Brown, Monroe & Owen Counties Economic Development District (EDD) Initiative

An Economic Development District is a multi-county region designated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration that plans and supports regional economic growth. Led by a regional committee, it creates a shared economic development strategy and unlocks access to federal grants and technical support.

The challenges and opportunities we face don’t stop at county lines. Our counties share workforce, industry, transportation infrastructure, and natural and cultural assets that make regional collaboration not only beneficial, but essential. By forming an EDD, we aim to:

• Align regional economic goals
• Leverage our shared strengths
• Access federal funding opportunities currently unavailable to individual counties

This EDD will complement, not duplicate, regional efforts. Brown, Monroe, and Owen Counties are three of the remaining five counties in Indiana that do not have an EDD designation, despite the communities collaborating and sharing a workforce. An EDD will provide access to new federal funding sources, thereby bolstering regional efforts.

Key Benefits of EDD Designation:

• Increased access to federal grants and technical assistance
• Improved ability to plan, fund, and implement long-term regional development strategies
• Shared planning that builds economic resilience and sustainability
• Better regional coordination for infrastructure, workforce, and industry needs
• Greater resilience against economic disruptions and natural disasters

What types of funding could we access?

• Public Works Grants: Infrastructure projects aligned with workforce and industry needs
• Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA): Financial support for development projects
• Revolving Loan Funds (RLF): Low-interest business loans

Can you give me an example of funding accessed from another community?

Indiana 15 Designated Economic Development District: In 2024, the City of Jasper was awarded $1.186 million in Economic Development Administration grant funds, with a local match of $1.186 million, to construct a new backup treated water supply connection with the Patoka Lake Regional Water & Sewer District (PLRWSD).

Step 1: Apply for Federal Matching Funds

We begin by applying for U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) funding to create a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).

Step 2: Form a CEDS Strategy Committee

If funds are awarded, a committee representing key regional interests will be formed. This group will include:

• Local officials and economic leaders
• Private sector and workforce board reps
• Higher education institutions
• Tribal, minority, and labor group representatives

The committee will have equal representation from all three counties and follow federal planning standards under 13 C.F.R. §303.6.

Step 3: Draft the CEDS Document

Following EDA guidelines, the CEDS will include:

• A background analysis
• SWOT assessment (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)
• A strategic action plan
• Performance measures and resiliency planning
• A 30-day public comment period and final approval by the Governing Board

Drafting the CEDS typically takes 12 months.

Step 4: Submit for Approval

The finalized CEDS is submitted to the U.S. EDA for review.

Step 5: Await Final Designation

The regional EDA office prepares a report for federal review. A final decision may take up to one year.

A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a long-term, data-driven plan that helps guide regional economic development. It is designed to:

• Bring together public and private stakeholders
• Analyze regional economic conditions
• Set goals and measurable objectives
• Identify priority projects and funding sources

More than just a document, the CEDS is a blueprint for action — shaping the future of our region.

While existing county studies and reports will inform the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), a new regionally-owned plan must be developed with input from all three counties to form the Economic Development District.

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) requires a local matching share to receive federal funding for project and planning assistance. Each of our three counties has committed $20,000 ($60,000 total) through private and public sources to facilitate the planning process.

If approved as a designated Economic Development District (EDD), our region will have increased access to federal grant funding. Many federal grants require a local funding match. This means the district must raise a percentage of the total project costs, depending on the grant. Ongoing costs will be required to update the district’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) on an annual basis. As the district embarks on specific projects, additional costs are anticipated.

No. Once the EDD is formed and approved, counties can apply individually or as a region, depending on the project. Each grant typically requires a local match.

Regional Opportunity Initiatives is acting as a convener and assisting Brown, Monroe, and Owen counties in this effort, providing staff time to submit the EDD planning application on behalf of the three counties. The establishing organizations include: Brown County, Bloomington Economic Development Corporation, and the Owen County Chamber & Economic Development Corporation.  

The effort will be led by a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Committee, which will have representation from the public, private, nonprofit, and educational sectors. Community input will be essential throughout the process.

We begin by applying for U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) planning funds to create a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Once EDA matching planning funds are secured, a CEDS Strategy Committee will be created, and a CEDS consultant will be hired to begin the planning process.

The goal to complete our CEDS (a required prerequisite for federal EDD designation) is 12 months, although the process can take up to a year. After submitting our region’s CEDS for approval, the EDA may take up to one year to issue our EDD designation.

The strength of this effort lies in community participation. Whether you’re a business owner, resident, or elected official, your voice matters. Contact us to learn how you can:

• Join the conversation
• Share your insights
• Help shape our region’s economic future

Together, we can build a more resilient, connected, and prosperous region.

For specific questions, please contact Julie Halbig, Vice President of Economic and Community Development at Regional Opportunity Initiatives at 812-287-8116 ext 115 or juliehalbig@regionalopportunityinc.org.