Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority Archives

is a development agency covering Lake and Porter counties in Northwest Indiana. We have been given four tasks by the state General Assembly: redevelop the Lake Michigan shoreline in accordance with the Marquette Plan; expand the Gary/Chicago International Airport; develop and support regional passenger rail and bus transportation; and enhance economic development Northwest Indiana. Since 2005, the RDA, Northwest Indiana communities, and for-profit and non-profit partners have invested or committed approximately $210 million toward these goals. This investment has directly leveraged more than $540 million in additional local, federal and private funds. Overall, these projects have created or supported more than 2,000 permanent and construction jobs and had a total economic impact of more than $1.1 billion since 2006.

69th Street Roundabout Ribbon Cutting

69th Street Roundabout Ribbon Cutting

Remarks by local officials at the March 18th ribbon cutting for the 69th Ave. roundabout in Hobart, Indiana. Speakers are Hobart Mayor Brian Snedecor, Hobart Director of Development Beth Jacobson, Sherri Ziller, President and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, and Hobart Redevelopment Commission President Carla Houck.
2020 1118 Munster Ridge Road TDD Public Engagement Meeting

2020 1118 Munster Ridge Road TDD Public Engagement Meeting

Nov. 18, 2020 virtual public engagement session to present the draft Transit Development District boundary for the Munster Ridge Road station.
South Shore Expansion Roundtable: Talking Economic Development...

South Shore Expansion Roundtable: Talking Economic Development Associated with Rail Expansion

The expansion of the South Shore Line is a hot topic on the minds of many in Northwest Indiana, and we recently invited two of its biggest advocates to talk about its merits. Bill Hanna, President and CEO of the Regional Development Authority, and Michael Noland, General Manager and CEO of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), sat down recently with Ideas in Motion Media CEO Chris Mahlmann to talk over the proposal of double tracking, how that will affect the economy in the region, and how it will change the future trajectory of Northwest Indiana. To listen to the full conversation and read up on this roundtable, click here:http://www.nwindianalife.com/business/business-development/61540-ideas-in-motion-media-roundtable-talking-south-shore-expansion-with-regional-development-authority-s-bill-hanna-and-nictd-s-michael-noland
The Impact of Regional Cities with Mike Noland and Bill Hanna

The Impact of Regional Cities with Mike Noland and Bill Hanna

The Regional Cities initiative is something that doesn't just affect other parts of the state - Northwest Indiana has the chance to benefit from this program as well. We recently sat down with Regional Development Authority CEO Bill Hanna and NICTD General Manager Mike Noland to talk about the potential impact of Regional Cities and how it can be one way to put us on a great track towards bettering our communities.
Bill Hanna on Revitalizing the Region

Bill Hanna on Revitalizing the Region

We recently sat down with Regional Development Authority CEO Bill Hanna to talk about what's coming up next for the RDA, how that's furthering their focus on expanding the South Shore Line, and how that's going to push the region forward. Hanna also goes over why it's important for them to make these changes, and why opinions should be pushed to the side in order to make the region flourish once again. Curious about what LIFE has to offer? Well you can find out on all of our four websites! Get your 24/7 fix of good news straight from valpolife.com, portagelife.com, laportecountylife.com and nwindianalife.com
An Interview with Bill Hanna

An Interview with Bill Hanna

This is an crucial time for the Regional Development Authority. With a project on the line and the future of Northwest Indiana's development in their hands, it couldn't be more of a transformative moment for the RDA and their CEO Bill Hanna. Speaking candidly about the development and the challenges the RDA has faced, Hanna lays it all out during this 15 minute interview. We recently sat down with Hanna to talk about the South Shore Rail extension, why it's so vital to our region, how he works with our state's legislatures, and how he feels about being one of NWI's accomplished young leaders. The vital time for development in Northwest Indiana is now, and Hanna is pushing to increase what our region is capable of - one project at a time. Curious about what LIFE has to offer? Well you can find out on all of our four websites! Get your 24/7 fix of good news straight from valpolife.com, portagelife.com, laportecountylife.com and nwindianalife.com
Working with Regional Mayors and the RDA with Mayor Joe Stahura

