Can Government Be Innovative? Indiana Certainly Thinks So

When you think of leaders in innovation you probably think of companies like Amazon or Tesla. Do you also think about government? Probably not. In today’s world, government is usually seen as a barrier to innovation rather than a leader for it. That’s because as budgets shrink, most government agencies are struggling to survive on the most basic programming they can save from legislative cuts.

But in 2016, the Indiana Housing Community Development Authority (IHCDA) wanted to do better and be bolder. That’s when they decided to bring something completely new to the state of Indiana: crowdgranting.

In partnership with Patronicity, IHCDA started the CreatINg Places funding program to provide matching grants for community projects that run successful crowdfunding campaigns. And they decided to do it big: rather than providing tiny grants for only four or five communities, IHCDA offered grants for between $5,000 and $50,000 to at least 20 communities, up to a $1 million total for the first year. The best part? This was all planned and rolled out in 6 months.

So far, the CreatINg Places program has been a huge success when measured by matching funds or by the number of completed crowdfunding campaigns that reach their goal. However, as the first round of projects are finishing construction, now comes the next test of success: seeing how completed projects fare in their communities. To start measuring that, I joined Carmen Lethig and Brett Roberts from IHCDA on a road trip earlier this month to visit a group of completed projects on an average Tuesday.

I am happy to report that, by any measure, each of the projects we visited can viewed as a resounding success. Let me introduce you to a few of them.

The Impact of Play

Our first stop was in Richmond, to see the “Playground with a Cause.” The sensory-focused playground was built for children of all ages and abilities, with elements like pour-in-place rubber flooring, no-step access to play equipment and fencing to allow parents and other caregivers peace of mind.

While we were there the Richmond Parks and Recreation Superintendent raved about the impact of the playground, describing how well it’s used every day by kids with all levels of sensory disorders, as well as by caregivers who might struggle on more standard play equipment, like elderly grandparents. We saw this in action when we arrived to find a family using the space; the mother let us know that her son had recently been diagnosed as deaf, and that the playground provided a much needed engaging yet safe space to play in.

Each piece placed in the playground was chosen to meet a very specific need for kids based on their age (there are play pieces for kids aged 6 mo — 12 yo) and ability.

Creating a Distinctive Identity

We then moved on to Greensburg, to check out the murals from “#DistinctivePlace.” The project was inspired by growing local interest in putting up more public art across the downtown. And the murals from #DistinctivePlace didn’t disappoint! Their placement along main routes into downtown provides a warm welcome to the heart of Greensburg, as well as unique photo opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The wings have need an especially popular draw, and not just for humans! According to Main Street Greensburg’s Executive Director, Wendy Blake, “we have had dogs, corvettes, wedding couples, and even someone being transported in their fishing boat to their final resting place. It’s touching to say the least.”

Each of the murals was placed along a main road into downtown; notice the Greensburg-specific detail put into the wings mural, by Kelsey Montegue.

Making the Future Happen

To end our trip, we stopped in to see the “Maker Studio” in Columbus. The Foundation For Youth of Bartholomew County built the Maker Studio to give local youth the opportunity to learn about and use modern technology, thereby preparing them for the modern economy.

When I asked the project team what they have appreciated most about the space so far, Karina Willats, FFY’s Resource Development Director explained how important the space has been for “leveling the playing field.” With Cummins (a Fortune 500 engineering company) headquartered in town, some kids have access to world-class technology and hands-on education through parents who work for Cummins; the Maker Studio helps give access to similar resources to kids no matter who their parents are.

Talk about innovation! The maker studio is open to all FFY members and to all local kids at specific times, so they can come and gain skills for the advanced careers our modern economy needs.

Final Thoughts

On their own, each of these projects is a success in addressing a unique community need, from equitable access to play, to a desire for vibrant public art, or even training children for the modern economy.

But together, these projects are so much more. The CreatINg Places program illustrates how state government can take a risk to support growth & change in local communities, guided by residents and folks on the ground. IHCDA has shown us all that it doesn’t take a lot of time to start something new or to have a big impact. More government entities at all levels across the nation should take notice and starting thinking of how they too can be leaders in innovation.

We need that now more than ever.

Here in Indiana we’re excited to see even more projects get completed in the coming months. Keep an eye on this blog for more posts about what we see and the stories we hear from the Hoosier state, along with our programs in other states and cities.

If you’re interested in learning more about CreatINg Places, or any of the Patronicity programs, or if you’re wondering what it takes to get something like this started in your own state or community, please reach out to me at veronica@patronicity.com.

Indiana has joined a growing list of states (MI and MA) and other partners (BMSF and SVN) who want to support great community-based projects. If you’d like to join that list we’d love to hear from you!