History
In the early 1990's, the Hudson Institute conducted a study on rural communities in Southern Indiana detailing how the area fell far behind state and national averages in almost every socio-economic indicator. The report outlined serious problems including loss of population and jobs, decreased earning power, low income, community deterioration, and limited capital development resources. Responding to the report's finding then Congressmen Lee Hamilton assembled a team of community leaders from all across the 8th and 9th Congressional Districts. This group of leaders formed what has now become the Southern Indiana Rural Development Project. Incorporated in January 1993, the group's focus was to develop action plans and to implement those plans in rural Southern Indiana.
Over the past thirteen years, SIRDP has been making a difference in rural communities in Southern Indiana. With the support of many partners including Former Congressman Lee Hamilton, Former Congressman Baron Hill, Congressman John Hostettler, Congressmen Mike Sodrel, Former Senator Dan Coats, Senator Richard Lugar and Senator Evan Bayh, and funding from numerous private organizations including Lilly Endowment, Inc., McDonald's, utilities, various manufacturing firms, banks, chambers of commerce, local economic development organizations, local government, state government, and private individuals, SIRDP has worked in a wide range of rural issues including:
- Organized leadership training for local officials and community leaders
- Educated low income individuals about purchasing a first home
- Established rural community on-line networks
- Developed Models for rural infrastructure
- Engaged Rural Communities in brownfield redevelopment
- Created new partnerships in agriculture enterprise
- Promoted workplace and community diversity
- Held annual symposiums to celebrate success stories and learn from local projects
SIRDP has evolved into a regional, grassroots organization. And yet it is an organization that has had a statewide impact and has been viewed as a possible model for other states.
