Karass Consulting founder Jim Rawlinson brings over a decade of experience in community and economic development at multiple levels. The majority of his career has been spent at the nexus of economic development, government, creative economies and redevelopment.

During his time as Vice President of Regional Development for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Jim oversaw READI, Indiana’s nationally leading regional quality of life investment program. READI is generating over $53 BN in impact across the state of Indiana into affecting goals around housing, population growth, childcare accessibility, educational attainment, parks, trails, and more.

Jim also led and implemented two programs funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc through READI. One initiative, utilizing $185M, worked with regional entities to identify blighted and vacant properties for redevelopment. This funding also created a $65M Arts & Culture program which commissioned 15 regional Arts & Culture Plans, and led to the single largest Arts & Culture grant program in the history of the state.

Prior to his time at the IEDC, Jim has consulted with communities across Indiana, leading initiatives like: the Mt Comfort Corridor Plan; AVRO (a real estate initiative of Valparaiso University); the Prewitt Theatre Redevelopment; Redevelopment initiatives for the City of Gary and Town of Cumberland; and more. He also spent time with Indianapolis Economic Development where he led and managed initiatives like: The Indy Music Strategy; the creation of Film Indy; Open Counter Indy permitting software integration; Process Improvement studies for the Department of Metropolitan Development and Business and Neighborhood Services; the Sherman Park Plan; the PR Mallory Redevelopment; and much more.

Jim serves as adjunct faculty with Indiana University’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, where he received his Masters of Public Affairs. He lives on the Eastside of Indianapolis in Irvington with his wife and two sons.