March 14, 2020 at 4:46 a.m.
Earning Stellar will take everyone
Editorial
We need you.
All of you.
As Jay! — the region made up of Jay County and its municipalities — commits to making a second run at the Stellar Communities designation this year, that much is clear.
It will take everyone to make the effort successful.
Stellar is a program involving various state agencies, including Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, Indiana Department of Transportation and Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, that opens the door to millions of dollars in grants and other incentives. They can go toward projects such as streetscape improvements, senior housing developments, park upgrades and a variety of others that make a community a more enticing place to live.
The amount of funding and incentives available can make a transformative impact. (Even though Jay! did not earn the Stellar designation last year, it still came out a financial winner as it split $1 million in Community Development Block Grant funds that will be put toward a local project that meets federal standards. Expect meetings in the coming weeks to discuss the possibilities for that funding.)
So, what can we do to make this year’s effort successful in earning the designation?
In a word, participate.
The ultimate goal of Stellar is to foster a new way of thinking — one focused on community outreach, teamwork and camaraderie.
We believe Jay! has all of those things. Now, we have to prove it.
We need every government entity, every business, every industry, every not-for-profit, every church, every service club and, most importantly, every resident from young to old to jump on board.
The first step to doing so is paying attention to WPGW and this newspaper for updates on Stellar-related meetings and activities. It would also be helpful to follow the Jay! region social media feeds on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram, and like and share their posts.
When the time comes, fill out Stellar surveys either in person or online. Attend the Stellar-related public meetings. Provide your input.
And if you’re interested in giving of your time in a larger capacity, email [email protected] to let the leadership team know.
Why does it matter that all of us step up and throw our support behind the Stellar effort?
Because what the state is looking for is a region that is committed, a region that is striving to help all of its communities improve, a region that has built real bonds and not just passing acquaintances.
The state is looking for a partner. It wants that partner not just when it awards the designation in December and not just over the next four years during which Stellar projects will be implemented, but for the next 10, 20, 30 years down the road.
In a way, the state wants to make sure its Stellar selection will be a bright, shining star that has staying power rather than fizzling out quickly or becoming a black hole where its efforts disappear into a void.
The goal of Stellar Communities is to make a region better for the long term, which in turn makes the state better as well.
That’s a worthy goal. It’s one we should be, and are, striving for.
And it will take everyone to make it happen. — R.C.
All of you.
As Jay! — the region made up of Jay County and its municipalities — commits to making a second run at the Stellar Communities designation this year, that much is clear.
It will take everyone to make the effort successful.
Stellar is a program involving various state agencies, including Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, Indiana Department of Transportation and Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, that opens the door to millions of dollars in grants and other incentives. They can go toward projects such as streetscape improvements, senior housing developments, park upgrades and a variety of others that make a community a more enticing place to live.
The amount of funding and incentives available can make a transformative impact. (Even though Jay! did not earn the Stellar designation last year, it still came out a financial winner as it split $1 million in Community Development Block Grant funds that will be put toward a local project that meets federal standards. Expect meetings in the coming weeks to discuss the possibilities for that funding.)
So, what can we do to make this year’s effort successful in earning the designation?
In a word, participate.
The ultimate goal of Stellar is to foster a new way of thinking — one focused on community outreach, teamwork and camaraderie.
We believe Jay! has all of those things. Now, we have to prove it.
We need every government entity, every business, every industry, every not-for-profit, every church, every service club and, most importantly, every resident from young to old to jump on board.
The first step to doing so is paying attention to WPGW and this newspaper for updates on Stellar-related meetings and activities. It would also be helpful to follow the Jay! region social media feeds on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram, and like and share their posts.
When the time comes, fill out Stellar surveys either in person or online. Attend the Stellar-related public meetings. Provide your input.
And if you’re interested in giving of your time in a larger capacity, email [email protected] to let the leadership team know.
Why does it matter that all of us step up and throw our support behind the Stellar effort?
Because what the state is looking for is a region that is committed, a region that is striving to help all of its communities improve, a region that has built real bonds and not just passing acquaintances.
The state is looking for a partner. It wants that partner not just when it awards the designation in December and not just over the next four years during which Stellar projects will be implemented, but for the next 10, 20, 30 years down the road.
In a way, the state wants to make sure its Stellar selection will be a bright, shining star that has staying power rather than fizzling out quickly or becoming a black hole where its efforts disappear into a void.
The goal of Stellar Communities is to make a region better for the long term, which in turn makes the state better as well.
That’s a worthy goal. It’s one we should be, and are, striving for.
And it will take everyone to make it happen. — R.C.
Top Stories
9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit
Chartwells marketing
September 17, 2024 7:36 a.m.
Events
250 X 250 AD