INDIANAPOLIS (April 22, 2026) – Today, Governor Mike Braun announced
that the first round of funding from the Regional Economic Acceleration and
Development Initiative (READI) created an estimated economic impact across
Indiana of more than $675 million.
Those results come from a program
evaluation conducted by Purdue University Center for Regional Development and
Indiana University Public Policy Institute, providing a comprehensive account
of the influence the first funding round of READI investments made on Indiana
income, job growth, cultural enrichment, taxes and more.
“The success of Indiana’s landmark
regional economic development initiative showcases what is possible when state,
regional and local leaders across government, nonprofits and the private sector
work in tandem with one another,” said Governor Mike Braun. “These investments
in our local communities are essential to maintaining a strong economy,
workforce and overall infrastructure. The impact of this initiative will be
felt for years to come, and I look forward to seeing how our communities take
advantage of the next wave of funding.”
Highlights of the report include
insight into the magnitude of matching funds contributed by private investors,
local and regional development groups, and municipalities, multiplying the
impact and reach of READI dollars across Indiana. The economic development
initiative also had a measurable impact on employment; to date, READI’s first
round has funded the creation of an estimated 3,523 jobs.
The report includes summaries of
READI impacts for each of Indiana’s regions. This wide array of projects has
helped to spur talent attraction, tourism, and cultural and community pride —
improving Hoosiers’ quality of life and opportunity while strengthening
families and communities.
The report’s estimates reflect state-funded project spending prior to January
6, 2026 — which includes 405 projects representing nearly $400 million in READI
grant awards. The impact from these projects won’t end here – it is expected to
grow as projects progress and expenditures increase. The results listed in the
report also only represent one-time impacts, and do not account for effects
from ongoing operations or visitor expenditures at local attractions and
amenities.
Indiana's $1.25 billion READI
program brings vibrancy to regions across the state, accelerating shovel-ready
projects and programs that transform Hoosier communities, attract talent and
improve the overall standard of living. READI is nationally recognized for its
success in promoting regional collaboration and data-driven, long-term
planning, benefiting Hoosiers for generations to come. The state’s investment
of $1 billion, supplemented by funds from the Lilly Endowment, is expected to
attract a minimum 4:1 match in funding from local public, private and nonprofit
sources, yielding well over $20 billion invested across all 92 counties —
enhancing Indiana’s’ quality of life, quality of place and quality of
opportunity.
To learn more about READI, visit indianareadi.com.
For more information about the report, please visit Purdue/IU
READI Report.
About the Indiana Office of Commerce
The State of Indiana’s
Office of Commerce was created by Governor Mike Braun to align and accelerate
the state’s economic development efforts and is led by Indiana Secretary of
Commerce David J. Adams.
Media Contact:
Charlie Tinkle (Press Secretary) –
317.864.0992 or ctinkle@iedc.in.gov