Indy East Side designated 21st Century Talent Region

INDIANAPOLIS (Inside INdiana Business) — A coalition of organizations on the east side of Indianapolis, which is attempting to jumpstart the economy of the community and to attract and retain workers, has been designated a 21st Century Talent Region by the state of Indiana.

The Eastside Economic Recovery and Mobility District is the sixth region to receive the designation.

“We are a plucky group, you could say, and perhaps sometimes feisty,” said James Taylor, chief executive officer of the John Boner Neighborhood Centers, which is spearheading the effort.

Taylor said the vision of the organization only started last year between the John Boner Neighborhood Centers and 30 partner organizations.

“Fundamentally we understand, together, and with support of broader community partners; local, state and federal partners, we can leverage our own talents to achieve really extraordinary results,” said Taylor.

The 21st Century Talent Region initiative was created to spur communities to collaborate on plans to grow the population, increase educational fulfillment, and raise household income.

Taylor said 21% of Marion County residents who filed for unemployment live within the eastside community, while only 10% of the population of Marion County lives in the district.

“It’s disproportionate in terms of economic impact that’s occurred to our community,’ said Taylor.

In making the announcement, Indiana Secretary of Career Connections and Talent Blair Milo said the Eastside District “is dedicated to increasing educational attainment, raising household income and growing population in Central Indiana, recognizing the importance, now more than ever, of bringing community, educational and business leaders together to better connect Hoosiers with work opportunities and partnering with data-driven organizations to meet people where they live, work, and play.”

Milo said by taking a comprehensive, systems approach, participating regions will identify strategic priorities and projects aimed at helping its communities create a better quality of life for its residents.

“The strength of our community is founded on resident engagement, collective impact and deep cross-sector partnerships and this designation speaks to the success of those efforts,” said Taylor.

Click here to learn more about the 21st Century Talent Region initiative.