October 16, 2023
Wayne County Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) for the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program (HELP). Wayne County's participation in HELP represents a collaborative effort to redevelop the historic architecture and amenities of Wayne County, as well as create new ways residents and visitors can enjoy what our county has to offer.
This Strategic Investment Plan embodies the work of hundreds of Wayne County residents. It is a realistic representation of our collective desire to rebuild and reinvigorate our important heritage as we invest in a brighter future for our current and future residents and employers.
Wayne County leadership authorized application for the HELP Grant. The City of Richmond joined Wayne County, and all incorporated towns in Wayne County were invited to join the city and county in creating the HELP Grant Region. The city and county were joined by: Cambridge City, Dublin, Economy, East Germantown, Milton, and Spring Grove.
The Strategic Investment Plan embodies the work of hundreds of Wayne County residents. It is a realistic representation of our collective desire to rebuild and reinvigorate our collective desire to rebuild and reinvigorate our important heritage as we invest in a brighter future for our current and future residents and employers.
The HELP Core Team sought community input to discover the needs and wants of the various communities in Wayne County. They used this information to identify specific areas to focus on and to identified programs already in place that could benefit from additional support. The community input was gathered through a number of in person meetings and community surveys.
Four pathways were identified, which was the basis for the development of committees. Those pathway committees, with chairs identified, are:
As part of the Wayne County Strategic Investment Plan, the City of Richmond is investing 30% of its American Rescue Plan Act funds. This amount is $2.39 million and represents a once-in-a-lifetime investment for Richmond.
Richmond's substantial investment of $2.39 million is acting as a catalyst, stimulating a total injection of $21.2 million into the Richmond community. These strategic investments are set to influence a wide array of community sectors. They will fortify the livelihoods of downtown building owners and entrepreneurs, fostering a thriving business environment. Quality of place initiatives such as the revitalization of the Gorge and the enhancement of the E.G. Hill Rose Garden will be enabled, adding splashes of natural beauty to our urban landscape.
The establishment of a new family resource center will provide invaluable support to local families, strengthening the community fabric. An investigation into animal welfare needs will ensure that our non-human residents are not overlooked. Public safety will be bolstered through the procurement of essential equipment, reinforcing the security of our community.
Finally, the needs of our neighborhoods will be addressed from multiple angles: through the elimination of blight, which will improve the visual appeal and safety of our surroundings, and through the construction of a new housing development in North Richmond.
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