Vibrant NWI

NWI’s economy is thriving, our people are well educated, growth is

planned, and natural and agricultural areas are valued and protected.

In 2010, NIRPC adopted the first Complete Streets policy in the State of Indiana. This policy set forth guidance for all projects funded by NIRPC to accommodate, to the greatest extent possible, all intended users of a road corridor. These users include pedestrians, bicyclists and transit, along with automobiles.

Next month, NIRPC will be working with Region stakeholders on updating this policy to include recommended environmental enhancements to these road projects. Also known as “Green Streets,” these project additions would improve the quality of stormwater runoff by allowing vegetation to naturally filter and cycle water from impervious surfaces. This in turn slows the flow rate of water as it works through the earth, easing the burden on sewer systems and aquatic environments.

Additional benefits include improving air quality with increasing the urban forest by planting street trees, shrubbery and perennials. This in turn reduces the urban heat island effect by cooling the environment. Furthermore, the introduction of vegetation creates an opportunity for habitat through corridors for wildlife species to live and breed.

NIRPC intends to blend both Complete Streets and Green Streets concepts into a unified approach called “Living Streets.” Staff will be working closely with all topical committees in October as we introduce this exciting new concept to our Region. Please refer to this newsletter about dates and times of these meetings.

Interesting News!

On September 11th, NIRPC held a kick-off meeting to begin updating the 2007 Sensible Tools Handbook. The purpose of this update is to ensure that the handbook is compatible and up to date with the 2017 edition of the Indiana Planning and Zoning Law as well as the NWI 2050 Plan strategies, smart land use best practices, contemporary trends in transportation and land use.

NIRPC developed a working group comprised of regional planners and municipalities, which provided an opportunity to discuss new, current, and proposed tools in land use regulations. Trends that were discussed included: solar and conservation ordinances, farmland preservation in urban areas, renewable energy, sustainable transportation, autonomous vehicles, communications such as cell towers and rural broadband.

The Sensible Tools Handbook serves as a reference guide for public officials, professionals and citizens interested in applying principles of good planning and sensible growth in their communities.

Pick Your Favorite! Indiana Tourism is running a "people's choice" vote for best brewery, trail, and main street in Indiana. Help make an NWI's brewery and trail standout! Vote daily here until November 3rd. Seven NWI breweries and four trails are in the running!

NIRPC served as host for the National Drive Electric Week Ride & Drive on September 21st in partnership with South Shore Clean Cities (SSCC), which manages the NIRPC Green Fleet Program.

More than 25 all-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles were on hand courtesy of private electric vehicle (EV) owners as well as local dealerships. Attendees were able to get behind the wheel and experience an EV driving experience firsthand and to hear from electric vehicle owners about ownership.

SSCC provided education on what electric vehicles are available in the Region, how and where to find electric vehicle charging stations, what purchasing incentives are available and more.

NIRPC Chief of Staff, Kathy Luther demonstrated the simplicity of using NIRPC's EV charging station. The event coincided with the NIRPC Full Commission Meeting which allowed NIRPC Commissioners to participate in the test drives and learn more about the multiple benefits of EVs.

Earlier this Spring NIRPC held the bi-annual Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), also known as the call for projects.  With the NOFA process, NIRPC awarded $26.6 million for infrastructure projects throughout Northwest Indiana from the years of 2020-2024.

Out of 300 projects, 30 were chosen to receive federal funding. Projects were awarded in eight categories which included: Roadway Improvements and Expansion, Bicycle and Pedestrian Accessibility. Projects within Roadway Improvements and Expansion totaled nearly $16 million, while Bicycle and Pedestrian Accessibility totaled $9 million. The next NOFA process will begin in the Fall of 2020.  

Participation Opportunity!

NIRPC is currently surveying NWI residents, businesses, and travelers on their experience with congestion. NIRPC is updating NWI's Congestion Management Process, which influences the kind of investments and planning NIRPC and INDOT can pursue in Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties. Please take some time to share your thoughts!

NIRPC Commission/ Executive Board Meeting

Indiana Trails Town Workshop

Funding Opportunity!

NIRPC Environmental Management and Policy Committee Meeting or Workshop

Natural Gas for Transportation Roundtable

Funding Opportunity!

NIRPC Commission/ Executive Board Meeting

Diversity and Inclusion Symposium 2019 - Save the Date

Funding Opportunity!

Funding Opportunity!