The City of Indianapolis has awarded a $300,000 grant to LISC Indianapolis to spearhead a Quality-of-Life Planning initiative on the Far Eastside, aiming to empower residents to shape a vision for their community’s future.
The funding, provided through the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s READI program, marks a significant investment in neighborhood-driven progress.
“Quality-of-Life Planning empowers neighborhoods to think strategically about their future and take action with partners and resources aligned around shared goals,” said Brandon Taylor, interim executive director of LISC Indianapolis.
This community-centered approach involves gathering input from residents, businesses, nonprofits and public agencies to create actionable goals for safer streets, better schools, expanded housing options and more job opportunities. Through data analysis and public engagement, the final plan will provide a roadmap for transformation rooted in the priorities of Far Eastside residents.
LISC Indianapolis has a long history of driving neighborhood improvements through Quality-of-Life Planning. Past efforts in the Near Eastside and Southeast neighborhoods, as well as the Great Places 2020 initiative, have demonstrated the effectiveness of this process. These initiatives have collectively attracted more than $250 million in investments, with two-thirds of their goals either achieved or in progress.
“This grant will support a robust planning process that puts local voices at the center of shaping the future of the Far Eastside,” Taylor said.
The Far Eastside was chosen for this initiative due to its engaged residents, existing community infrastructure and proximity to major industries in manufacturing, health care and logistics. The process will be tailored to the area’s unique strengths and challenges, incorporating diverse perspectives to ensure inclusivity.
LISC will lead a series of public meetings, listening sessions and surveys to gather input. A neighborhood advisory group will be established, and a planning consultant will be hired to analyze data, identify strategies and develop partnerships for implementation.
The resulting Quality-of-Life Plan will serve as a guide for future investments and development.
Local leaders and organizations have expressed enthusiasm for the initiative. City-County Councilor Rena Allen highlighted the importance of honoring the voices of Far Eastside residents.
“This investment is about turning their ideas into real, lasting change,” Allen said.
With this grant, the Far Eastside is poised to harness its collective energy and build a future reflecting the neighborhood’s true potential.
“This planning grant represents more than just funding — it’s a commitment to the voices, ideas and leadership of residents who have long been working for meaningful change,” said Kendra Nowell, CEO of the Community Alliance of the Far Eastside.
For more information on LISC Indianapolis and its efforts, visit lisc.org/indianapolis.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
