Since the summer of 2016, the IndyEast Promise Zone (IEPZ) has been supported by the capacity-building efforts of AmeriCorps VISTAs. Below are reflections from members of the 2019-2020 VISTA cohort, the fourth group to serve with the IndyEast Promise Zone. Jacob Gosselin | Education & Workforce Development Strategist Q: What is your position
One of the many important factors in ensuring that all neighbors in the Promise Zone community have decent, safe housing is the understanding and enforcement of fair housing laws. Federal law dictates that both tenants and landlords have certain rights and responsibilities within contract agreements. The Fair Housing Act, part of the Civil Rights Act
One of the foundational goals of the IndyEast Promise Zone is to address our community’s housing needs. Among the main concerns in housing development is affordability, especially for low-income neighbors. Along with our partners, we have been committed to our Live IndyEast goals, which include addressing barriers to decent, safe housing and maintaining affordability. An
The White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council has identified numerous federal programs for which Opportunity Zone preference can be made available. As of July 31st, 2020, over 300 action items have been completed to integrate Opportunity Zones into federal agencies and programs. For the updated list of federal programs and completed actions, click here.
One of the many historic former industrial sites in the Promise Zone is the P.R. Mallory Campus, located at 3029 East Washington Street. Long home to P.R. Mallory and Company Inc., the site was once a major hub for employment and economic activity on the Near Eastside. However, a decrease in employment at the site
On May 23rd, 2019, the US Treasury Department announced $3.5 billion in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) awards to spur economic development in urban and rural communities across the nation. In total, 73 Community Development Entities (CDEs) were awarded allocations, including Indianapolis Redevelopment CDE, LLC. Indianapolis Redevelopment CDE, which represents the City of Indianapolis despite
On October 30th, 2019, TWG Development broke ground on a new project at 1142 Southeastern Avenue. This new development, Line Lofts, will provide a mix of important amenities to the Near Eastside community and the City of Indianapolis. Line Lofts will create 63 new two-bedroom units of affordable senior housing. The development of affordable senior
November 30th is Small Business Saturday ®, which means it’s almost time to celebrate with your favorite small businesses on the Near Eastside! Current small business trends, according to rciaresources.com, suggest a shift of focus towards social media and the internet. But these small businesses still need your support in a more physical form. Wondering
On October 2nd, 2019, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced this year’s awardees for its Community Economic Development grant program. Among the awardees were Edna Martin Christian Center and RecycleForce, two organizations which serve Promise Zone residents. Both organizations received the maximum award of $800,000. The Community Economic Development program, organized
On October 2nd, 2019, Mayor Joe Hogsett and other representatives from the City of Indianapolis joined Near Eastside neighbors, business owners, and community leaders to announce the designation of a third Lift Indy Neighborhood, located in a key commercial corridor on the Near Eastside. The designated area, focused on a section East 10th Street, joins