Program Overview

WCIEDD's Economic Development Program centers around a professional staff that provides technical assistance in the areas of Business, Government, Economic Development, and Community Development. The goals of this program are to reduce unemployment and underemployment, halt out-migration, increase the tax base and help build sustainable communities in West Central Indiana.  These program goals are accomplished through partnerships with local government officials and agencies, county and regional economic development organizations, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (IOCRA), U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), and other state and federal agencies.

West Central has been designated by EDA as the regional economic development planning organization for the multi-county Economic Development District (EDD) that includes Clay, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vermillion, and Vigo Counties in Indiana.  As such, the district is eligible for federal and state program assistance under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, and other federal and state programs.  Therefore, our team stands ready to assist local businesses, government units and resource groups in West Central Indiana with economic development and community development projects.

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

In partnership with the CEDS Committee, the economic development staff prepares and maintains the CEDS for the six counties in the EDD.  Preparation and maintenance of this document is critical since an EDA approved CEDS must be on file to maintain eligibility for investment assistance under EPA's Public Works or Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs.

The CEDS brings together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic roadmap to diversify and strengthen the region's economy.  It analyzes the regional economy and serves as the guide for establishing regional goals and objectives, developing and implementing a regional plan of action, and as the tool to identify priorities and funding sources.  Finally, the CEDS provides a useful benchmark by which a regional economy can evaluate opportunities with other regions in the national economy. 

CEDS Document 

Unemployment Insurance Claims

Range of Available Projects & Technical Services

Community Planning and Development

• Community Buildings-Community Centers, Senior Centers, etc.
• Firehouses, Fire Trucks and Equipment
• Sewer and Water Infrastructure Projects
• Industrial Park Development Projects
• Flood Recovery Grants & Projects

Technical Assistance

• Tax Abatement, Tax Increment Financing, New Markets Tax Credit
• Redevelopment Commissions
• County Income Taxes
• Zoning
• Site Location Assistance, Job Training Funds

Financial Assistance

• Grant Writing, Grant Administration
• USDA, EDA, Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, IDNR Grants
• Local Foundations & Trust Grants
• Local Financial Institutions

Brickcraft - Clay County

Russellville Community Center