Carol Johnson | Southern Indiana Business Report
INDIANAPOLIS – A new report evaluating the impact of READI investment across Indiana shows that the initial funding round created an estimated economic impact 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 Gov. Mike Braun in a news release. “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, released Wednesday, 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.
Indiana Uplands region impact
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.
In the Indiana Uplands region, which includes seven counties in the Radius Indiana region, the analysis revealed that READI 1.0 funds generated more than $37 million in total regional economic impact. The impact included over $14 million in estimated labor income.
READI projects supported an estimated 220 regional jobs, including 149 direct jobs and 71 indirect and induced jobs.
The report also looked at industries most affected by READI dollars. Construction of non-residential structures led that category followed by architectural/engineering services and construction of new, single-family residences.
READI impact expected to grow
The report’s estimates reflect state-funded project spending prior to Jan. 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.