In the 2014 edition of Livability’s “Top 100 Best Places To Live,” Indiana communities were nowhere to be found.
The state just broke a six-year streak of declining population growth rates and ranks as the 30th fastest growing state in the country.
An Indiana Philanthropy Alliance-led coalition formed Wednesday aims to change those trends by making the Hoosier State’s communities more attractive and livable.
The Lifelong Indiana Coalition includes more than 14 Indiana organizations as stakeholders who will work to make Indiana’s cities and towns better places for lifelong livability.
“The coalition is a collaboration of leading public, private and philanthropic organizations focused on shaping communities of Indiana residents of all ages and abilities can make their lifelong homes,” according to a press release.
The coalition will be funded through a variety of groups statewide, including the Pfizer Foundation, Grantmakers in Aging, the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County and the IU Center on Aging and Community.
“Lifelong Indiana will work across sectors to earn broad support for the kinds of policies, investments and direct services that help make communities more livable for everyone,” coalition spokesperson Marie Beason said.
The coalition has begun monthly meetings to discuss and plan its opening wave of projects, which could be implemented by the end of 2014. The initiative’s initial aims include plans to encourage discussions between citizens and elected officials, provide better resources to service providers and raise awareness about appropriate community-building for all residents.
Jacob Sipe, executive director of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, said the coalition is the culmination of effort from a range of organizations across the state.
“The goal to create and preserve housing and infrastructures where people can comfortably live, work and invest in their communities of choice is not a new concept,” he said. “But the momentum from collaborative statewide efforts of the newly formed Lifelong Indiana Coalition is already beginning to flourish in lifelong communities.”
Alden Woods
