Kentland Task Force 2020 Recap

Kentland’s 2020 Recap

A message from Kentland’s Opportunity Zone Task Force Director, Mike Davis.

Coming Together to Spark Positive Change

This may be one of the most positive recaps of 2020 you will read. I had the opportunity to work with one of the most dedicated, talented and energetic groups with whom I have been associated. The combination of a supportive town board; a supportive group of professionals from the State (OCRA, PCRD and ROZI) who assisted in developing plans and networking; a creative agency called VAST who assisted in developing our branding strategies; but most of all, a group called the Opportunity Zone Task Force, volunteers who devoted their time, energy and talents to ensure that we are a community where we grow, prosper and develop a fulfilling lifestyle.

A Snapshot of the Good Work Done in 2020

Over the course of the year this group attended over 50 meetings, developed a 50 page prospectus, through focus groups and interviews identified key traits, or pillars that make Kentland special (Quality of Life, a Strong Sense of Community, Dedicated residents, a Safe Community, a Friendly Community and, a Community Driven to Maximize our Potential.) We presented that vision at our community meeting and picnic, published 14 blogs with adults and students, 5 newsletters, created a new town brand and logo, launched a new and more robust website, developed the comprehensive plan for the “Thrive Intergenerational Campus”, established a redevelopment commission to provide the legal platform for the Thrive Campus, and initiated a fundraising drive to revitalize Batton Park.

In summary, the year 2020 was a year where we recruited a team to lead our economic development, laid out the plans for “Boldly Moving Forward” and put in place a communication system to be inclusive and transparent. As I quoted in my introductory remarks at the town-wide meeting, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”.

2021: the Year of Great Accomplishments

The groundwork of 2020 leads us into 2021 as a year of execution. Engineering studies are underway to clear the way for the Thrive Campus. The legal and technical pieces are moving forward to begin construction of the Autumn Trace Senior Living facility. We continue to reach out and solidify interest in the Child Care facility. Identifying and solidifying the offerings at our Wellness Center will be a priority this year. Fundraising for the revitalization of Batton Park is underway and is gathering momentum. It is our goal to go beyond simply upgrading Batton Park but to interlace it in a community park system.

While the Thrive Campus is a vital component of our overall economic development plan, other facets of our plan are also progressing. To build community awareness the Task Force is creating a virtual tour of Kentland and Newton County. It will highlight familiar attractions while introducing landmarks new to many.

Our Plate is Full and We Couldn’t Be More Excited

A key question posed in order to develop our prospectus was, “What is the right size for our town?” To answer that question we identified a key metric to be the ideal capacity of our school system. With that metric in hand combined with available census data we targeted our need for housing. Not only how many, but what type. Creating plans to address interesting, housing solutions will be a priority in 2021.
Lastly, transforming our community goes nowhere without growing and supporting our local businesses. We then ask, “Who are their customers and suppliers. Are they candidates to locate here?” Then we can ask, “What additional businesses do we need?”

People often comment to me “You have a lot on your plate.” Yes, but I am usually hungry.

Kentland is Full of Amazing Stories Worth Sharing!

300 N. 3rd St. Kentland, IN 47951

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