Comprehensive Regional Plan - Northwestern Indiana Regional ...

CURRENT INITIATIVES
A number of current and ongoing activities are active
in the region encouraging coordination, the practice of
collaboration and the facilitation of stakeholders. NIRPC
supports these efforts in a number of ways. These include
study circles focused on race relations, shared service and
funding assistance, cooperative agreements, information
sharing and the staffing of the Local Government Assistance
Advisory Committee.
Fostering New Partnerships and Initiatives
Building on established relationships, NIRPC should foster
new forms of cooperation. There are a number of untapped
partnerships that are ripe with opportunities. They include:
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• Colleges and Universities – resources can be shared
where NIRPC lacks staff support
• Developers – promoting sustainable practices with the
help of municipal governments
• Social/Environmental Justice Partners – these must be
integrated into regional policy
Several key initiatives also could be undertaken by NIRPC
that would further help governmental efficiency and
promote dialogue between decision-makers. These include
a regular convening of local officials in Northwest Indiana,
establishing task forces addressing important policy areas,
working across state lines with our neighboring entities and
participating in ongoing regional initiatives.
Downtown Valparaiso