ECI Regional Planning District Mission Statement

The mission of the ECI Regional Planning District, Inc., as set out in Indiana Statute IC 36-7-7, is to serve the local governments of Blackford, Delaware, Grant and Jay counties by fostering a regional vision, providing collaborative leadership and professional services to develop effective solutions, and maximize economic development opportunities that benefit all citizens of the District. The District will: (1) provide a process for intergovernmental forums; (2) build relationships with state and federal governmental agencies; (3) seek funding for projects; (4) strategically plan for the future of the region; (5) manage the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Report / Plan (CEDS) as per Economic Development Administration (EDA) guidelines; (6) identify cooperative, collaborative and effective solutions to regional challenges and encourage their implementation; (7) help realize the shared vision of the four ECI RPD counties and their entities; (8) provide technical services and consultation to local governments; (9) manage the administrative duties of the District; (10) research, develop and communicate local and regional initiatives; and (11) collect and provide important data regarding the District.

ECI Regional Planning District History

Founded in September of 2009, ECI Regional Planning District is designated by the State of Indiana and the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce as a multi-county regional planning district. The District serves the economic development, planning and grant development needs of Blackford, Delaware, Grant and Jay counties in East Central Indiana. The organization’s scope of work is defined by the State of Indiana, the EDA and participating counties. ECI Regional Planning District, Inc., is an independent government entity established under Indiana Statute 36-7-7. The District operates under the direction of an Executive Board, representative Board of Directors, President & CEO, and a dedicated professional team. In 2011, ECI Regional Planning District, Inc. became a self-standing not-for-profit corporation.

A primary goal of ECI Regional Planning District, Inc. is to assist local governments with economic development, planning matters, strategic thinking and securing grants. One of the District’s annual requirements is to complete the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Report / Plan for the four counties and region. This in-depth report / plan assesses the issues and capital projects important to the growth and development of the communities of the four counties and serves as a planning document for the communities, counties and District.

The District’s management of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Report / Plan, grant procurement services and strategic planning programs are funded by a per capita participation fee based on the populations of each member county or community entity plus a Planning Grant from the EDA. This fee is established in Indiana State Code IC 36-7-7. The District may also receive fees for providing services such as grant research, grant writing, grant administration and technical assistance. Another important element of the ECI Regional Planning District, Inc. scope of work involves project development services relating to the specific needs of local government entities. The District maintains close two-way contact with elected officials, community leaders, economic development directors and local residents to ensure a current awareness and team approach to regional concerns and opportunities.

Population of ECI Regional Planning District, Inc. Counties

District Programs & Services

The focus of the ECI Regional planning District, inc. is to help advance economic development and the quality of living in Blackford, Delaware, Grant and Jay counties through strategic thinking, visioning and planning in the following areas:

• CEDS Report / Plan Management
• Economic Development
• Grant Research, Writing and Administration
• Transportation / Highway / Bridge / Projects
• Environmental Projects / Brownfields
• Consulting / Facilitation / Project Development
• Community Development and Planning
• Technical Assistance / Research
• Housing Projects
• Greenways / Trails / Recreation Projects
• Sewer / Water / Infrastructure
• Specialized Programs and Services

Professional Team

Contact Information

Elected Board Officers and Appointed Board Members

2013 Executive Committee

• Chair: Mike Burton (Grant County)
• Vice-Chair: Milo Miller, Jr. (Jay County)
• Secretary: Doug Marshall (Delaware County)
• Treasurer: Bill Hess (Blackford County)
• Jacob Everett (Blackford County)
• Mike Jones (Delaware County)
• Pete Olson (Delaware County)
• Marvin Surber (Grant County)
• Melba Root (Grant County)
• Doug Stanley (Jay County)

2013 Board of Directors