Only one region will be selected as a designee for this year’s Stellar Communities Program.
Officials from the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) recently announced the program update, noting that the change is in line with the organization’s continued goal to have the greatest transformational impact.
In addition to switching from two designees to just one, the program will now be providing funding to all finalists who don’t get the designation. Those communities will each receive a portion of $1 million to use toward the advancement of their regional development plans.
This decision was made after receiving engagement and feedback from rural communities and conducting a thorough review of the regional pilot program.
OCRA Executive Director Jodi Golden said the change will allow them to create a greater impact within the designated region while still helping the other finalist regions move their plans forward.
Questions can be directed to Stellar Communities Program Manager Michael Sinnet. He can be reached by email at MSinnet@ocra.IN.gov or over the phone by calling 463-201-3939.
