About the greater
Lafayette region
About READI & our region
In 2021, Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb launched READI (Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative), allocating $500 million across 17 regions that represent all 92 counties in the state. The program focuses on three pillars: Quality of Life, Quality of Place and Quality of Opportunity–encouraging neighboring communities to work together to create bold, transformative visions that attract, develop and retain talent.
The Greater Lafayette Region, made up of Tippecanoe, White, Carroll, Benton, Warren, Fountain and Montgomery Counties, embraced this call to action with unprecedented regional collaboration. In May 2021, local leaders – including county commissioners, mayors, local economic developers, WHIN, Purdue University and Ivy Tech Community College – came together to discuss the region’s path forward under the READI initiative.
From this effort, the group selected Greater Lafayette Commerce’s Community and Economic Foundation as the coordinating organization, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). To guide the strategy and ensure inclusive representation, the region established a Board of Representatives consisting of:
- Five county commissioners
- Seven mayors
- Seven local economic developers
- One representative each from Purdue University and Ivy Tech
This governance model has not only ensured broad-based input and industry engagement but also fostered stronger relationships between city and county leaders. Together, they’ve crafted the vision and strategy for the Greater Lafayette Regional Development Plan and remain committed to continued collaboration on READI and other long-term regional development priorities.
Population
Our leadership model
The Greater Lafayette Regional Development plan has been formed by a group of stakeholders that has joined together under a regional governance model.
The greater Lafayette region’s
Board of Representatives
READI FUNDING COMMITTEE
Understanding the state’s intent to have READI funding flow through business and industry-led organizations, the Greater Lafayette Region Board of Representatives has adopted a structure that conforms to that objective. Benton, Carroll, Fountain, Warren, and White counties will (each) appoint two people from their private sectors to the READI Funding Committee. Because of its significant population base, the Board of Representatives agreed Tippecanoe County should have five representatives on the panel.
Citizen Driven
No member of the READI Funding Committee may be an employee or an elected official of any unit or other governmental entity.
Approving Plans
The Board of Representatives will make recommendations to the READI Funding Committee for approval.
Dustin Smith
Bob Smith
Britany Whitenack
Mike Gibson
Charlie Shook
Cathy Raderstorf
Ben Harpenau
Geoffrey Curtis
Sherri McGraw
Susan Dadacz
Chuck Hayes
Ken Walton
Eric Ross
Grant Whaley
Cody Akers
Meetings and agendas
Due to the public nature of this project, transparency is key. Click the link below to see upcoming meeting dates, agendas, and public minutes of the meetings.
The role of greater Lafayette commerce
Greater Lafayette Commerce and its 501c3 Foundation, serves as the convener, organizer, and fiduciary agent for the READI Grant and regional economic development initiatives.
