Local Foods and Agriculture Tourism

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 Brown County Greenhouse and Solarium Proposal

FYI – This project was proposed in support of Brown County 2020: A Vision for the Future, Community Report, April 2009: “…. promote art and culture; balance sustainable development with responsible stewardship; spur economic growth that respects our natural environment; provide enrichment opportunities; encourage healthy lifestyles; and promote activities that develop and support thriving, engaged residents and families. (Brown County 2020 – A Vision for the Future)

Agritourism 

Agritourism or agrotourism, as it is defined most broadly, involves any agriculturally-based operation or activity that brings visitors to a farm or ranch. More at Wikipedia

Local Foods

At a time when climate change is already affecting destinations and scientific research is under attack in many parts of the world, millions of travelers — lured by their love of local foods — help make agritourism a factor that tourism boards can’t ignore.

Comprehensive Plan for Brown County and Town of Nashville

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“A comprehensive plan shall be approved by resolution in accordance with state code for the promotion of public health, safety, morals, convenience, order, or the general welfare and for the sake of efficiency and economy in the process of development (See IC 36-7-4 for additional details on Comprehensive Planning under Indiana Code

The current County Comprehensive Plan – 2011 Revisions.

Comprehensive Plan For Brown County and The Town of Nashville – developed in 1993 but not approved by the commissioners at the time.

DRAFT 1993 County Comprehensive Plan for Brown County and Nashville

Minimum Requirements – Comprehensive Plans_OCRA Technical Requirements 10.21.10 (3)

Maple Leaf: Election Issues and Update

Maple Leaf, Quality Leadership
Summary of responses on Brown County Matters to my article published July 25, 2018. GUEST OPINION: Tim J. Clark. Maple Leaf: Will more money be a recurring theme?  
Talking Points

Supporters:  As Maple Leaf attempts to work through their current financial challenges (they are now requesting money from the Community Foundation), the “Talking Points” from supporters appear to be that this government-owned music venue is being built and the community should come together to ensure its success.  WHY?

Non-Supporters: The “Talking Points” from non-supporters of the process used to fast-track this project can be characterized by three Cs: Crony capitalism, Corruption, and Contempt for the citizens:

  • “Crony capitalism is an economy in which businesses thrive not as a result of risks they take, but rather as a return on money amassed through a nexus between a business class and the political class.”
  • Corruption is when a person’s conscience no longer registers right and wrong. – Pope Francis
  • Contempt for the citizens.  “If you have contempt for someone or something, you have no respect for them or think that they are unimportant.”

2018 and 2020 Elections. The ends do not justify the means. It was evident last June/July that the decision to approve Maple Leaf had already been made and citizens would only have a voice in the 2018 and 2020 elections. This observation led me to develop the Independent Voters of Brown County IN blog and Facebook Page.  

  • Brown County Matters is another Facebook Group that citizens can join that covers “Matters that Matter” to Brown County Citizens.

Acceptance or Rejection by the Community?  Just because a venue is built and “might be” successful, does not mean that it will be accepted by the community at large. The fast-track process for this government-owned music venue will always be part of the legacy.

  • The county is funded by income taxes and property taxes.  The revenue from the innkeeper’s tax can only be used to promote tourism.  An economic analysis by students from IU’s SPEA/MPA program identified that tourism-related wages are among the lowest in the state.

Maple Leaf Options – Are we  (county citizens) stuck with a government-owned music venue forever?  FOR SALE BY OWNER — ACCEPTING OFFERS   🙂

  • The venue can always be sold. The sales price would be determined by the success of the venue.
  • I would never want to see an attempt to transfer the debt on to taxpayers or use general funds to subsidize the venue in any way.
  • The president of the county council at the time – Dave Critser at the council meeting to approve funding, stated that in a worse case scenario, the county would allow for a default and a transfer of the asset to the bank.

Social Media – Voice of the Citizens

There can be many emerging issues (electronic sign for example) that can increase risk and lead to divisiveness and polarization within the county that can be expressed on social media. This can contribute to a reputation that Brown County is a place to be avoided.

Tourist Homes and Affordable Housing?

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At the Area Plan Commission (APC) meeting on July 24, 2018, “Jane Gore, an Area Plan Commission member, asked the board to consider setting some sort of limits on the number of tourist homes allowed in the county out of concern that they’re crowding long-term residents out of affordable options.”  Ref: Brown County Democrat, Facebook post.

This concern is unlikely to be warranted. The advantages of the current policy for tourist homes outweigh the disadvantages of limiting their number.

