NIRPC

The IN R-STEP Collaborative will host two webinars in April. One webinar is for Local/Government Planning, while the other is for Landowners. Register for the April 8th webinar here: ow.ly/CkqG50Ywwmy Register for the the April 9th webinar here: ow.ly/vrSq50Ywwmx

NIRPC's Commission meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, March 19th at 9:00 AM. It will be held in the Lake Michigan Room at NIRPC offices - 6100 Southport Road in Portage. Meeting materials and the YouTube link can be found here: ow.ly/btz450YvXuK

In June of 1967, there is a discussion about federal aid for the region, looking for a solution to meet U.S. Housing and Urban development (HUD) requirements and to move ahead with the area’s transportation and comprehensive planning needs. So far HUD has rejected proposals.

Last week, a contingent from the GaryELevated Coalition visited Milwaukee to tour the 30th Street Corridor trail project. The hosts were the 30th Street Industrial Corridor Corp. and the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. The tour was supported by a grant from the Legacy Foundation.

By a unanimous vote of the Lake-Porter County Regional Transportation and Planning Commission on November 10, 1966, Norman E. Tufford is named the first Executive Director. He would begin on January 1, 1967.

OCRA announced the first round of Community Development Block Grants for 2026 is now open for applications. Information on each program and application instructions can be found here: in.gov/ocra/cdbg/cdbg… Proposals due April 5th.

By Executive Order on January 26, 1966, Governor Branigin establishes the first regional transportation and planning commission. The Lake-Porter County Regional Transportation and Planning Commission (LPCRTPC), holds its first meeting in March, 1966.

NIRPC is working on a study to assess the current condition of truck parking in NW Indiana. The goal is to explore solutions to improve the truck parking experience. If you are a truck driver, we encourage you to fill out a survey on parking issues here: forms.office.com/Pages/Response…

In 1965, enabling legislation was passed by the General Assembly and signed by Governor Roger Branigin. This law allowed Lake and Porter Counties to work together to establish transportation planning. The 1965 legislation called for a transportation planning commission.

Road safety remains a top NIRPC priority. Key to this goal are entities designing infrastructure that accomodates the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians. One of these designs includes curb extensions that jut out at intersections, providing safety for all users.

We are proud to annouce that NIRPC's Executive Director Ty Warner has been inducted into 2026 College of Fellows of the American Institute of Certifed Planners (AICP). Congratulations Ty and your outstanding advocacy for NW Indiana and the broader planning profession!

NIRPC's Transportation Committee meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, March 3rd at 10:00 AM. It will be held in the Lake Michigan Room at NIRPC offices - 6100 Southport Road in Portage. Meeting materials and the YouTube link can be found here: ow.ly/XlFZ50YnRcc

NIRPC was first established as a Metropolitan Planning Organization, or MPO. These were mandated by the federal government in the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1962 signed by President Kennedy. Today there are 14 MPO's established in the State of Indiana.

Next week we launch the "Know Your NIRPC" series which will detail our history, what we do for Northwest Indiana and the staff that has worked on your behalf for the last 60 years. We hope you will enjoy this series of how regional planning aims to improve our quality of life.

Property owners within the Lake Michigan watershed in Lake, Porter and La Porte counties can get a free native tree by removing an invasive one! You must register and show evidence of removal BEFORE the May event. Please register here: ow.ly/myYf50Y9sb8

T-Mobile's Hometown Grants have funded transformative projects in hundreds of communities. Each grant of up to $50,000 has helped communities jumpstart local projects. All applications must be submitted by March 31, 2026. For details, please visit: ow.ly/h6JW50Ymfnu

Gary Mayor Eddie Melton, along with Rieth-Riley Construction announced today their next demolition blitz. This will involve 60 structures spread through five neighborhoods. NIRPC applauds this robust partnership to better our region's quality of life.

NIRPC is proud to have our Executive Director Ty Warner as a board member of the Northwest Indiana Regional Growth Fund. Ty shares, “The Growth Fund will be catalytic in providing access to capital, helping communities to thrive and participate in the region's renaissance.”

MORE MILES! The newest section of the Marquette Greenway has opened in the Dunes National Park in Gary/Miller! An asphalt paved trail from Lake Street at the Douglas Center east to County Line Road, a distance of 2.3 miles, is now open to the public.

Since 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has awarded 2,100 grants totaling $24.3 million to projects that benefit residents . AARP is accepting applications for the 2026 funding cycle. To learn about the grants available and to apply, please visit: ow.ly/MKaG50XVfHQ