LaGrange County, Indiana – At the start of 2024, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) unveiled a revamped version of their Stellar Communities Program, now called Stellar Pathways. This was the moment Sherri Johnston, President of the LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation (LCEDC), and Emilee Buller, Vice President of Community Development and Engagement, had been waiting for. After hearing time and time again from granting agencies that LaGrange County had not previously been funded and that interest in our area was growing, they knew it was time to act.
Together, they launched Connect LaGrange County, a countywide effort aimed at securing the Stellar Pathways designation. In May, Emilee submitted a comprehensive 21-page Letter of Intent and Narrative to OCRA, outlining the county’s vision for progress. By June, they received the exciting news – LaGrange County was one of only four finalists in the state!
Since then, the Connect LaGrange County team has been hard at work, organizing several stakeholder and steering group meetings, and engaging with the community through a variety of channels. Their online survey drew over 1,050 responses, and they hosted five public input meetings. They also participated in local events, including Chamber luncheons, the LaGrange Council on Aging luncheon, Corn School, a fish fry and football games, ensuring that they heard from a broad range of residents and stakeholders. Additionally, the team presented at Town and County Council meetings and gathered letters of support from across the county.
As the process nears its final stages, Connect LaGrange County will submit their Strategic Investment Plan to OCRA on November 1st. On December 3rd, the team will travel to Indianapolis to present to the granting agencies and show them what makes LaGrange County truly STELLAR!
Two communities will be selected to receive $7.2 million each in grant funding. Coupled with pledged match dollars, this designation could result in nearly $10 million of investment into transformative quality of life and place projects for LaGrange County.
For more information about the Stellar Pathways program, potential projects, letters of support or funding sources, please reach out to Emilee Buller at ebuller@lagrangecountyedc.com or 260-499-4994. Let’s continue to work together to make LaGrange County the best place to live, work, and thrive!
About LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation (LCEDC)
LCEDC is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable economic growth, opportunity, and prosperity in LaGrange County. Working in partnership with public and private entities, LCEDC aims to create a supportive business environment, attract investment, and implement sustainable development strategies
