In September 2024, the LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation (LCEDC) was appointed by the LaGrange County Commissioners and County Council to oversee the implementation of LaGrange County Together, the county’s comprehensive plan. Developed with extensive community input, the finalized plan includes 75 recommendations across five key areas: Land Use and Development, Local Economy, Natural Environment, Roadways and Infrastructure, and Quality of Life.
To support these efforts, LCEDC created a new position dedicated to community development, allowing me, Emilee Buller, to focus on overseeing both the County’s Comprehensive Plan and Strategic Investment Plan. As part of this role, I will be sharing regular updates on community development initiatives in LaGrange County, starting with this monthly column.
LaGrange County Together: Progress Update
Since the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan two and a half years ago, significant progress has been made:
30 of the 75 action items have been completed, including:
• Updated Zoning & Development Regulations: LaGrange County Zoning held 26 public meetings to develop and adopt a new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), replacing outdated 2005 regulations. This modernized framework, administered by County Zoning Administrator Robbie Miller, ensures responsible growth while protecting property values and natural resources.
• Community Revitalization Efforts: Active Main Street and community development groups are driving positive change across the county, including Main Street LaGrange, Topeka Together, Wolcottville Community Initiative, Shipshewana Retail Merchants Association, South Milford Community League, Mongo Community Development Association, and Howe Community Association. If you’re interested in getting involved, I’d love to connect you with these leaders!
• Improved Road Infrastructure: A higher wheel tax was implemented, increasing funding for road repairs and maintenance. The county also established a 10-year asset management plan to guide future improvements. For details, contact the County Highway Department at 260-499-6353.
• New Tourism Initiatives: A Scenic Byway and Agricultural Heritage Trail are in development to encourage tourism beyond Shipshewana, creating a positive economic impact throughout the county.
• Multi- Million Dollar Trail Expansion: The LaGrange County Community Foundation and LaGrange County Trails developed the LaGrange County Master Trails Plan and secured a $5 million grant from the Lilly Endowment Gift VIII fund to begin work on the Hawpatch Trail, an $18 million project. A matching grant is also in progress to raise an additional $450,000. To support this initiative, donations can be made at www.llcf.net/donate, or checks can be sent to:
LaGrange County Community Foundation, 0045 N 250 W, LaGrange, IN 46761.
• Broadband Expansion: LaGrange County REMC has expanded broadband access to nearly all of its electric members and is evaluating additional areas for connection.
• Career Pathways for High School Students: A new manufacturing career pathway for LaGrange County high school students is under development and set to launch in 2026.
• Historic Preservation Efforts: A countywide historic inventory is underway, with several buildings being considered for the National Register of Historic Places.
& there’s More to Come!
30 additional action items are currently in progress, with active meetings and discussions shaping their implementation.
The remaining items have been reviewed, with plans to initiate further work in the coming months.
For any questions or to learn more about our progress, please contact Emilee Buller at ebuller@lagrangecountyedc.com or 260-499-4994.
Emilee Buller is VP – Community Development & Engagement at LaGrange County EDC
Read the article at LaGrange Standard-News.