Interesting that the benefits of the Maple Leaf and Big Woods/Hard Truth Hills developments include the expectation for bringing in more year-round tourism.  Why restrict opportunities for people to serve this market?

Brown County Area Board of Zoning Appeals – Resolution 97-1

Dec 31, 2019. Tourists and residents: An age-old push-pull By Sara Clifford
Amid a night of public hearings last month about turning houses into tourist rentals, a familiar subtext was developing: How do Brown County residents and Brown County tourists successfully coexist, and are we making decisions now that will adversely impact the future thriving of either group?

UPDATE – Area Plan Commission Meeting: 8/28/2018.
  • A map showing the density of tourist homes was presented
  • The current count of tourist homes is 184 – less than 5% of available residences (1)
  • Andy Szakaly presented a Fact Sheet that supports the case that tourist homes do not compete with the affordable housing market in terms of sales or rentals.
  • Lack of affordable housing to buy or rent is identified as the problem.
  • The Planning Director will follow-up on the question by Jane Gore as to how many tourist homes are owned by locals vs out-of-county owners. ( I did not understand the relevance of “ownership.”)
The  advantages of tourist homes:
  • They generate at least double the revenue in property taxes than what a full-time resident would pay
  • They collect the 5% innkeepers tax
  • They provide tourists with options
  • They provide competition to the hotels and other tourist home rentals
  • They generate revenue for owners – many of whom reside in the county and want the freedom to determine their investment options without unnecessary government interference.
  • They are generally the higher end homes – not in the “affordable” category for purchase or monthly rent
The disadvantages of tourist homes:
  •  Marginally less inventory of homes available for purchase by full or part-time residents.

Other

  • Limiting the supply of tourist homes will likely increase the value of the existing tourist homes
What is affordable?

In 2014, 52.51% of  Brown County residents filing state tax returns identified income at $30,000 or less.  With an income of $30K, Realtor.com estimates that an individual with an acceptable credit rating, with no monthly debt payment and no down payment, could afford a $131,200 home.  A monthly debt payment of $200.00 would reduce the affordable amount to $102,500.

The planning office keeps the inventory of tourist homes. There are 184 tourist homes in the county which is less than 5% of the total number of the 8,400 residences.  (1)

Tourist homes in the county that have been listed for sale are generally at the higher end of the price scale e.g., not in the “affordable” category for purchase or rent.   A review of the sales and assessed value of the tourist homes would provide another source of information regarding affordability.

(1) For the county income survey that was conducted last year, the number of total residences surveyed was 8,400.  This included apartments.   At the Area Plan Commission meeting on 8/28/2018, it was stated that the number of current tourist homes is 184.

Disclaimer:  I do not own nor am I interested in owning a tourist home. I am not associated with the tourism industry. 

 

Andy Rogers: Vision for Brown County and Nashville

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city vs tourist

Sep 17,  2019. BCD, Change coming to Andy Rogers’ neighborhood By Sara Clifford.

  • For 67 years, some member of Liana Franklin’s family has been unlocking the door of The Totem Post, visiting with customers for hours, and sending them off with a treasure, or at least a memory.
  • Same story next door at the Jack & Jill Nut Shoppe with Marc Rudd’s family, for 50 years now.
 Sep 17, 2019. BCD.  Historic opportunity: Andy Rogers’ properties to be auctioned next month By Sara Clifford.
  • On one day in October, at least eight vacant parcels and eight buildings in Nashville — including the homes of 25 downtown shops — will go on the auction block.
  • In terms of number of properties, it’s likely to be the largest real estate transfer in the history of Nashville.
  • The properties are part of the estate of Frank “Andy” Rogers, who was a bedrock of Nashville’s business community.

 Brown County loses Andy Rogers.  Andy Rogers passed away July 19, 2018. His vision for accommodating tourism and not destroying the culture and “soul” of the county is being seriously challenged by the few that may want to exploit more tourism focused development.

“People say, ‘Well, we can’t change.’ But we can change and still retain some of the flavor of Brown County. We need people to live here. I’m in the tourist business but we don’t want to turn this town over to the tourists. You can go to Gatlinburg if you want to see what happens to a town that turns it all over to business. It’s not a town anymore—it’s a shopping center. We need people here. This town needs to be alive.” 

“We don’t need to be slick and highly commercial. We need to be more country. Country is what we sell…. We need to maintain that. Once you destroy that, it won’t come back.”

