The RED program is a comprehensive capacity-building and planning program created by OCRA and the Indiana Communities Institute at Ball State University.
“Through the RED program, Madison and Warrick counties will provide Hoosiers with even more opportunities to thrive,” Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith said. “I’m excited to watch these communities bring their ideas to life and see the positive difference it makes for families and local businesses.”
The initiative is designed to help communities build capacity by expanding on previous community development efforts and incorporating innovative new approaches. The program provides hands-on, relevant and productive experiences tailored for communities looking to elevate their economic development vision through local collaboration.
The participating communities include Madison and Warrick counties.
“Congratulations to these two counties for being selected to participate in this valuable program,” OCRA Executive Director Fred Glynn said, “I look forward to seeing what Madison and Warrick counties accomplish over the next year and beyond.”
Throughout the program, each community will identify and develop between five and 15 actionable projects. Expert guidance and coaching will be provided to each project team to assist with successful implementation.
Each participating local team will undergo a four- to six-month program tailored to their specific needs, with staggering start dates starting in January 2026.
So far, participating counties from the first cohort in 2025 built local leadership skills, engaged residents in fresh way and gathered ideas to shape their future, including:
- Cass County – Created “living rooms” at fairs and festivals to spark conversations and capture community stories
- Fulton County – Used QR codes, school newsletters and storefronts to invite county-wide feedback
- Huntington County – Collected on-the-spot survey responses at local events using tablets and in-person interviews
- Orange County – Met residents where they gather to talk about strengths and future opportunities, using surveys and other data capturing devices
