WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Wayne County has been awarded $5.1 million through Indiana’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI).
READI is a statewide program that helps regions implement strategies for population growth and economic development.
Through this award, Wayne County will focus on improving housing, neighborhood revitalization, and community development projects.
Under the READI 2.0 initiative, three key areas will drive revitalization:
- Starr Neighborhood (Richmond): Funding will help rehabilitate 22 historic homes, returning them to owner-occupied status and preserving the district’s architectural character.
- Vaile Neighborhood (Richmond): Nonprofit Intend Indiana will build 22 new single-family homes on vacant lots, providing affordable housing for low- to moderate-income families.
- Downtown Wayne County: The program will expand downtown revitalization efforts, focusing on remediating blight, reopening vacant buildings, creating upper-story housing, and supporting historic preservation to attract investment and increase community vibrancy.
The initiative will create or rehabilitate a total of 144 housing units with a combined investment exceeding $55 million.
Key partners include Intend Indiana, Wayne County Foundation, Interurban, Richmond Power & Light, the City of Richmond, Habitat for Humanity, and the Richmond Housing Authority.
Construction and redevelopment are scheduled to continue through 2028, with design and predevelopment starting in 2025.
