
and quality of life. We boast several
colleges and universities that aid in our
competitiveness, but without quality jobs
available for graduates, our region will
continue to experience the “brain drain”
that hampers our ability to succeed.
While education in and of itself is not
a core function of NIRPC’s mission,
NIRPC will continue to support and
partner with other agencies that focus
on improved scholastic performance in
Northwest Indiana.
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