‘Andy’s always been there’  BCD, Suzanna Couch

  • “Don’t forget that through the years, we have grown in population, and we also have grown in what people’s needs and wants are. 
  • It is all about respect. “Respect them and their abilities — or lack of them — to get along,” he said. “They contribute. They have to. But you have to have respect for them.”

Brown County Memories – Andy Rogers Recalls, by Bill Weaver, Our Brown County

  • “He stands at the center of Nashville’s dogged attempt to satisfy a tourist industry while retaining its soul—the thing that people have lost in their own communities, the reason they come to visit in the first place. 
  •  So you can imagine my surprise when I discover that Rogers was not born in Brown County.”
A Competing Vision for Tourism

 Will this new vision retain and attract residents or will it result in Brown County being considered a fun place to visit but not to live?    

My Guest Column in the Democrat: A study of tourism and economic sustainability  Provides context regarding tourism-related jobs and wages. Note: The proponents of the government-owned Maple Leaf music venue project claimed that Maple Leaf “….  could be what it takes to turn things around economically for Brown County.”  This article was written to offer another perspective.  The county is funded primarily by income and property tax.  

The Brown County Community Readiness Initiative, a survey and economic assessment conducted by the Ball State Economic and Research Institute, concluded that Brown County’s greatest potential for economic growth is not tourism, but as a bedroom community.  – BC Democrat – Sara Clifford

Brown County:  Tourism: Facts, Assumptions, Myths – Tim Clark, Indep Voters

The Maple Leaf Effect? – “The little town that never sleeps?”

GUEST OPINION: ‘Coming together is a beginning  The Maple Leaf Effect? and Working toward ‘a more perfect union’   Excerpts – Future scenarios can include the following:

Best case is that MLPAC exceeds all expectations. A worse case is that the venue does not meet expectations, requiring a decision as to the disposition of an underperforming venue.  

  • County Council included the worst case being an economic crash and if this occurred, the venue would be turned over to the bank and the county would start  collecting property taxes on the venue.

1. Status quo plus. The additional increase in year-round tourism from Big Woods/Hard Truth Hills (destination distillery) and the Maple Leaf Performing Arts Center (MLPAC) are added to the tourism portfolio with some noticeable impacts on the culture of the county. This will include more events to promote entertainment, craft beer, wine and spirits tourism and additional traffic congestion. An increase in revenue from income and property taxes, the primary source of revenue for the county, might offset the increase in county infrastructure-related costs.

2. Transformative. The expectations for the MLPAC were identified as leading to an increase in year-round tourism that would result in an economic turnaround, more jobs, hotel(s) and restaurants. These changes could possibly include the transition of Snyder Farm as an extension of Salt Creek Plaza. The requirement to fill a 2,000-seat venue will likely lead to offering any entertainment option and attracting any demographic that will sell tickets and attract visitors. Shops in Nashville could transition to bars or other dining and entertainment options that will encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more money. Other areas along the State Road 46 corridor could transition to tourist-related businesses. A casino might fit into this scenario. Entertainment, craft beer, wine and spirits tourism become a major part of the Brown County “brand.” The cumulative effect of the changes may lead to Brown County being considered a nice place to visit but not to live.

3. Collaborative planning. Community conversations can help identify the best acceptable alternatives for tourism, community and economic development options. To quote Henry Ford, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” Conversations can lead to strategies, strategies to plans, and good plans lead to results where everyone benefits — or at least accepts that a given initiative is beneficial overall. The collaborative approach can lead to the county being recognized as a “community of excellence,” which attracts more residents, businesses and families. An increase in families helps mitigate the decline in school enrollments and prevents school closures and consolidations.

Maple Leaf: Will “more money” be a recurring theme?   

Maple Leaf, Quality Leadership

Published in the July 25, 2018 edition of the Brown County Democrat.

The July 18, 2018 article in the Democrat, “New ‘Leaf’ Turned: Work begins on performing arts center,” provided the highlights from the groundbreaking ceremony for the Maple Leaf Performing Arts Center (MLPAC).

The same edition of the paper also included the article “Additional loan sought for Maple Leaf project.” The request for additional monies is because construction bids exceeded the project budget by $743,167. In addition to the new $200,000 loan, Convention Visitors Commission (CVC) Board member Mike Patrick suggested soliciting donations for $600,000. This amount would include covering the money needed to pave the parking lot. Another requirement that was recently identified by the Maple Leaf Management Group is the need to develop a strategic plan.

At the groundbreaking, President of the County Commissioner Dave Anderson was quoted with stating the following: “No process was missed, not one thing was overlooked and I looked closely. It was done right.”  

