765.717.5648
contact@ecirpd.org

ECIRPD First Quarterly Board Meeting of 2026

The ECI Regional Planning District held its first quarterly board meeting of 2026 on Tuesday, February 10th, bringing together board members and staff to review financial activity, discuss new business, and share updates on ongoing regional initiatives. 

Washington, D.C. Trip

From February 2nd – 5th, ECIRPD team members traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with federal partners and members of Congress. The visit was an important step in advancing East Central Indiana’s interests at the federal level. Federal partners expressed continued support for ECIRPD’s work, including offers of letters of support and assistance where needed, making the trip a strong success for the region. 

Statewide & National Engagement

Following the last quarterly meeting in November 2025, ECIRPD attended the Indiana Association of Regional Councils (IARC) Annual Conference, held at the Terre Haute Casino Resort. The conference brought together regional planning organizations from across Indiana to explore topics such as funding for local governments, brownfield redevelopment, infrastructure, and legislative updates. These discussions provided valuable insight as ECIRPD continues navigating budget challenges while supporting economic and community development. 

The board also discussed ECIRPD’s plans to attend the SelectUSA Conference in May. Staff will participate in meetings throughout the event with the goal of attracting international business opportunities to East Central Indiana.

Project & Grant Updates

The board received updates on several ongoing projects and grant efforts:

  • Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A): The board approved the SS4A Plan developed in collaboration with American Structurepoint. ECIRPD plans to apply for an implementation grant to fund the plan’s next phase.

  • EPA Brownfields Grant: ECIRPD expects to hear back on this application by late May or early June.

  • Revolving Loan Fund for Brownfields Program: Progress continues on this long-term effort. Additional updates are expected later this summer.

  • DOT Culvert Planning Grant: This grant would fund an inventory of culverts across the region. Updates have been delayed due to the recent government shutdown.

  • USDA BEST Grant: BEST Grant #6 has been completed, with six workshops delivered across two counties. ECIRPD plans to apply for BEST Grant #7 to continue supporting rural businesses through technical assistance and training.

  • Jay County Mural Project: Early planning is underway, with mural creation expected to begin this summer.

  • Fire Department Grant: A grant is in progress to support the purchase of LUCAS devices and LIFEPAKs for the Daleville Fire Department.

  • Internship Program: A $33,000 funding request has been submitted to Ball Brothers to support the ECIRPD internship Program.

  • Thriving Community Grant Program: Applications will open in April and are due in September.

  • Workforce Development for Internship Program: ECIRPD plans to submit an application for a workforce development grant through CenterPoint Energy.

  • Collaboration: ECIRPD is exploring opportunities to work more closely with other nonprofit organizations across the region.

Upcoming Events

Looking ahead, ECIRPD will host its next financial literacy workshop in April at the Muncie Community Senior Center, led by Ted Baker. The annual ECIRPD Golf Outing is also scheduled for June 12 at Albany Golf Club.

As the year begins, ECIRPD remains committed to strategic planning, partnership-building, and securing resources that strengthen East Central Indiana’s communities and economy.