READI 1.0 funds in the South Bend-Elkhart region are already hard at work.
The $50 million award for projects and programs has been fully disbursed, according to the South Bend-Elkhart Regional Partnership.
“Reaching 100 percent disbursement means every READI 1.0 dollar is now at work in our communities – in new trails, housing, attractions and programs that make this a place people want to live, work, play and stay,” said Bethany Hartley, president and CEO of the South Bend-Elkhart Regional Partnership, in a press release. “That success belongs to the project and program leaders who turned plans into results, and it gives us a strong foundation as READI 2.0 projects move forward.”
Projects and programs supported by READI 1.o funds are expected to bring another $448 million in private and public funding. For example, the Potawatomi Zoo used its $1 million grant to help pay for the $6.2 million concession lodge and black bear habitat that opened in 2024.
The Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative launched in 2021 dedicated $500 million in funds among 17 regional partnerships that disbursed funds in all of Indiana's 92 counties.
“When the state invested in this region, it trusted local leaders to put those dollars to their best use, and this milestone shows that trust was well placed,” said Tim Sexton, chair of the Northern Indiana Regional Development Authority, in a press release. “With $50 million expected to bring in nearly $450 million in additional investment, READI 1.0 has proved what's possible when communities across the region work together toward shared goals.”
In 2022, the RDA awarded the region $40 million to 16 projects that advanced quality of place and $6.4 million for 11 other programs.
In 2024, READI 2.0 advanced the initiative with another $500 million in state funding. The South Bend-Elkhart region received $45 million of those funds. Gov. Mike Braun continued these efforts with $65 million in arts and culture funding this year. The Indiana Arts Commission is administering those funds. Five projects from South Bend-Elkhart earned funding.
Find a complete list of READI 1.0 projects and programs here and READI 2.0 here.
