INNOVATE INDIANA

CURRENT STATE OF THE REGION
& QUALITY OF PLACE
Northern Indiana has a variety of economic, demographic and quality of place strengths
and challenges related to the key place-based development success factors of density,
connectivity, amenities and productivity. The region’s ability to enhance its competitiveness
and attract talent is threatened by flat population growth, a labor force participation cliff,
lagging productivity rates and the need for additional amenities. The region’s key strengths
include: many existing place-based assets, a competitive cost structure, access to markets,
higher education resources, and cultural diversity.
Innovation Districts
are already emerging
throughout the region,
and leaders are
exploring additional
place-based
development
opportunities in their
communities, through
initiatives such as
Smart Streets in
Downtown South Bend
and Horizon 3.0 in
Elkhart County.
Density
Northern Indiana’s culturally rich communities are a positive feature for many prospective
residents and businesses. If broader current population and demographic trends continue,
however, the region’s ability to achieve population and employment density will decline as
population growth slows and the existing workforce ages and retires.
Northern Indiana’s increasingly diverse community is a strength and opportunity as more
Americans prefer to live in communities with diverse populations, [19] and businesses with
more diverse workforces report higher rates of innovation and growth compared to less
diverse organizations. [20]
[19] http://uli.org/wp-content/uploads/ULI-Documents/America-in-2015.pdf
[20] https://hbr.org/2013/12/how-diversity-can-drive-innovation
SECTION 4
RISING FROM THE ASHES
As South Bend finds the
future, ND’s part shifts
from Rockne to research.
- Notre Dame Magazine, Summer 2015
(Exhibit C-4)
REGIONALCITIESOFNORTHERNINDIANA.ORG |
25
STATE OF THE REGION
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY THE REGION ENGAGED CURRENT TRENDS VISION & STRATEGY PROJECTS
& QUALITY OF PLACE
STAKEHOLDERS, EXECUTION
& STRUCTURAL CHANGES
BENCHMARKING
& MEASUREMENT
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT