At the Indiana Communities Institute (ICI), we put communities first by recognizing the value of local experiences and by meeting people where they are. Every community has comprehensive wealth as realized through a variety of assets that must be fully understood and properly managed. By honoring these values, we assist communities of every size as they navigate ongoing and significant change to ensure a more vibrant and sustainable future.

ICI taps into decades of collective expertise in community economic development, sound academic and technical resources from a variety of fields, and an extensive partnership network to help communities harness their strengths and envision the next chapter of growth. Our community-specific support is built on a framework of research, policy, and practice and is tailored to your community—engagement varies in length depending on your needs and project goals, e.g. a two-hour talk or a multi-month project.

Areas of Expertise

  • Comprehensive Community Wealth Approach
  • Downtown Revitalization
  • Readiness for Change
  • Community Coaching
  • Facilitation Strategies
  • Strategic Planning
  • Asset Mapping
  • Data Analysis
  • Communication and Engagement

Types of Projects

  • Community-Based Action Planning
  • Placemaking Consultancies
  • Tourism Assessments
  • Project Identification and Prioritization
  • Community Visioning
  • Civic Design Institute
  • Strategic Planning
  • Quantitative and Qualitative Research
Our Work

Since 2023, dozens of Indiana communities have stepped boldly (and creatively) into their futures through the Creative Convergence program in partnership with the Indiana Arts Commission. The program encourages communities to engage in "arts and" work to solve a community-based problem, using the arts and creative initiatives.

From public art installations and park revitalizations to inclusive gathering spaces and cultural heritage projects, each community has shown what’s possible when creativity meets collaboration. Together, they’ve not only transformed physical spaces but have also sparked conversations, inspired partnerships, and strengthened the sense of belonging in their towns.

Through Creative Convergence, each of these communities has demonstrated their commitment to innovation, their courage to try new things, and their dedication to engaging residents in meaningful ways. Beyond simply beautifying a space, these communities fostered new partnerships, invited unrepresented artists into the work, and left a lasting mark for generations to follow.

Community planning is difficult work. The end result is often nothing more than a checked box turned dusty document. In Randolph County, though, planning — and doing — have become something bigger and more meaningful. A community initiative isn't just something to get done, it's part of a movement to collectively build a brighter future for families, businesses, and neighborhoods. What’s happening in Randolph County is a testament to creating a culture around continuous engagement, a willingness to try new things, and a shared responsibility to take local action. It demonstrates what happens when community members don’t just accept the status quo; they rally together to create opportunities, transform spaces, and uplift one another — one step at a time. And it’s not new — it’s rooted in years of collaboration and investment.

Randolph County United and the Community Foundation of Randolph County first launched what would become Cultivating Community in 2019 with help from the Indiana Communities Institute. Since then, this community-driven initiative has sparked countless efforts — mental health and wellness programs, arts-based projects, hospitality training, beautification efforts, workforce and talent development, trails and waterway enhancements, and more. Together, these projects have reshaped the county, making it an example of how long-term vision, increased capacity, and teamwork can make a profound, lasting difference. To Randolph County residents, it's not just another plan or project; it's an opportunity to bring people together, to build pride. It's a part of the culture.

The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs and Indiana Communities Institute launched the Rural Empowerment and Development Program (RED) in 2025 to enhance community engagement and implement actionable projects at the local level. ICI works with selected communities to develop, refine, and execute an actionable vision of community growth that leverages local collaboration and new approaches to expand and improve upon previous development efforts. 

Throughout the four- to six-month program, ICI provides guidance and coaching to each community team to ensure successful implementation of the resulting action plan. This comprehensive approach allows communities to address immediate needs while building long-term capacity for sustained growth and development.

Questions?

ICI works with communities of all sizes—from neighborhoods and special districts to towns and cities to entire counties and regions. To start the conversation for how we might help your community, please contact us.