Stellar Pathways

Stellar Pathways Program Stellar Pathways 2024 Designees The following regions have been chosen as the 2024 Stellar Pathways Designees: One Dearborn County: Stellar Pathways for Indiana Gateways including, Dearborn County Economic Development Corporation, Dearborn County, Dillsboro and Greendale. For more information on Dearborn County's Stellar Pathways projects, click here . Wabash County including, Wabash County, City of Wabash, North Fontaine and Lagro. For more information on Wabash County's Stellar Pathways projects, click here . For more information on the two 2024 Stellar Pathways designated regions, view the press release here . Check out past Stellar designees here . Stellar Pathways Overview In January 2024, OCRA launched the improved Stellar Pathways Program, building off of previous reiterations of the Stellar Communities Program. The Stellar Pathways Program is a multi-agency, multi-million-dollar investment initiative led by the Office of Community and Rural Affairs. The program works with communities within a county boundary on a shared vision for community and economic development, promotes local and regional partnerships, and assists in implementing sustainable solutions to challenges facing Indiana’s rural communities. The Stellar Pathways program will provide resources for transformative quality of regional improvements by: Enhancing Regional Planning Stellar Pathways, built on OCRA's extensive experience with Stellar Communities, Regional Stellar, and the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program, is focused on accelerating regional planning. The program is designed to scale up local capacity while regional teams create holistic, collaborative plans for community and economic development. A Collaborative Approach The Stellar Pathways program embodies a spirit of collaboration, mirrored by State partners: the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, Indiana Destination Development Corporation, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Health, and Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Resource-Rich Partnerships Through these strategic partnerships, Stellar Pathways is poised to offer the necessary resources for transformative quality-of-place improvements. Participants will tap into time-tested community development strategies by leveraging existing assets to stimulate increased regional investment through state and local partnerships. Any incorporated Indiana community of any size that are not entitled to direct Community Development Block Grant funding through the Department of Housing and Urban Development are eligible to apply in partnership with either a County Government or a non-profit County leader such as a community foundation or an economic development agency. Resources To learn more about the updated program and ways to get involved, visit the following resources: 2024 Stellar Pathways Finalists - Press Release Stellar Communities/Stellar Pathways Comparison A side-by-side comparison of the Stellar Communities program and the revamped Stellar Pathways program Stellar Pathways Program Guide The official program guide of the Stellar Pathways program Letter of Intent Narrative Document The narrative document that will be required to compete to apply for the Stellar Pathways program Regional Letter of Interest Sample Letter Interlocal Resolution Sample Past and Existing Plans Excel Sheet An attachment for the letter of intent submission. Applicants must provide this to exhibit their past and existing planning document, if any. Current Projects Excel Sheet An attachment for the letter of intent submission. Applicants must provide this to exhibit their current and ongoing projects, if any. Frequently Asked Questions Comprehensive FAQ document. Featured FAQs are below. Stellar Pathways Strategic Investment Plan Requirements Stellar Feasibility Matrix