Vibrant NWI
NWI’s economy is thriving, our people are well educated, growth is
planned, and natural and agricultural areas are valued and protected.
Spotlight
NIRPC would like to welcome Jerome Parker, the new General Manager for the Gary Public Transit Corporation (GPTC). Remarkably, Jerome began his career in Northwestern Indiana as a bus driver for GPTC. From his early days as a driver, Jerome was quickly promoted into management, before he worked across the country managing transit systems of all modes and sizes. Notably, Jerome has experience working with rail and city bus systems. His experience with buses includes conventional, regional, and commuter bus services: accruing over 40 years of transit experience.

Jerome will be leading GPTC at an exciting time for the Corporation. GPTC is still riding the momentum of the expansion of the Broadway Metro Express, connecting downtown Gary to Merrillville. The Broadway Metro Express is responsible for a 4.6% increase in agency ridership. Additionally, Jerome will also oversee continuing efforts to “green” GPTC operations. Within the last five years, GPTC has retrofitted several agency buildings with solar panels. These green-energy modifications will be essential with the addition of two new electric vehicles that were competitively awarded to GPTC through their NIRPC-supported Volkswagen-settlement application.

Congratulations, GPTC! Welcome, Jerome Parker!
Economy and Place
Environment
Mobility
What are the opportunities for
e-commerce in NWI?

Infrastructure and Location
  • The infrastructure is here to support e-commerce in NWI. NWI is served by no less than four U.S. interstates; three Class One freight railroads; the Port of Indiana at Burns Harbor; and the Gary-Chicago Airport. The interstates and highways in the region are some of the most traveled in the country, providing vital connections.
  • NWI is also located in the right place. Within one of the largest regional fulfillment markets in the U.S, NWI has a unique proximity to Chicago, the third-largest city in the U.S. NWI is also located within a 250 miles radius of Indianapolis. Both Chicago and Indianapolis are listed in the top twelve of Industrial Logistics and Transportation Solutions, North America Report, 2017. The proximity to two major markets offers vast potential for our region. 

Logistics and Distribution Centers
  • The increase in demand of next day and same-day delivery has raised the call for large distribution centers, especially near large population urban centers and logistics hubs like ports, railroads intermodal and air cargo. But development is often away from main centers or existing infrastructure and into previously undeveloped areas, which we should avoid according to the NWI 2050 Plan.

New Uses for Existing Buildings
  • In the future, as home shopping grows, malls and other shopping centers may need to be re-purposed into logistics hubs, supply spaces, or removed altogether and the land redeveloped for other uses. NWI leaders should capitalize on being in a pro-business state with tax and financial incentives to foster the e-commerce logistics demand and raise the profile of the region as a good place to do business.
The City of Hobart and NIRPC have initiated a project to create a set of zoning standards to guide the use and design of sites within local conservation areas. The goal of this project is not to prohibit development, but to define the opportunities where development can take place in a manner that respects and enhances conservation areas – both by reducing adverse impacts of adjacent land uses and by improving local access to natural areas where appropriate. Click here for more information . 
Funding Opportunity
The Indiana Department of Transportation will open its Rural Call for Projects on November 4th through December 13th. Project applications will only be accepted through ITAP. The call for projects will be posted on the Local Public Agency website.

Planning Opportunity
Transportation for America is doing a third year of their Smart City Collaborative program. Their focus will be on how to manage curb space in cities. Does your community struggle to manage its curb space efficiently? They are taking applications until October 7th.

Interesting News!
  • A new publication is out sharing information about how to prevent railroad trespassing - TR News
  • New transportation performance measures coming? New legislation was introduced in the Senate and House that would require States and Metropolitan Planning Organizations across the country to report performance measures about access to jobs, services, and important facilities. H.R. 4101 was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on July 30, 2019, and its companion bill S. 2404 was introduced in the U.S. Senate on July 31, 2019. - Transportation for America
  • 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!
Participate!
NIRPC Commission / Executive Board Meeting
  • September 19th
  • 9:00 AM
  • Lake Michigan Room, 6100 Southport Road Portage, IN 46368
  • Link for more information
  • Questions? Contact Candice Eklund at 219-254-2501
  • Can’t make it in person? Watch it on YouTube
National Drive Electric Week EV Ride & Drive
  • September 19th
  • 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
  • 6100 Southport Road Portage, IN 46368
  • Link to more info
Employment Opportunity!
NIRPC Surface Transportation Committee Meeting
  • October 1st
  • 9:00 AM
  • Lake Michigan Room, 6100 Southport Road Portage, IN 46368
  • Link for more information
  • Questions? Contact Scott Weber at 219-254-2520
  • Can’t make it in person? Watch it on YouTube
FarmHop Event
  • September 21st
  • 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Valparaiso
  • Questions? Contact Gabrielle Biciunas at 219-254-2507
  • Link to more info
Share a Comment!
NIPRC Environmental Management and Policy Committee Meeting
  • October 3rd
  • 9:00 AM
  • Lake Michigan Room, 6100 Southport Road Portage, IN 46368
  • Link for more information
  • Questions? Contact Candice Eklund at 219-254-2501
  • Can’t make it in person? Watch it on YouTube
Rail Crossing Task Force Meeting
  • October 1st
  • 1:30 PM
  • Lake Michigan Room, 6100 Southport Road Portage, IN 46368
  • Questions? Contact Mitch Barloga at 219-254-2518
  • Link to more info
Funding Opportunity!
NIPRC Land Use Committee Meeting
  • October 3rd
  • 10:30 AM
  • Dune Room, 6100 Southport Road Portage, IN 46368
  • Link for more information
  • Questions? Contact Eman Ibrahim at 219-254-2506
  • Can’t make it in person? Watch it on YouTube
Walk to School Day
Funding Opportunity!
NIPRC Ped, Pedal, and Paddle Committee Meeting
  • October 3rd
  • 1:30 PM
  • Dune Room, 6100 Southport Road Portage, IN 46368
  • Link for more information
  • Contact Mitch Barloga at 219-254-2518
  • Can’t make it in person? Watch it on YouTube
Indiana Department of Transportation Title VI & ADA Summit
  • October 8th
  • 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Government Center South, Conference Room C, 302 W Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN
  • Link to more info
Funding Opportunity!
  • The Federal Railroad Administration announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for its Consolidate Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant program.
  • Applications are due October 18, 2019
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Natural Gas for Transportation Roundtable
Funding Opportunity!
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Diversity and Inclusion Symposium 2019 - Save the Date
Funding Opportunity!