Mission statement
I•AD catalyzes housing and real estate development on the Near Eastside of Indianapolis—fostering collaborative efforts to achieve comprehensive community development.
I•AD does this in three ways:
- As the lead agency responsible for housing provisions of the 2012 Super Bowl Legacy Project;
- As coordinating agency for the Near Eastside Redevelopment Area;
- As an "Umbrella CDC" building the capacity of grassroots development organizations to understand and address their respective housing issues.
History of the Near Eastside
The residents of the Near Eastside worked for eight years to make I•AD a collaborative and effective community development corporation (CDC) that works in our unique neighborhood culture. I•AD's genesis is rooted in the community's response to the closing of Eastside Community Investments in 2001, when a Taskforce of near Eastside residents, involving a majority of NESCO neighborhoods, began proactively responding to this challenge. A guiding principle throughout the original planning process was to apply an "asset-based" approach to create a new CDC with a focus on people, the neighbors who are the community's greatest asset. The name chosen for the new entity, Indy-east Asset Development, also reflects these values and principles.
In 2003, I•AD received notice of 501c(3) designation, slated an inaugural Board of Directors, and completed a modest homeowner repair program. From 2004 to 2007, I•AD continued to operate through a volunteer Board and to establish a vision for its future development. The launch of the Great Indy Neighborhoods Initiative (GINI) and the creation of a Quality of Life Plan developed by Near Eastside stakeholders provided direction and clear action steps for this new organization. Developed by the Near Eastside Collaborative Taskforce, this plan is a robust statement of community priorities and values. During the creation of the Plan, the Taskforce conducted over 100 interviews with Near Eastside residents and held a community-wide visioning event with over 400 attendees. The GINI process provides an asset-based approach to community building that encourages all community stakeholders to invest effort in cultivating deeper, meaningful connections and collaborations. This idea of comprehensive community development is the impetus for I•AD.
I•AD's bylaws ensure that 66% of I•AD's Board of Directors will live or work in I•AD's service area and that at least 51% of I•AD's Board members must be residents of the Near Eastside.
Staff
Katy Brett, Executive Director
In December 2008, I•AD hired its first Executive Director, Katy Brett. In this role, Ms. Brett exercises control and direction of the overall fiscal and administrative operations of I•AD, including the selection, retention, and supervision of staff. She is also charged with developing, implementing, and monitoring all aspects of I•AD's operation including the administration, program development, budgeting, financial management, personnel, marketing, fundraising, and other responsibilities. From 2005 to 2007, Ms. Brett served as an advisor to former Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson where she worked with city agencies to refine and better utilize policies relating to vacant and abandoned homes, urban planning, economic development, and public safety. Before joining city government, she held positions for Indiana 2016, a model for strategic planning and community development for communities across Indiana. And, most recently, Ms. Brett served as Director of Advancement for The Mind Trust, a local non-profit focused on supporting education entrepreneurism in Indianapolis public schools. Ms. Brett was elected to Indianapolis Coalition for Neighborhood Development's (ICND) Executive Committee in August 2009.
Brian Madison, Project Manager
As Project Manager, Mr. Madison manages the St. Clair Place revitalization efforts, including the construction and rehabilitation of single family homes for rent or for sale. Mr. Madison oversees the construction management team, manages the bid and selection process for general contractors, and manages our reporting to local, state, and federal agencies.
Brittany Van Wye, Better Buildings Energy Advocate
As an energy advocate, Brittany serves as the program's "voice on the street" by distributing marketing materials, knocking on doors, presenting to community organizations and helping spread the word about the program to targeted sectors.
Charlie Williams, Better Buildings Energy Advocate
As an energy advocate, Charlie serves as the program's "voice on the street" by distributing marketing materials, knocking on doors, presenting to community organizations and helping spread the word about the program to targeted sectors.