Grant program seeks to fund downtown revitalization projects in 5 counties
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A central Indiana grant program is seeking applications from organizations within five counties for projects to revitalize downtown spaces.
The 180 Makeover Grant Program is funded by the state’s READI program and has allocated more than $2 million to projects within Boone, Johnson, Montgomery, Morgan and Putnam counties. Each county will have access to up to $404,200.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to make investments that elevate our places for talent attraction, worker and resident retention, and increased regional tourism,” Rose Scovel, principal planner with Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization, said in a news release.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization, along with the Indy Partnership, support the counties’ use of READI funds within program guidelines. The 180 Makeover Program specifically seeks to promote economic development, enhance community space and preserve history within downtown spaces.
Eligible projects are divided into three categories: building renovation, public space and downtown revitalization, and potential uses could range from streetscaping work to façade improvements, roof repairs, parks, event space and more.
“This program aligns perfectly with our mission of promoting economic development in Boone County,” Boone County Economic Development Corp Executive Director Molly Whitehead said in the release. “It offers our communities the chance to undertake transformative projects to revitalize our historic downtowns and strengthen our local economies.”
The central Indiana region received a $20 million allocation in the inaugural Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative, or READI, in December 2021.
Organizations interested in applying for grant funding are encouraged to submit proposals to their Local Economic Development Organization by Nov. 30. Grant awards will be announced in January with agreements ready in the spring.
To learn more about the 180 Makeover Grant Program, contact Marlon Webb at MWebb@IndyChamber.com.