This may be an accurate statement from a legal standpoint if not somewhat overstated. The county attorneys – Barnes and Thornburg did oversee the project to ensure compliance with appropriate laws and regulations.  Similar sentiments were expressed by Council President Keith Baker. Baker remarked that government officials performed their due diligence and he was complimentary of the Maple Leaf business plan — referred to on the Maple Leaf website as “The Plan.”

It’s unfortunate that both Anderson and Baker referenced opposition and obstacles to the project which could likely have been prevented through a more deliberate planning process, transparency and by conducting open meetings. Citizen input at public meetings would have helped to identify risks and may have also led to suggestions for other options other than a music venue. This information would have allowed the commissioners and council members to make more informed and balanced decisions.

A little history. Commissioner Diana Biddle led this project on behalf of the commissioners, Councilman Baker on behalf of the council and innkeeper Barry Herring on behalf of the CVC. Only the commissioners and council are authorized by law, to approve the funding for this venture.

Barnes and Thornburg, at the direction of Commissioner Biddle in July of 2017, designed a process for fast-tracking this project. The initial plan by the attorneys would have included public meetings and the active involvement of all affected government entities. The county Redevelopment Commission (RDC) volunteered to facilitate this process. The RDC was not asked to be involved in the fast-track process.

The fast-track process included a refusal by the commissioners and council to hold public meetings to solicit input from citizens on the desirability of this project. At the public meetings, which were held to approve zoning and funding, commissioners and council members declined to respond to written questions, many of which were provided in advance of the meetings.

The Maple Leaf project team included members with an inherent conflict of interest.  Doug Harden is credited with developing the idea for this project that he refers to as his ‘dream.”  Harden is identified as the designer and architect who has a direct financial interest in this project. The innkeepers who led this project will indirectly benefit from increased overnight stays in their respective establishments.  Individuals that served on the team to promote this project did not include anyone that identified expertise or experience in owning and managing a music venue.

Is a 2000-seat music venue feasible? Assuming that what worked in the past (the Little Opry) will work in the future is a significant risk. Given the conflict of interest, the lack of music venue experience among project leaders and the inexperience of commissioners and council in reviewing a “business plan” for what is generally considered a private sector venture, contracting for an independent feasibility study was needed to identify and manage the risks associated with the project. The council refused to delay the project to contract for the needed study.

The collateral for the Maple Leaf loan is future profits from the venue and revenue from the innkeeper’s tax.  Initially, profits were to be shared with the county.  A bank or other lender without collateral from tax revenue would require a private sector venture of this type to develop a more thorough business plan.  The requirements for business plans are available from the Small Business Administration. An example of a Music Theatre Business Plan is available at bplans.com.

Consequently, since the bank was not relying solely on a business plan to help assess the risks associated with this project, it was up to our commissioners and council to educate themselves to ensure they were performing their due diligence before voting to approve this project.

Citizens were not informed through an announcement in the Democrat of any public meetings where the business plan was to be reviewed and discussed by the commissioners and council before their vote to approve this project. Due diligence would have required several public meetings.

The decisions that have already been made by the Commissioners, Council and CVC will determine the success or failure of this government-owned music venue.  At this point, my suggestion for voters is to elect representatives that will oppose any future effort to transfer all or part of the $12.5 million or more Maple Leaf debt onto county taxpayers or use general funds to subsidize the venue in any way.

This project was sold as “too good to fail” – let’s hope that’s true.   The public and voters will determine if the decisions and process used to fast-track this project are in the best interests of all county citizens.

Changing the Government from the “Top” 

By Tim J. Clark

Politically within the United States, we are in the midst of what might be considered as an uncivil conflict. America has been divided into red states and blue states, with social media serving as the battleground. The casualties in this conflict include opportunity costs — the outcomes this country could have achieved had we been working together instead of battling each other. We need to make some changes if we want to improve this situation and ultimately the nation.

When most people think about making improvements at the national level of government, they consider the “top” as beginning with the President, the U.S. Congress, or a political party. However, by law, the “top” is “We the People,” according to the U.S. Constitution:

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. [emphasis mine]

The vision for America is to work together toward achieving “a more perfect Union.” Working to achieve this aim must be led and supported by “We the People” and not by the red states, blue states, or “deep state” politicians and their respective interest groups. These groups add value by identifying the polarity on issues and offering nonpartisan solutions but can also be corrosive to a system that was designed to be continually improved.

