Town Planning Initiative Wins Award

Corydon, Ind. (June 6, 2025) – When the first meeting for the Town Planning Initiative (TPI) took place in 2020, a shared vision was clear – prepare for a better future. Four years later, that vision became a reality, as each of the ten incorporated towns in Harrison County completed a town comprehensive plan and an asset management plan.

The hard work and long hours paid off because on May 9, 2025, the TPI received the Outstanding Comprehensive Plan Award from the Indiana Chapter of the American Planning Association. Criteria for the award included originality and innovation, quality, engagement, implementation, effectiveness, and lastly, the promotion of planning.

Thanks to the guidance and expertise of consultants from The Wheatley Group and Taylor Siefker Williams Design Group, along with the dedication of town council members and engaged residents, the towns completed this initiative. Towns participating included Corydon, Crandall, Elizabeth, Laconia, Lanesville, Mauckport, Milltown, New Amsterdam, New Middletown, and Palmyra.

The TPI was funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. as part of their GIFT (Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow) VII Implementation Grant and other funding from HCCF. Each of the final town comprehensive plans can be found on the Foundation’s website at hccfindiana.org/Town-Planning-Initiative.

HCCF is proud to have coordinated the Town Planning Initiative and to have provided each town with a unique opportunity to look ahead, dream big, and thoughtfully plan for the future.