Comprehensive Regional Plan - Northwestern Indiana Regional ...

While the implementation section of the complete
CRP clearly identifies the many projects, initiatives and
programs recommended to implement the vision, there
are two major aspects critical to the success of the
program briefly discussed below.
NIRPC AS A FULL-SERVICE
REGIONAL AGENCY
THE IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE
AND REGIONAL COMMUNITY
The CRP calls for NIRPC to become involved in a
range of implementation activities such as Livable
Centers, a regional vision for transit, core community
revitalization, regional planning and implementation,
education and many others.
These roles could be quite varied from project lead to a
coordinating or supporting role. The fact is execution of the
CRP will require expanding NIRPC’s role. This is a positive
outcome for Northwest Indiana.
Stronger working relationships with all its partners and
deeper insights into regional issues and opportunities
will enable NIRPC to effectively respond to needs and
accomplish its goals. These working relationships will help
better identify priorities, give timely access to resources,
and coordination with state, federal and other agencies.
Solid working relationships also will develop trust, mutual
support for common goals and interests, and success.
We know this will take time, and it will be based on the
implementation and action priorities ultimately set by
the NIRPC board. However, implementation will be most
successful when true collaborative relationships are formed
by those committed to addressing the region’s needs.
While the CRP prescribes many implementation actions in
the plan, the actions must be prioritized and programmed.
The newly formed Implementation Committee, working
with the regional community, will undertake the important
task of helping to identify regional priorities, agencies, roles
and funding. While the ultimate authority to approve and
implement a program on behalf of NIRPC will rest with its
board, it is through collaboration with other stakeholders
serving on the committee that will make it work.
To keep momentum and the promise of the CRP vision
moving forward, the creation of a five- and 10-year priority
implementation agenda is necessary. The agenda will be
framed within a well-defined funding program and detail
the means by which project and priority initiatives will be
completed. The agenda will be updated and modified as
required to respond to conditions and opportunities as they
arise, but it will be a prime measure for CRP progress through
the years.
In the end, it is up to the regional community, not
just NIRPC, to implement the CRP. However, NIRPC
understands its role in regional and local consensus
building, and a strong and focused Implementation
Committee will help realize long-term success.
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