The City of Goshen and the Goshen Chamber of Commerce yesterday hosted Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). The board had a series of meetings as part of their quarterly business event followed by a public session at the Goshen Theater with more than 100 people in attendance.

“We’re so glad Governor Holcomb and the IEDC team chose Goshen as their host for the third quarter meeting,” said Mayor Leichty. “It was great to spend some time with the Governor and his team today, hear his plans for economic development in the state, and also to be able to share our vision for Goshen’s future.”

During the public session, Governor Holcomb and board members reported on IEDC’s key initiatives, an update on the Governor’s recent trip to Japan, and details about the launch of READI 2.0. The Governor also spoke about Indiana’s procurement of the Department of Defense’s $32.9 million grant as part of the CHIPS and Science Act for microelectronics development.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) is charged with growing the state economy, driving economic development, and helping businesses launch, grow and locate in the state. Led by the Indiana Secretary of Commerce, David Rosenberg, and governed by a 15-member board chaired by Governor Eric J. Holcomb.

The Indiana Association of Floodplain and Stormwater Managers (INAFSM) awarded the City of Goshen the Outstanding Floodplain Project Award for creating and implementing the Goshen Flood Resilience Plan during its annual conference last week.  

The annual statewide award recognizes an outstanding municipality or manager who has instituted a proactive approach to water resource management in Indiana. 

“Environmental preparedness is vital for the well-being of our community,” said Mayor Gina Leichty, “Successful implementation requires the help of a whole team. Fortunately, Goshen’s talented leaders are guiding Goshen towards a more sustainable future.” 

“It is an honor for us to be recognized by the Indiana Association of Floodplain and Stormwater Managers as the 2023 recipient of the Outstanding Floodplain Project award winner for the City’s work to help our community be more flood resilient,” said Jason Kauffman, Stormwater Coordinator.

The Flood Resilience Plan was developed after the City experienced its most significant flood event in recorded history in 2018. The City partnered with Christopher B Burke Engineering, LLC to create a study that identified at-risk areas and outlined practical ways of addressing the problem. The plan was passed unanimously by the Goshen City Council in July 2022.  

Recommendations within the plan ranged from specific actions undertaken by various city departments to ordinance updates that limit high-risk development and incentivize future growth outside flood hazard areas. 

More info about the City’s plans to address flooding and additional resources can be found here. 

The City of Goshen’s Environmental Resilience department today announced that it successfully procured a $1 million grant from the United States Forest Service. Funding from the grant will grow the City’s urban forestry program, providing area students with arboriculture education, expanding our tree stock, and supporting robust public education on tree care. 

“A healthy tree canopy offers both physical and economic benefits to our community,” said Mayor Gina Leichty. “I’m grateful to the Environmental Resilience team for their hard work and bringing essential funding to expand Goshen’s tree canopy.” 

Studies show that communities with access to trees and green spaces are associated with improved health outcomes, reduced crime, lower average temperatures, and an influx of other kinds of investments and new economic opportunities. Through funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, the Forest Service is making historic investments in boosting the nation’s tree cover in urban, suburban, and rural communities nationwide. 

“This kind of funding is transformative for a community like ours, which is preparing for the effects of climate change,” said Aaron Sawatsky-Kinglsey, Director of the Department of Environment Resilience. “This grant will help to power our 45% urban tree canopy goal, keeping us cooler, reducing our energy demands, and improving our urban environment. Caring for trees is caring for people.” 

The agency has selected 385 grant proposals from entities that are working to increase equitable access to trees and green spaces and the many benefits they provide. 100% of funding will flow to disadvantaged communities, and funded proposals are located in all 50 states, two U.S. territories, three U.S.-affiliated Pacific islands and several tribal communities.