Commissioners renew 1 Dearborn economic development agreement, director cites $100.8M private investment
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Summary
The board approved a one‑year renewal of the county's $20,000 annual contract with 1 Dearborn, whose director told commissioners the organization has helped attract about $100.8 million in private investment and leveraged roughly $17.5 million in grants over five years.
Dearborn County commissioners voted Dec. 2 to renew the county's 2026 service agreement with 1 Dearborn.
Mike Perleberg, identified in the packet as 1 Dearborn's executive director, told the board 1 Dearborn has facilitated roughly $100.8 million in new private investment across 13 projects during the past five years, helped secure approximately $21.4 million in annual payroll for county residents, and assisted in obtaining about $17.5 million in grant funds through programs such as the IEDC Ready program, Stellar Pathways and Duke Energy initiatives. Perleberg said those outcomes validate the county's $20,000 annual contribution.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about regional delivery, staff changes at Purdue Extension and how 1 Dearborn's work connects to the county's comprehensive economic plan. After a brief Q&A the board moved and approved the 2026 economic development service agreement.
Next steps: 1 Dearborn will provide an executed agreement copy once signed; county staff noted the agreement needs the board president's signature to finalize the contract.