Tip O’Neill, a former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, reinforced that “all politics is local.” Therefore, the U.S. government can be improved starting from the local level of government.

If “We the People” can begin the transition to improve quality at the county level of government, we could demonstrate a successful approach that might inspire improvements at the state and national levels of government.

The goal at the county level would be a shared vision for the future — a plan that identifies what people want and do not want regarding economic and community development. This would be followed by action that results in outcomes that citizens would agree result in a “more perfect” county.

To achieve these results, we need more independent voters as well as a critical mass of quality leaders.

Independent Voters Are Needed

An “independent voter” is an individual who votes for the person they believe is the best candidate, regardless of any political party affiliation. The “best” representative is someone who can lead change that results in everyone benefitting or, at least not being any worse off in the long term.

I consider myself a political independent. To vote in the primaries in my home state of Indiana, you have to declare a party, so I registered as a Republican. However, I vote for the best candidate, regardless of political party affiliation. If there is not a good candidate for a position, I leave the selection blank to send a message to the parties to recruit better candidates.

Last year, 42% of Americans identified themselves as political independents, while 29% percent identified themselves as Democrats and 27% as Republicans, according to Gallup. In upcoming elections, we need more people to be independent voters. In other words, we need more people to elect individuals based on their ability to address issues and challenges rather on their political party affiliation.

Critical Mass of Quality Leaders Are Needed

While it is important to let your voice be heard by voting, elections only come every so often. That’s why we need more quality leaders.

I support the theory identified by W. Edwards Deming. His contributions for improving quality were recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the nine turning points in world history and by FORTUNE Magazine as among the greatest contributions to business history.

Deming believed that you need a critical mass of quality leaders to improve or transform an organization (e.g., group, community, country). Quality leaders are individuals who can apply and support the application of the better methods to improve processes and systems, resulting in outcomes where everyone gains, or at least are not any worse off in the long term.

The number of leaders needed can be calculated as the square root of an organization:

“In a small staff of 25, just 5 dedicated people who are committed to the improvement process and who work consistently will create a transformation. The same is true in a classroom. Think about getting a critical mass of students in a classroom. In a class of 30 students, the square root would be approximately 5.5. Since you can’t have half a child, round to 6. If you can get 6 students to commit and begin working with you and supporting your initiatives; you can transform the culture of the class.” — David Langford

As anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

An Example of What Is Possible

The challenges that local counties face can parallel the political polarity found at the national level. A political party can develop a monopoly on political power, which can be described as allowing a few people (along with ad-hoc project teams or interest groups) to dominate decision-making. Monopolies can lead to an abuse of power, which leads to less transparency, a lower quality of decision-making, and poorer results. It also leads to policies that benefit the few at the expense of the many.

Take, for example, the county in which I live: Brown County, Indiana. Around 15,000 people live in this small rural county. Residents appreciate its natural beauty, the rural environment, the friendly people, and our history as the “Artist Colony of the Midwest.” Key strengths include our community foundation, volunteers, and excellent schools.

Brown County has the highest concentration of forested land of any of Indiana’s 92 counties. Much of the county’s 312 square miles are state and federal lands or privately owned and not open to development. It is among the least populated county in Indiana, with a population density of just 48 people per square mile, compared with 182 statewide. The majority of employed citizens commute outside the county for work and tourism accounts for approximately 30% of jobs within the county, which contributes to a low to moderate income level.

Brown County has seen its share of challenges lately. The county government has recently implemented some policies that many residents view as being fiscally irresponsible, including:

  • Approval of a fast-track process to build a $12.5 million government-owned and government-managed music venue without providing citizens an opportunity to provide input on the desirability of the project, conducting an independent feasibility study, or reviewing the complete business plan before approving the project
  • A taxpayer-funded settlement for a township issue resulting from what some residents considered a hostile takeover of a volunteer fire department
  • A proposal to build a new $10 million courthouse without identifying the compelling need and analyzing other alternatives
  • Pushing through a $7.3 million wastewater treatment proposal without identifying the need or addressing the concerns and issues with people affected by the project

The critical mass needed to lead a transformation using methods that respect what citizens want (and do not want) regarding economic and community development is 112 (the approximate square root of 12,500 registered voters).

While we have not reached the critical mass of quality leaders yet, our network includes individuals who have opposite political positions regarding national policies but support basic governance principles. We are putting any left-wing/right-wing biases aside and working together to achieve “a more perfect county.”

