The Broadband Council and Task Force have been actively engaged with multiple internet service providers, and anticipate a new state grant opportunity in April. County government has demonstrated recognition of the critical need for a broadband network/high-speed internet for residents and economic growth. They approved ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds to hire a qualified engineering firm to develop a county-wide broadband plan as a roadmap for deployment and to prioritize areas most in need of service. Further, they have assumed financial support for broadband strategic advisor Scott Rudd.

Following an Employer Assisted Housing Webinar last November, the Housing Resource Hub has been working with local communities to help them understand how local governments can support workforce housing expansion through community-sponsored catalyst site development projects.

Earlier this year, the Pulaski County Housing Task Force convened to discuss ways to encourage private sector involvement in building both a housing development pipeline and homebuyer pipeline. A request for Information is under development to invite local builders and developers to request support with stalled housing development projects on land they own, as well as local governments seeking support with adding new housing on land they either own or think can be purchased for a reasonable price. Local banks and lenders will be invited to offer their grants and affordable loan products on the Hub’s proprietary wealth building platform, Club 720. For more details, visit the Hub’s Pulaski County Community page at https://www.yourhousingresource.org/pulaski.

In Downtown Development efforts, the Main Street Winamac (MSW) organization has been building a strong organizational foundation including establishment of mission, a core board of directors, bylaws, logo, and incorporation. It is seeking IRS charitable tax-exempt status and is engaged in discussion with the Town of Winamac on an exciting potential partnership. Community engagement and education efforts about the Main Street approach will begin soon.

More information about these initiatives can be found at: https://cfopc.org/aspirations-in-action.

With support from Lilly Endowment Inc., the Community Foundation, local businesses and industry and individual donors, CFPC launched a forward-thinking leadership initiative in 2020 to grow the community’s leadership strengths and focus on community action for future good. In the fall of 2021, the “Aspirations in Action” Steering Committee was formed and identified four key areas to pursue for community impact. CFPC and the Pulaski County Community Development Commission partner on these initiatives with the efforts being led by community-driven task forces.

For more information about the work of the Community Foundation, visit the website at www.cfopc.org, telephone 574.946.0906 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

- Submitted by Wendy Rose, CFPC Community Leadership Director