Lawrence Redevelopment Commission backs regional ‘‘Make My Move’’ recruitment plan, elects new officers

The Lawrence Redevelopment Commission voted to support a regional recruitment initiative called Make My Move and elected a new slate of officers at a regular meeting. The commission approved an estimated city contribution of about $7,000 toward the program and confirmed the slate of Jerrell Blakely as president, Sarah Whitaker as vice president and Maris (Murray) Swain as secretary.

The commission’s executive director, Keith, told members the Make My Move proposal was brought to the region through the Central Indiana Regional Development Authority and would be funded primarily by a state program and regional partners. Keith said, “I would request that we support that initiative of the mayor and the city and try to recruit some new people.” He said the city’s share is expected to be “around $7,000” and that the state and regional partners would cover the majority of the cost.

Why it matters: The proposal is aimed at recruiting remote workers and other residents to the Lawrence area and the surrounding region. According to the executive director’s report, the Central Indiana Regional Development Authority has pledged $250,000 to support the effort; local member communities’ shares were apportioned by population and the commission was asked to approve the City of Lawrence’s portion.

Most important facts: Commissioners approved the executive director’s recommendation to participate in the Make My Move initiative and to pay the city’s estimated contribution when an invoice is received. The commission also approved minutes and payment claims, accepted a slate of officers nominated by a member, and adopted the proposed 2025 meeting calendar.

Votes at a glance - Motion to approve minutes as submitted — moved and seconded; outcome: approved by voice vote. - Motion to approve claims and purchase orders for payment — moved and seconded; outcome: approved by voice vote. - Motion to elect a slate of officers (Jerrell Blakely, Sarah Whitaker, Maris Swain for president, vice president and secretary) — moved and seconded; outcome: approved by voice vote. - Motion to accept the Executive Director’s recommendation to support the Make My Move proposal and authorize the City of Lawrence contribution (estimated at about $7,000) — moved and seconded; outcome: approved by voice vote. - Motion to adopt the proposed 2025 meeting dates and times for the Lawrence Redevelopment Commission — moved and seconded; outcome: approved by voice vote.

Discussion and context: During the executive director’s report, Keith welcomed Michael Townsend as a newly appointed commission member and noted several planned redevelopment priorities, including landscaping medians on Pendleton Pike, potential reclassification of Record Street, redevelopment of parcels along Pendleton Pike and public-art plans for medians. He said he and Townsend would meet individually with commissioners to review carried-over projects.

On the Make My Move item, Keith described the program as a regional recruitment effort intended to attract new residents who can work remotely. He explained the funding approach in general terms and said an invoice for the city’s share would be sent later; he did not provide a specific invoice date. Commissioners asked no substantive follow-up questions on the proposal during the meeting as recorded in the transcript.

Process and next steps: The commission approved the executive director’s recommendation and will receive an invoice for the city’s contribution. The executive director said staff and regional partners are coordinating the recruitment effort; no implementation timeline or formal contract terms were provided in the meeting record.

Ending: With the votes concluded, the commission approved the proposed 2025 meeting schedule and adjourned. The executive director said he will meet individually with the new member and other commissioners to move forward on the listed redevelopment projects.