Confused about plans, districts, zones, codes, and more? Knowing and using a common vocabulary of planning and zoning terms will help you understand planning and zoning issues and communicate in a better way. This article describes the ABCs of Planning and Zoning. The various common terms used in planning are defined with examples of how …

Are you new to the local Plan Commission or the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA)? This article give an introduction to plan commissions and BZAs, the roles and responsibilities of both the groups and their individual members, what to expect at meetings, and where to go for further information. Read the Full Publication…

A comprehensive plan helps communities identify their shared goals and guides development policies that allow the community to reach those goals. It is the responsibility of a plan commission to develop the comprehensive plan, incorporating input from a wide range of stakeholders. This article describes the comprehensive plan, how it’s created and when to make …

Leadership Jasper County graduated the 2017-18 class this week.  The Community Leadership Program works to create a network of willing, knowledgeable and committed leaders to step up and make a difference in their community. The Community Leadership Program was designed by several Purdue Extension faculty and staff to assist potential leaders in communities around the …

We were in southern Indiana a few weeks ago in a county that is, at first glance, not for want of green space. In fact, natural spaces abound. Dominated by a significant swath of the Hoosier National Forest, it is a burgeoning tourism destination and an increasingly popular place for people seeking some solitude to …

Michael Wilcox, Assistant Program Leader for Purdue Extension Community Development, was the May 10 guest speaker for the Community Economics and Leadership Program (CELP) meeting in Indianapolis.  The data snapshot that Michael presented showcased a variety of demographic, economic and labor market information that local leaders and organizations can use to gain a better perspective …

This article was originally published in the Tribune-Star on May 12, 2018. The building goes dark, the manager locks the door for the last time, brown paper cascades down windows that once held signs of sales and promotions. Big box retailers such as Toys R Us, H.H. Gregg, Circuit City and many others are either shutting their doors or …