Working with Regional Mayors and the RDA with Mayor Joe Stahura

Click here to watch the full interview with Mayor Stahura: https://youtu.be/e3vGOaMw7yQ It's not often that many different Mayors in one area work together to accomplish common goals, but there are Mayors here in Northwest Indiana who feel that it's important to use each other's strengths to help move Northwest Indiana further along. Whiting Mayor Joe Stahura is one of those Mayors who work with others in the region, and we asked him about what it's like working with them and how he's worked with the Regional Development Authority to help move Whiting forward as well.
The South Shore Rail's Future Impact with Bill Hanna and Mike...

The South Shore Rail's Future Impact with Bill Hanna and Mike Noland

The planed track enhancements on the South Shore line will change not only the way we look at traveling to Chicago, but how Chicago will look at Northwest Indiana. Ideas in Motion Media CEO Chris Mahlmann recently sat down with Regional Development Authority CEO Bill Hanna and NICTD General Manager Mike Noland to talk about double tracking, how that will shorten the time to get to downtown Chicago, and how that can change the economy of the region.
RDA President & CEO Bill Hanna Talks 2013, Future Projects, Gary...

RDA President & CEO Bill Hanna Talks 2013, Future Projects, Gary Airport, and Lake County

For more great articles, interviews, and more visit NWIndianaLife.com! http://bit.ly/16jv7KR Ideas in Motion Media has had the privilege to once again interview the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority's President and CEO Bill Hanna in the beginning of October. In this part one of two segment, Bill recaps 2013 for the RDA: "2013 was a big year for the us. In terms of total construction, this has been the biggest year the RDA has had. We've had close to 500 jobs created in conjunction with the state locally." Progress on the Gary/Chicago International Airport: "If you drive passed it today, you're going to see skilled tradesmen up there laying new lines for the CN track that were an obstacle to expanding the runway." 2014 and future developments: "The RDA is looking at doing a "Phase 2." We've really looked at what we can do to bring the middle class back to Northwest Indiana." and what NWIndianaLife can expect in the future of Lake County: "You're going to find there's some really great people out there." Stay tuned for part two coming soon! For more information on the RDA visit http://www.in.gov/rda/ Follow NWIndianaLife! Twitter: http://twitter.com/NWIndianaLife Facebook http://facebook.com/NWIndianaLife LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/company/nwindianalife/ Google+ http://bit.ly/1cpgpa7
RDA President & CEO Bill Hanna Talks Indianapolis, Chicago, and...

RDA President & CEO Bill Hanna Talks Indianapolis, Chicago, and NWI City Support

For more great articles, interviews, and more visit NWIndianaLife.com! http://bit.ly/16jv7KR Ideas in Motion Media has had the privilege to once again interview the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority's President and CEO Bill Hanna in the beginning of October. In this part two of two segment, Bill discusses how Northwest Indiana's collaboration with Indianapolis affect the state's economy: "It's going to take a paradigm shift in the way that Indianapolis views Indiana." And how the cities of Northwest Indiana support each other: "We've seen a lot of support for the Gary Airport. We've done surveys and people in Porter County think it's important for the Gary Airport to succeed." For more information on the RDA visit http://www.in.gov/rda/ Follow NWIndianaLife! Twitter: http://twitter.com/NWIndianaLife Facebook http://facebook.com/NWIndianaLife LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/company/nwindianalife/ Google+ http://bit.ly/1cpgpa7
Bill Hanna on Northwest Indiana's RDA Case for Rail Expansion

Bill Hanna on Northwest Indiana's RDA Case for Rail Expansion

The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority needs your help. On Thursday, February 4th, the South Shore Rail Expansion bill goes to the Senate and they need your help to get it funded. This action not only helps the RDA to continue making a positive impact, but also it's also a vital decision for the future of Northwest Indiana's growth and development. #GoodNewsDriverInterviews
Bill Hanna on Having the "Hammer"

