Stellar 2026. Indiana’s Stellar Pathways Grant is expected to be available in 2026. NOW is the time to build community support in identifying and prioritizing proposed projects. “The Stellar Pathways Program is a multi-agency, multi-million-dollar investment initiative led by the Office of Community and Rural Affairs.” The fact that we are now developing a new County Comprehensive Plan that will require input from residents is good timing in working to build community support for proposed projects.
Sellar 2024.
Stellar Grant. This week’s Democrat (April 9, 2024) included Letters criticizing Commissioner Sander’s “No” vote to delay the county’s application for a Stellar Grant until next year. Facebook post – Cark for Commissioner
- Letter – Interim Commissioner Wolpert Questions Lack of Stellar Support, Brown County Democrat, Apr 9 2024. Wolpert was selected by 7 of 11 GOP precinct chairs to replace Chuck Braden, who resigned due to job conflicts.
- Last week’s Democrat included a letter from county councilman Gary Huett.
The deadline for submitting a Stellar letter of interest was May 1, 2024. The projects that were identified for funding were not discussed in public meetings. No assurance by advocates was given to ensure community buy-in and support for projects to avoid the mistakes that were made with an application in 2014. Nashville chose not to move forward with their own application.
An application for a Stellar Grant was not successful in 2014. The process was rushed, and projects were selected without community support, which led to protests and a non-selection. ‘It’s deja vu all over again’ – Yogi Berra
Also unknown was the expected amount of matching funds expected from the county.
Given the county’s past practice of fast-tracking projects benefiting special interests without sufficient public meetings, the No vote by Sanders may have likely prevented another community backlash.
The county can apply in 2026, which will allow plenty of time to get it right this time around, build community support, and earn the trust and confidence of the citizens.
The “Rest of the Story” (background information). Independent Voters of Bronw County IN, Stellar 2024 – For the Record
