Starting in 2021, the State of Indiana launched a bold new initiative focused on improving quality of life statewide and realigning the economic development infrastructure to focus on strategic population attraction, with a regional lens. With over $1 BN across two rounds, the program has generated nearly $20 BN in direct impact, with studies looking at induced impact putting the number near $60 BN. Jim Rawlinson managed both the implementation of the first round of $500 M in ARPA funds, and the creation and launch of the second $500 M in state dollars. Managing this billion dollar program included regional engagement, compliance, disbursement, and more.

READI has been recognized as a national leader in economic development investments. While many states have launched quality of life investments, no one has invested at the scale that the IEDC has to date into READI. Brookings Institute recently recognized READI as one of the leading models for place based economic development.

READI is more than just a grants program. The IEDC has also invested into regional capacity building and best practices, designing a custom Indiana Development Toolkit for regions, as well as ongoing programming, a fellowship program, and more. To learn more about READI and the programs and projects that were funded go HERE.