Bill Hanna on Having the "Hammer"

Good advice can last you a lifetime and can change forever the way someone looks at things. Bill Hanna received a life-changing piece of advice years ago from a revered figure in the region, and when we sat down to talk to the Regional Development Authority CEO he talked about how he's used a certain motto to change how he works with the challenges the RDA has faced. Curious about what LIFE has to offer? Well you can find out on all of our four websites! Get your 24/7 fix of good news straight from valpolife.com, portagelife.com, laportecountylife.com and nwindianalife.com
Bill Hanna ALS #IceBucketChallengeNWI

Bill Hanna ALS #IceBucketChallengeNWI

Bill Hanna from the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority challenged by Roger Hayward and was the first to take the #IceBucketChallengeNWI for The ALS Association. Bill called out Valparaiso Now Mayor Jon Costas, Congressman Pete Visclosky Chief of Staff Mark Lopez, and Go Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr.

All About the Girls Part 10 celebrates a decade of empowering women in Northern Indiana

By: Lauren Grasham Last Updated: June 12, 2025

All About the Girls Part 10 celebrates a decade of empowering women in Northern Indiana Over the past decade, All About the Girls (AATG) has grown from its humble beginnings at Valparaiso’s Industrial Revolution restaurant to an annually celebrated tradition, bringing together women of all backgrounds to share stories of courage,...

By: Samantha Marino Last Updated: June 12, 2025

On Thursday, June 12, the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) board and various community members gathered to share some exciting updates about the future of the Region. RDA President and CEO Sherri Ziller presented their updated...

17 Photos

View Gallery

Regional Development Authority Lays Out Vision for Growth in New Strategic Plan

By: Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority Last Updated: June 12, 2025

Regional Development Authority Lays Out Vision for Growth in New Strategic Plan A new Land Development Entity dedicated to restoring brownfields for redevelopment and a push to modernize shoreline infrastructure are among initiatives announced today A new Land Development Entity (LDE) dedicated to cleaning up environmentally...

By: Jennifer Arzola Last Updated: June 4, 2025

AJ Bytnar may be the new director of economic development at the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (NWI RDA), but he's no stranger to the Region or the unique challenges of growing communities there. "I'm from here," Bytnar said. "I...

RDA Issues Request for Proposals for Commercial Demolition and Site Restoration in Gary

By: Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority Last Updated: April 21, 2025

RDA Issues Request for Proposals for Commercial Demolition and Site Restoration in Gary The first RFP issued under the Gary blight elimination program is for sites at 700 and 716-22 E. 5th Avenue, and 1700-1704 Broadway in Gary. The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for...

RDA to Hold First Public Hearing on the Beverly Shores/Pines Transit Development District

By: Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority Last Updated: April 16, 2025

The RDA Board of Directors will hold the first public hearing on the Beverly Shores/Pines Transit Development District boundary on May 8th. RDA to Hold First Public Hearing on the Beverly Shores/Pines Transit Development District The RDA Board of...

By: Jennifer Arzola Last Updated: April 7, 2025

Investing in the Region: Courtney Kvachkoff joins Northwest Indiana RDA’s mission The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA), the organization driving major infrastructure and economic growth initiatives across the Region, has welcomed a new controller with deep roots in the community and a strong background in...

RDA Board of Directors Elects Officers for 2025

By: Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority Last Updated: January 22, 2025

RDA Board of Directors Elects Officers for 2025 The Board of Directors of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority elected officers Tuesday for 2025. Don Fesko will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board for 2025 and Christopher Campbell will continue in the capacity of...

By: Jennifer Arzola Last Updated: December 18, 2024

Michigan City partners with Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority to drive economic growth Transit Development Districts (TDDs) are designed to stimulate economic growth and community development. In Northwest Indiana (NWI), the NWI Regional Development Authority (RDA) has been instrumental in supporting TDDs focused on creating...