Community Development

"We know that our rural communities play a vital role in Indiana’s economy, and I commend the finalists for working together to develop a strong local vision for the future. It is through programs such as HCI that we are able to foster a culture that supports capacity building, collaborative partnerships and business growth and provides a quality of place where people want to invest, live, work and raise a family."

Former Indiana Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann Hometown Collaboration Initiative March 31, 2016

“Parke County decided to pursue the Business Retention & Expansion program because we understand that our existing businesses are probably our biggest strength that we have available to us today. Participating in this program has engaged a lot of our local leaders and other folks in the community that want to be a part of this program going forward.”

Cyndi Todd Director of Partnership Parke County June 2, 2016

“By engaging in HCI, we have already seen several communities take those essential next steps in building upon their foundations for locally determined community and economic development opportunities.”

Bill Konyha Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs Executive Director June 2, 2016

“The Indiana Stronger Economies Together (SET) program is another example of how Purdue is strengthening collaborations to build vibrant economies across Indiana. It is a prime example of how Purdue expertise can assist communities as they build stronger economies to enhance the quality of life in Indiana."

Jason Henderson Director of Purdue Extension March 31, 2016

“Public spaces – of which we have a variety in our community – play a vital role as resources we all use day in and day out, whether they are retail areas we shop in, parks we play in or paths we walk. The creation of a Downtown Revitalization Study will be the blueprint for action steps in the years to come.”

Frankfort Mayor Chris McBarnes Enhancing the Value of Public Spaces March 31, 2016

“The goals of this convening were to: educate participants through participatory learning, engage participants in a visioning process and energize participants for creating community change. The Purdue Extension Community Development team played a key role in helping us realize these goals.”

Linda Fitzgerald Women’s Voices conference on Empowering Positive Change Fayette County March 31, 2016