ECIRPD Attends National Brownfield Conference 2025
From August 4th–8th, representatives from the East Central Indiana Regional Planning District (ECIRPD) attended the National Brownfield Conference in Chicago to share insights from our brownfield program in Delaware County. ECIRPD team members Bill Walters and Michelle Badders, along with Environmental Justice (EJ) Brownfield Committee members Ken Hudson and Richard Ivy, participated in a seminar highlighting the successful implementation of a $500,000 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfield Grant. This funding has been pivotal in assessing and cleaning up sites in the Whitely, McKinley, and Industry neighborhoods of Muncie.
The journey toward this achievement began when ECIRPD applied for and received the EPA grant as part of a $9.4 million national initiative. With the support of city and county officials, as well as neighborhood leaders, the funding launched a community-driven program focused on restoring historically overlooked and blighted areas. The EJ Brownfield Committee, composed of residents and leaders such as Ken Hudson, WaTasha Barnes Griffin, Kat Carey, Richard Ivy, and Gretchen Cheesman, has played an essential role in guiding the process.
At the conference, ECIRPD representatives met directly with their EPA grant team and explored opportunities for advancing local redevelopment efforts. One focus was the EPA’s Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program, which provides funding for the cleanup of contaminated sites through sustainable, community-focused financing. By participating in workshops and speaker sessions, ECIRPD and its partners gained valuable knowledge to help prepare for an RLF application that could extend the impact of brownfield initiatives.
In addition to funding discussions, the conference provided a platform for knowledge sharing and professional development. ECIRPD staff and EJ committee members attended multiple sessions over four days, learning from experts and peers across the country. These sessions covered best practices in proposal development, program design, and community engagement which are all essential for building momentum in local brownfield redevelopment.
Looking ahead, ECIRPD is collaborating with SME, an environmental consulting firm, to strengthen technical expertise and ensure readiness for future funding opportunities. Together with community partners, ECIRPD remains committed to advancing brownfield redevelopment across Delaware County, turning once-neglected properties into assets that support neighborhood revitalization, economic growth, and long-term environmental health.