The Independent Voters of Brown County IN website and Facebook page includes non-partisan suggestions for addressing our local challenges. The intent is to identify principles that could provide common ground and a strategy for improvement. A local  Facebook group was also created to share information and discuss “matters that matter” to the citizens of Brown County.

How You Can Help

Legendary National Football League coach Vince Lombardi remarked that “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” A more perfect county and country requires that citizens identify their vision for “more perfect.” The next step is to work together to apply methods to continually improve the processes and systems that will lead to “catching excellence.”

If you support the concept that national-level change can be led from the “top” (“We the People”) and want to provide moral support, go to our Independent Voters of Brown County IN Facebook page and “Like” us.  A few thousand “Likes” will provide some positive feedback. It will also help reinforce that it’s a small world and that local efforts can have wide-scale impacts.

Economic Development Strategic Plan – Links to References

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A “PLAN” is a written account of the intended future course of action (scheme) aimed at achieving the specific goal (s) or objective (s) within a specific timeframe. It explains in detail what needs to be done, when, how, and by whom.

Michael Hicks, an economist at Ball State University concluded that  “today’s economic development policy ought simply to focus on making life better for residents who have chosen to remain.”   In his article “Most Indiana counties should stop pursuing economic growth“, he reinforces that “80 or more Indiana counties are in absolute or relative decline.”

The challenge for Brown County is to assess the opportunities as well as challenges within the county and region to identify the best approaches for the county.

A “plan” is a written account of the intended future course of action (scheme) aimed at achieving the specific goal (s) or objective (s) within a specific timeframe. It explains in detail what needs to be done, when, how, and by whom.

Econ Development Strategic Plan – Timeline and Final Report

County Employment and Wages in Indiana — First Quarter 2019

  • Brown County – lowest wages in the state

June 2019. State – Career Connections and Talent (CCT) – Data Display

May 10,  2019. Community Asset Inventory and Rankings Changes in Indiana Counties
BY MICHAEL J. HICKS, SRIKANT DEVARAJ, AND DAVID TERRELL

Technical requirements for the economic development strategic planning grant.

Summary – Taxes and Trends – Presented to the Joint Meeting of Council and Commissions, June 4, 2018.   June 4 DLZ Commissioner and Council Joint Meeting

Income trends by categories 1999-2016: Downward trend in $50K and lower; Upward trend at $50K and higher.

Median Home Values and Median Property Tax

Brown County Comprehensive Plan 2012 and the Draft of the 1993 Plan

Stats Indiana Brown County Population Projections

Demographics.  BCD, GUEST OPINION: Indiana’s ‘silver tsunami’ and, well, just doing it  (more jobs than workers)

South Central Indiana –  United Way 2-1-1 Resource Database.

Town of Nashville – Planning Documents

County Financial Decision Support Model – IU Support

Brown County Hometown Collaborative Initiative (HCI). Sponsored by Office of Community and Rural Affairs, Ball State, and Purdue University.

Choose Brown County – Redevelopment Commission (RDC) Website

Housing and Cost of Living

Massachusets Institute of Technology – LIVING WAGE Calculation for Brown County, Indiana 

Brown County Schools: 

Tourism – State of Indiana 

Massachusets Institute of Technology – LIVING WAGE Calculation for Brown County, Indiana 

Indiana Economic Development Corporation – Average and Project Wage – 2006 – 2017.

 Regional Opportunity Initiative (ROI). The mission of Regional Opportunity Initiatives, Inc. (ROI) is to support regional development opportunities in the 11 counties of Southwest Central Indiana.

Oct 14, 2018 Gov. Holcomb: New jobs require Hoosiers to move beyond a diploma Additionally, we created NextLevelJobs.org to support Hoosier adults by offering programs that can be accomplished while working. Our ultimate goal? To fill the 90,000-plus jobs available right now and make our workforce system better aligned to employer need.

Affordable Homes

More Facts

Econ Development Strategic Plan and Timeline

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Background: The county applied for a $40K grant to create an economic development strategic plan. Thomas P. Miller and Associates were selected as the contractor.  The RDC conducted eight (8) community Sept meetings in Sept and Oct to solicit input from the public.

2019 – County Economic Development Strategic Plan – approved for payment but not execution. Not vetted at a public meeting.

