This spring, Wabash and LaGrange Counties were named by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) as two of the four finalists for the Stellar Pathways Program, a multi-year initiative designed to promote local and regional partnerships and implement sustainable solutions for Indiana’s rural communities. Each finalist will receive a $50,000 planning grant to assemble their final plan and ultimately two winners will be eligible for millions of dollars of investment. We’re so thrilled for our partners at Grow Wabash County and the LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation (LCEDC) for the incredible work in their communities that we wanted to share a bit about the efforts.
LaGrange County: Embracing Sustainable Growth and Economic Prosperity
LaGrange County’s success highlights its sustainable growth and economic development. The LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation (LCEDC) led the charge, emphasizing the importance of partnership and collaboration in achieving the Stellar Pathways designation.
As a finalist, LaGrange County will receive $50,000 to develop its final strategic investment plan and participate in a workshop with Ball State University’s Indiana Communities Institute to align its projects.
LaGrange County’s efforts focus on transformative projects that prioritize talent attraction, housing, childcare, and quality of place. By leveraging previous planning efforts and existing assets, the county aims to foster regional investments and stimulate continued growth. LCEDC’s participation in the Stellar Pathways program demonstrates its dedication to inclusive growth and meaningful impact, harnessing the expertise and resources of its partners to build a thriving community for years to come.
Wabash County: A Legacy of Collaboration and Forward-Thinking
Being named a finalist for the Stellar Pathways program is a testament to Wabash County’s dedication to countywide collaboration. For years, government partners and local decision-makers in Wabash County have joined forces to tackle projects that benefit the entire county, rather than just individual communities. This collaborative spirit led to the creation of the Imagine One 85 countywide strategic plan, which solidified the county’s commitment to working together to achieve greater goals.
The impact of Wabash County’s collaboration was first recognized in 2014 when the City of Wabash was named a Stellar Community. This designation brought about a resurgence of community pride, revitalizing downtown buildings and expanding recreational and cultural opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The announcement that Wabash County could once again benefit from the Stellar program has reignited this enthusiasm, inspiring leaders and citizens to contribute their unique skills and ideas.
Key initiatives that Wabash County hopes to pursue if selected as a Stellar Pathways designee include expanding infrastructure to support future housing and business development, extending trails and access points to the county’s natural resources, and attracting more individuals and families to live and work in Wabash County. Even if Wabash County is not ultimately selected, the process of hiring a consultant and conducting a formal planning process as a finalist will set the county on the path to achieving these ambitious goals.
Congratulations!
The recognition of both Wabash and LaGrange Counties as finalists in the Stellar Pathways program underscores the power of collaboration and shared vision in driving community and economic development. These counties, as well as their nine peers that collectively make up Northeast Indiana, are setting an example for what it means to be truly stellar communities, with a commitment to sustainable growth and a high quality of life for their residents.
