INDIANAPOLIS | Gov. Mike Pence's $84 million Regional Cities Initiative, which seeks to lure young workers to Indiana through improved quality-of-life amenities, got off to a shaky start Wednesday.
At issue was the proposed selection of the usual suspects from Indianapolis' economic development community for the panel that will help decide which two regional development authorities win state funding for their projects.
Former Lt. Gov. John Mutz, chairman of the policy committee for the Indiana Economic Development Corp., the state agency overseeing the Regional Cities program, wouldn't stand for it.
He insisted that up to three economic development experts from outside Marion County be added to the 10 members of the Regional Cities Initiative Strategic Review Committee previously selected by IEDC leaders and the governor.
Mutz said he was disappointed he already knew everyone on the recommended list. While he admitted they each are thoughtful individuals, he believes the panel should include more younger members from all parts of the state.
IEDC Policy Director Eric Shields attempted to placate Mutz by explaining the agency tried to create a committee that would have the competency and expertise to judge proposed regional projects.
However, he failed to persuade Mutz simply to rubber-stamp the selections, and Mutz refused to believe no one outside Indianapolis was qualified to serve.
The three additional members are expected to be nominated by IEDC officials by the end of the month so the committee can begin reviewing project applications and complete site visits ahead of a Dec. 15 decision by the full IEDC board on which projects to fund.
Ultimately the Regional Cities program aims to prevent population stagnation by investing in building projects that attract new residents and label Indiana regions with positive, nationally recognized brand images.
Potentially eight regions, representing 34 of the state's 92 counties, might participate in the competition.
The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority plans to submit an application, possibly in conjunction with the north central RDA, seeking funds to double-track the South Shore Line from the Illinois border to South Bend to reduce travel times for region commuters.
RDA President Bill Hanna said making the region more accessible to Chicago jobs through improved rail connections will bring to Indiana new residents, businesses and transit-oriented development.