Dec 17, 2019.  Debate punctuates redevelopment commission meeting By Sara Clifford

Dec 3, 2019. Brown County Democrat.  New county economic plan released By Sara

  • The entire 79-page plan first became public after a Nov. 20 public hearing with the Brown County Commissioners and Brown County Redevelopment Commission. However, neither group had read the entire plan by the time of the hearing, and the public hadn’t had an opportunity to see it yet.
  • Brown County Matters – FB Post of the article
  • Statement from Jim Kemp regarding the process for review prior to acceptance by the Commissioners 20191205 Statement

Nov 18, 2019. Plan accepted by Commissioners with the caveat that it can be changed after it is reviewed.  Brown County TPMA Executive  Summary and Plan EDP 11.20.2019

Scheduled Presentations at the Playhouse:

  • June 12, 2019– Jim Kemp & Thomas P. Miller review draft of Economic Plan

Mar 23, 2019. Survey of Residents.  The Brown County Redevelopment Commission is working with Thomas P. Miller & Associates (TPMA) a consulting firm based in Indianapolis that works nationally on projects in economic development, workforce development, and evaluation. TPMA is currently leading the development of the Brown County Economic Development Plan which will focus on economic development and growth strategies for Brown County. I encourage you to share on social media or with anyone whom you believe would benefit by having a voice on the subject of economic development in Brown County.

Mar  2019. ROI Ready Communities – Strategic Planning – Quality of Place and Workforce Attraction Plan (see appendix for facts and data on the county.

Jan 23, 2019. Update – Presentation by TPMA made at the Brown County Community Foundation – County-Wide Town Hall, Strategic Plan Unveiling

November 8, 2018.  Kick-off Presentation by Thomas Miller and Associates (TPMA).  County Office Building, Salmon Room 6:00 P.M. TPMA Brown County IN Kick-Off Presentation 

October 6, 2018. Next Sessions:

  • Oct 11, 2018 – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  County Office Building, Salmon Room
  • Oct 18, 2018 – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Van Buren Elementary
  • Oct 25, 2018 – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Sprunica Elementary

October 4, 2018. Next session tonight, 7-9 pm, Helmsburg Elementary

Sept 25, 2018.  Next session tonight, 7-9 pm, Sprunica Elementary.  We’ve conducted three of eight sessions (Nashville, Van Buren, Helmsburg). Comments from the meetings include the following:

  • Would be a good idea to identify vision, values, culture …
  • Appreciate the county-wide perspective and the fact that the presentations are available throughout the county and not just Nashville.
  • We are/have been a “bedroom community” – people travel outside the county for good jobs.  Expansion of broadband may lead to more people working from home or supporting more internet-based businesses.
  • County Comprehensive Plan does NOT provide the details needed to support small commercial businesses development.  Marketing the benefits of Brown County requires a “master plan” that provides potential investors with the detail needed to ensure their project will be successful.
  • County has a reputation for not being friendly to new developments and businesses.
  • We attract people to retire here but then they move out of the county when they reach age 80 or older. We do not have the desired assisted living and/or medical related support services that are needed.
  • Would like to see more employers and good-paying jobs. Why not more factories?  These could include small – 8-12 employees, advanced manufacturing companies that offer good wages.
  • We do not have affordable housing – identified in the 125K -200K range.
  • We are in an economic decline – Helmsburg, Bean Blossom, Van Buren not what they once were …. People recognize the decline – fewer gas stations, small grocery stores, etc.
  • Need for entrepreneurship – developing new ideas and ventures.
  • We do need to be aware of the impacts (positive and negative) of raising property taxes (as opposed to income taxes).
  • NOTE: Census data (slide 16) identified that we had 2,559 vacant housing units. These are defined as no one living in the home at the time and can include second/vacation homes.

Sept 25, 2018 UPDATED Presentation (corrected some typos).

Sept 20, 2018 UPDATED Presentation: 20080913 JKTC BCRDC Presentation Ver 6_3

Sept 14, 2018. Facebook comments discussing the presentation.

Sep 13, 2018 – “First” Community Presentation –  20080913 JKTC BCRDC Presentation Ver 6_2

EIGHT (8) Public Sessions: 

  • Sept 13, 2018 –  7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  County Office Building, Salmon Room
  • Sep 18, 2018 – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  Van Buren Elementary
  • Sept 19, 2018 – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Helmsburg Community Church, 2370 Main Street
  • Sep 25, 2018 – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Sprunica Elementary
  • Oct 4, 2018 – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Helmsburg Elementary
  • Oct 11, 2018 – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  County Office Building, Salmon Room
  • Oct 18, 2018 – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Van Buren Elementary
  • Oct 25, 2018 – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Sprunica Elementary

Sep 4, 2018. What do you want Brown County to be? RDC to host series of input meetings What does Brown County mean to you?  What do you want it to be, and how do we keep or make it that way? This isn’t the first time Brown Countians have been asked those questions, but a local volunteer group is hoping people will come out and talk about them this fall. The answers will help guide an economic plan for the county.

