News Summary
Indiana has confirmed its 15 READI regions as a critical component for statewide economic growth. This validation, based on an independent study, highlights the regions’ effectiveness and alignment with local labor markets. The report emphasizes the importance of collaboration among regional leaders to sustain progress and foster sustainable development. This strategic framework aims to enhance economic opportunities and streamline planning processes across the state, all while promoting efficient utilization of resources.
Indianapolis, Indiana – September 4, 2025
Indiana has officially validated its regional economic and workforce planning framework, confirming the significance of its 15 READI regions as a foundational strategy for statewide development. This validation follows an independent study conducted by the Indiana Business Research Center at the IU Kelley School of Business, providing a crucial assessment and affirmation of the regions’ effectiveness.
Key Findings of the Validation Study
The study, carried out under Executive Order 25-45, concluded that Indiana’s READI regions are strong, well-defined, and positioned to lead in economic development. These regions originated from local governments’ initiatives in 2021 and are designed to reflect actual labor markets, ensuring targeted and effective planning.
Analysis revealed that the READI regions demonstrate a similar commuting “tightness”—a measure of how residents travel within these regions—as the state’s existing Economic Growth Regions. Notably, these regions achieve this level of cohesion at a lower implementation cost, making them a cost-effective approach for development planning.
Historical Success and Collaboration
Previous versions of the READI initiative, specifically READI 1.0 and READI 2.0, have successfully channeled billions of dollars into various projects, demonstrating the model’s capacity to leverage significant investments. The report emphasized that trust and collaboration among local leaders within each region are vital to sustaining progress and maximizing economic growth.
Implications for Statewide Growth
State officials view the validation as a milestone that affirms the structure’s potential for strategic growth across several economic indicators, including population size, wage levels, and employment opportunities. With the regions’ capabilities recognized, there is an increased focus on aligning resources and efforts to foster sustainable development.
Government and Economic Development Perspective
The state’s Secretary of Commerce has underscored that the validated framework provides clarity and accountability in regional planning processes. This clarity is intended to streamline decision-making and ensure efforts are well-coordinated, fostering a more efficient pathway to economic expansion.
Governor Mike Braun highlighted that adopting this regional model will help reduce costs and establish a clear plan forward for Indiana residents, or Hoosiers, by unifying efforts and resources under a common strategic framework amid evolving economic conditions and broader investment opportunities.
Context and Future Considerations
The validation comes at a time when Indiana is experiencing high demand for economic development funding. Recently, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation reported requesting $1.5 billion across multiple projects during the initial funding round of the READI program alone, demonstrating strong stakeholder interest and confidence in the regional approach.
However, the report also indicates that some regions, notably in southern Indiana, are more fragmented and may require careful reevaluation to ensure that existing economic groups are integrated effectively into the regional framework. Addressing these disparities will be essential for maximizing the framework’s effectiveness across the entire state.
Conclusion
Overall, the validation of Indiana’s READI regions marks a significant step in aligning statewide strategic planning with regional labor and economic realities. With formal recognition of these regions’ strengths, Indiana is positioned to advance its economic development efforts, aiming for balanced growth and increased opportunities for all communities.
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Additional Resources
- Inside Indiana Business: The Creative Economy
- Indiana Capital Chronicle: Braun IU Report
- Hoodline: Madison County Lawmakers
- Google Search: Indiana READI regions
- The Star Press: Changes to Indiana’s Economic Development Policy
- Google Scholar: Indiana Economic Development
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The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
