LEARN
About our effort
In 2021, Kosciusko County was selected to participate in a new program, Hoosiers Enduring Legacy Program (HELP), with the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA). The Towns of Pierceton, Mentone, and Milford signed on to participate in a year-long process to create Strategic Investment Plans (SIP) which outlined strategic investments to create a lasting legacy in their communities.
The SIP was adopted last year, 2023. Since then each community has been working with OCRA and the Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG) to proceed with their respective eligible projects to apply for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)-CV funds for implementation. Recently Town of Mentone was awarded a planning grant funded by OCRA’s Community Development Block Grant program, which is aimed at providing recommendations for economic development, public facilities, and housing projects.
The award is funding the development of a COVID-19 Economic Development Plan (CERP) to provide a strategic framework and actionable roadmap for revitalizing the local economy in the aftermath of the pandemic. Through collaborative efforts and targeted interventions, the plan seeks to create a more resilient and vibrant economic landscape that positions Mentone for long-term prosperity.
PARTICIPATE
In our planning process
On October 11, 2024 Taylor Siefker Williams Design Group LLC (TSWDG) was selected to prepare the COVID -19 Economic Recovery Plan. A Public hearing for the plan approval was held on July 2, 2025. The consultant team provided a 15 minute overview of the plan, explained the purpose and presented the goals and objectives for those in attendance. At the close of the public hearing the town held a public meeting to approve the final plan document. The plan was then unanimously approved by the Town council. A critical part of the success of this planning process is the participation of property owners and business owners who operate within the downtown area. The planning process as well as opportunities for public engagement can be seen below.
REVIEW
What has been discussed and presented
The planning process will include multiple meetings, presentations and online engagement opportunities. To ensure that everyone can stay updated on the team’s progress, we encourage you to review project materials and key findings throughout the process. Meeting summaries, presentations and materials can be accessed through the links below.
Previous Steering Committee Meetings
STRATEGIC INVESTMENT PLAN SUMMARY- Completed during the HELP Program
In 2021, Kosciusko County was selected to participate in a new program, Hoosiers Enduring Legacy
Program (HELP), with the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA). The Towns of
Pierceton, Mentone, and Milford signed on to participate in a year-long process to create Strategic
Investment Plans (SIP) which outlined strategic investments to create a lasting legacy in their
communities.
The SIP was adopted last year, 2023. Since then each community has been working with OCRA and the
Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG) to proceed with their respective eligible projects to
apply for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)-CV funds for implementation.