Aug 28, 2018. GUEST OPINION: What do you value about Brown County? We agreed to create a fact-based, countywide presentation that will provide a broad overview of where the county currently is and what possible challenges we may face in the near and distant future. The purpose of this presentation is to foster a communitywide conversation from those who are willing to take the time to create clarity around the basic facts, and the opportunity to voice their concerns and vision for the county. Our intent is to listen to understand.

As of August 23, 2018. Meeting Dates and Times:

  • Sep 13, 2018 – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. County Office Building, Salmon Room
  • Sep 18, 2018 – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  Van Buren Elementary
  • Sept 19, 2018 – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Helmsburg Community Church, 2370 Main Street (Changed – original date was Sept 12).
  • Sep 25, 2018 – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Sprunica Elementary
  • Oct 4, 2018 – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Helmsburg Elementary
  • Oct 11, 2018 – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  County Office Building, Salmon Room
  • Oct 18, 2018 – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Van Buren Elementary
  • Oct 25, 2018 – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Sprunica Elementary

August 9, 2018, RDC Meeting.  We discussed the initial draft of the community presentation.  Jim Kemp, President of the RDC, doing a great job getting input from all the various government groups in collecting the data and the overall economic situation of the county.  We are working to have the final presentation done by the end of the month. The rough outline of the presentation below:

  • The Why – Community Vitality Indicators (CVI) identify a declining tax base
  • The Strategy – Planning Grant
  • The Facts –  Trends – Revenue, Debt, Taxes
  • Decisions that will have to be made – What do need, What do we want and What do we not want?
  • About our County – Townships, Population, Demographics, Housing …
  • About our Neighbors – Info on the surrounding counties
  • About Our Community – Government, Schools, Businesses, Non-Profits
  • Our Way Ahead? Document the input from the public. Our contractor reviews the economic data, assimilates the input provided by the citizens, identifies options that are then presented and discussed at public meetings.  The final plan has to be approved by the commissioners at a public meeting.

July 16, 2018, Initial Draft – Timeline

  • Develop a plan for public meetings – by August 31.
  • Conduct public meetings (8) in September/October.
  • Public meetings are also required during the development of the plan. This provides citizens with feedback regarding how their input is being addressed.

July 13, 2018. Economic Development Strategic Plan – Links to References.   Provides context on history, economics, current and past studies, et.al.

  • The Plan will represent the voice of the citizens, e.g., what people want and do not want. 

THE START

July 12, 2018. Brown County Democrat Facebook.

  • Tonight, the Brown County Redevelopment Commission discussed organizing a series of meetings to gather ideas on what Brown Countians need in order to help them continue living here. The commission is getting a grant to start forming an economic plan, and they decided that a “grassroots” approach is essential as the first step — asking residents what they want first, rather than asking community leaders first. No meeting dates have been set yet; they may be in September or October. More info to come as we receive it.
  • Democrat Facebook Comments
  • Brown County Matters – Facebook Comments

July 12, 2018.  RDC Meeting.

  • I volunteered to help support this project. With respect to full disclosure, I was a member of the RDC in 2016-2017.   I was involved with helping to put together the application and selecting the contractor – Thomas P. Miller and Associates.
  • Background
    • The grant administrator was selected in Feb/Mar of 2017.
    • We had to conduct a countywide income survey that began around May and ended in September 2017. The survey determined that we qualified for the federal grants through the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA).
    • The application for the economic development strategic planning grant was ready in Dec/Jan but delayed due to the Van Buren issue.

Nov 22, 2017. County leaders differ on economic planning views, by Staff Reports.

  • “If there’s any question about Brown County’s need for economic development and redevelopment, we need all the help we can get,” county commissioner Jerry Pittman told the audience at the Nov. 1 commissioners meeting.
  • He cited a study of six area counties that predicts the population will decline in only one of them by 2050. That one county is Brown County, and it’s projected to lose 9 percent of its population. Four other counties are projected to gain population and one to stay the same, he said.
  • “With declining population, that creates a lot of problems for a lot of areas,” he said, mentioning schools, county government, and a reduction in the tax base, which could lead to higher taxes per resident just to maintain current services. “Keep up the good work,” he told Tim Clark and the rest of the redevelopment commission. “We need all the help we can get.