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READI Downtown Revitalization Grant Program Opens First Application Round
Wayne County communities are gaining a new tool to support investment and breathe new life into local commercial districts.
The EDC of Wayne County recently launched the READI Downtown Revitalization Grant Program, a competitive funding opportunity designed to encourage building improvements, create new housing options, and strengthen downtown business corridors across the county.
The program will provide matching grants for projects such as storefront renovations, facade improvements, upper-story residential conversions, accessibility upgrades, and other improvements that enhance the vitality of downtown districts. Funding is available to eligible property owners located within designated downtown areas.
Applications for the first round are open through July 27, 2026, with eligible communities including Boston, Cambridge City, Centerville, Dublin, East Germantown, Fountain City, Greens Fork, Hagerstown, Milton, Mount Auburn, Richmond, and Spring Grove.
Interested applicants can review program guidelines, eligibility maps, and submit an application at whywaynecounty.com/downtown-grant.
Questions about the program can be directed to Sarah Mitchell, Economic Development Manager, at sarah@whywaynecounty.com. |
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Hidden Valley Expansion Breaks Ground
The final phase of Richmond's Hidden Valley subdivision is officially underway.
Community leaders and project partners recently celebrated the groundbreaking for the expansion, which will add 20 new single-family homes to Richmond's west side and complete the 206-lot neighborhood first established in 1964.
Developed by Trademark Construction Homes LLC and supported through Wayne County's Housing Accelerator Program, the project reflects ongoing efforts to expand housing options and support community growth across Wayne County.
Construction is underway, with the first homes expected to be available in late 2026. For more information, contact Mike Frame at mike@trademarkhomesllc.com. READ FULL RELEASE HERE |
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| Annual Meeting Highlights a Year of Momentum
More than 120 community leaders, investors, partners, and stakeholders gathered at the EDC of Wayne County's Annual Meeting to celebrate the progress and partnerships driving economic growth across the county.
The 2025 Annual Report showcases key milestones achieved over the past year, including major housing investments, downtown revitalization efforts, business retention and expansion visits, workforce initiatives, and business investment successes.
Highlights include securing $5.1 million in READI 2.0 funding, launching new housing developments, advancing neighborhood revitalization projects, supporting local employers through 78 business visits, and continuing to attract new residents through the Home in Wayne initiative and MakeMyMove program.
These accomplishments reflect the collective efforts of local governments, businesses, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and community partners working together to strengthen Wayne County's economy and quality of life.
View the full Annual Report at here.
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Vaile Homeownership Program Return in August
The Vaile Homeownership Program continues to help residents take the next step toward homeownership in Wayne County.
Following a successful program held in April, the next round of Homeownership 101 workshops will begin in August. The program provides prospective homebuyers with valuable resources and guidance on topics including budgeting, credit readiness, the mortgage process, and homeownership opportunities available through the Vaile Neighborhood initiative.
Participants interested in learning more about the program are encouraged to watch the informational video and register for the upcoming workshops at intendindiana.org/homeownership-101/. |
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Wayne County Showcased at SelectUSA Last month, the EDC of Wayne County joined regional and state partners at the 2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit, the nation's premier event for international business investment.
Representing Wayne County alongside fellow Indiana economic development organizations, EDC President Valerie Shaffer connected with global companies, site selectors, and industry leaders to showcase the county's strategic location, available sites, skilled workforce, and growing industries.
Participation in SelectUSA helps strengthen Wayne County's business attraction efforts and build relationships that support future investment opportunities. |
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| | | Workshops with Lorie Vincent, CEcD
Join economic development strategist and best-selling author Lorie Vincent, CEcD, for complimentary workshops focused on business growth and community development. The EDC will also be using this time to present information about the READI Downtown Revitalization Grant Program and answer questions of attendees.
Big Dreams, Small Business: Strategies for Sustainable Success June 30 | 6:30–8:00 p.m. | Main Street Richmond July 1 | 8:00–9:30 a.m. | Centerville Town Hall Building Vibrant Communities: Strategies, Ideas, Action & Impact June 30 | 12:00–1:30 p.m. | Main Street Richmond July 1 | 12:00–1:30 p.m. | Golay Community Center, Cambridge City
Registration is required, food and refreshments provided. Reserve your spot by contacting Lisa at lisa@whywaynecounty.com.
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Free Small Business Training AvailableLocal businesses, startups, entrepreneurs, and property owners can now access free, on-demand training through the Revitalize Richmond online learning portal.
Participants receive 12 months of unlimited access to courses covering topics such as omni-channel retail strategies, restaurant resiliency, business modernization, property owner resources, and holiday trends.
To explore available courses and enroll, scan the QR code or visit smallbusinesssupport.learnupon.com.
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Welcome Lisa Cougill to the EDC TeamThe EDC of Wayne County is excited to welcome Lisa Cougill as our new Office Manager. Lisa brings extensive experience in accounting and administration, having served as an EMS Accounting Specialist with the Richmond Fire Department for eight years and most recently as an Accounting Administrator at Primex.
In her role, Lisa will oversee scheduling, finance, event logistics, and day-to-day office operations.
Outside of work, Lisa enjoys spending time with her family and grandchildren and giving back through community volunteerism. We're thrilled to have her on the team!
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| | Mailing address
PO Box 1919, Richmond, IN 47375 |
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This week’s Wayne County’s 4-H Fair features the hard work of hundreds of students and volunteers. According to 4-H leaders, the organization has 640 members this year. Of that number, 506 are in third through 12th grade while 134 are in kindergarten through second grade. They participate in 23 clubs and receive assistance from 125 […]]]>
Richmond Community Schools committed to returning fifth graders to its elementary schools for the 2027-2028 school year. Fifth graders previously were in elementary schools before RCS moved all fifth and sixth graders to Test Intermediate School and all seventh and eighth graders to Dennis Middle School. Nicole Stults, board vice president, said the discussion to […]]]>
A Richmond mansion will be closed for tours while the cooling system isn’t working. The air conditioner is just one of the expensive repairs looming at the Gaar House Museum in Richmond, and that big-ticket item has prompted additional reflection about the future of a historically significant home. Board members are considering all long-term options […]]]>
