Kathy Luther

Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC)

The Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) is a regional council of local governments serving the citizens of Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties in Northwest Indiana. NIRPC provides a forum that enables the citizens of Northwest Indiana to address regional issues relating to transportation, the environment, and community & economic development. NIRPC has a six-fold mission: - To serve as Northwest Indiana's metropolitan planning organization and act as the designated recipient for certain transportation funding; To generate meaningful dialogue and cooperation on issues of common concern; - To contribute to the development of a common vision pertaining to Northwest Indiana's future; - To provide a forum in which elected officials and other decision-makers can develop and implement solutions to regional problems; To create opportunities for partnership between the public and private sectors; and - To provide a common voice for Northwest Indiana in its communications with the state and the federal government. This mission is achieved through the performance of seven core functions: - The identification and framing of issues of concern; - Advocacy; - The identification of potential funding sources and the pursuit of funding; - Project planning, plan implementation, programming, and coordination; - Participation in partnerships; - Sub-grantee administration; and - The direct provision of technical services, data, and other resources. The seven functions pertain to coordinated planning & programming for the region in the areas of: - Transportation, - The environment, and - Economic development. The Northwest Indiana region is part of the U.S. Census Bureau's Chicago Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). NIRPC, as a recipient of federal funds, is subject to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability.