Jay County’s Path to Revitalization: Addressing Housing and Employment Challenges
Jay County has faced significant challenges over the past decade, particularly in employment and housing. Unlike some neighboring counties, which have seen mixed results in job retention and growth, Jay County has experienced a stark decline in its workforce. The loss of 1,305 jobs from December 2014 to December 2023, a dramatic decrease compared to the surrounding counties, underscores the county’s struggle to maintain its employment levels.
According to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, neighboring counties such as Adams saw an increase of 664 jobs, Wells gained 1,679 jobs, while Randolph, Blackford, and Delaware counties faced losses, the losses were not nearly as severe as Jay County’s. Randolph lost 521 jobs, Blackford 466, and Delaware 811. These figures highlight the unique and pressing economic issues Jay County faces.
Over the years, Jay County’s population has experienced a modest decline, from 23,575 in 1970 to the current estimate of 20,032, representing a 15.03% decrease. Additionally, the median household income in 2022 was $57,690, ranking 35th of 92 counties within the state of Indiana. The community still faces the challenge of generating job opportunities and attracting new investments to bolster its economic foundation. Despite limited residential and commercial growth in recent years, the net assessed value of properties has steadily increased, reaching $1,216,135,948 in 2023.
To encourage more growth, Jay County needs to focus on building and maintaining the right infrastructure to attract investment and business opportunities. Creating an Economic Development Area (EDA) could be key to making this happen. An EDA is essentially a special zone where the local plan aims to create jobs, draw new businesses, and support existing ones. It’s designed to set the stage for ongoing economic success and community improvement.
However, one of the most significant hurdles to realizing these economic goals is the lack of housing infrastructure. To achieve the desired economic growth, the county must expand its infrastructure to meet the demands of development. Over the past decade, several plans for housing development have been proposed but not executed. For example, the Jay County 20/20 Vision Plan—a report of the county-wide visioning and strategic planning process of Jay County created in April 2010 by citizens of the county—states a need to increase the number of “shovel ready” business and housing sites. Recent efforts from Jay County indicate a shift towards addressing these needs through a new economic development plan for 2024.
Jay County’s commitment to improving housing infrastructure and affordability is evident through initiatives like the Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program (OOR). This program assists qualifying homeowners in repairing and maintaining their homes, which can increase property values. The county successfully gained eligibility for the OOR Program by actively participating in the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program (HELP). As part of the requirement for a matching project, Jay County allocated one-third of its American Rescue Plan funds, received from the federal government, toward the acquisition of 68 acres in Portland intended for further housing development within the county. The additional 68 acres of land for the county will provide a variety of benefits such as enhancing the appearance of the county, and potentially reducing the abandoned and blighted housing in the future. By leveraging federal funding and strategic partnerships, the Jay County commissioners have enabled homeowners to access vital resources for home repairs, contributing to neighborhood revitalization while also obtaining more land that will further benefit the county.
The county is also looking into the READI 2.0 program for additional support. The Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) aims to direct $500 million from state funds toward strategic investments. These investments are intended to position Indiana as an attractive hub for both talent and economic growth, fostering substantial development and expansion within the state.
To realize these goals of community development, the Jay County Redevelopment Commission has identified seven overall objectives:
- Enhance the economic health and vitality of Jay County.
- Increase housing opportunities across socioeconomic sectors.
- Increase and enhance employment opportunities.
- Increase and enhance business and entrepreneurial opportunities.
- Increase connectivity throughout Jay County.
- Increase Jay County’s tax base.
- Sustain, increase, and enhance tourism.
Key objectives include preserving and enhancing community assets that attract businesses, residents, workers, and visitors, including maintaining appealing parks and open spaces, offering diverse recreational opportunities, and cultivating varied shopping and dining experiences. Beyond merely providing basic amenities like shopping, dining, and entertainment, a flourishing community ensures the availability of affordable housing tailored to the needs of its workforce, thus facilitating effective employee recruitment and retention strategies.
Moreover, the county is committed to fostering economic development through strategic investments in plans, reports, and studies aimed at providing valuable guidance. By aligning its Economic Development Plan with existing planning endeavors and the county’s overarching vision, Jay County seeks to build a more robust and resilient community.
Through these concerted efforts, Jay County is working towards creating a more sustainable and prosperous future for its residents, aiming to overcome the challenges of the past decade and pave the way for continued growth.