Imagine185 director outlines projects, asks Council for $10,000 for 2026

Connor Heinman, introduced as the new director overseeing implementation of Imagine185, gave the council a quarterly update on county and local development efforts and requested $10,000 from the town for the 2026 operating year (the same town contribution provided during the prior three‑year funding period).

Heinman highlighted a set of near‑term projects: Rowan Park is scheduled to break ground the coming Sunday; Daniels Place respite care will start construction in February 2026; the Manchester Mile streetscape and the College Row townhome development have phased construction planned (phase one of the townhome project includes six units and is expected to complete in early 2026). Heinman also noted the county recorded its first population increase in four decades in 2024 and that the Imagine185 fellowship program helps attract interns and potential future workers.

Heinman described an expansion of the fellowship program to 20 slots for 2026, reserving 10 slots for Manchester University students and 10 for students recruited from outside Wabash County; the program houses students, connects them to local employers and helps with housing placement in the event a placement changes.

Council policy is to accept funding requests for consideration at a subsequent meeting rather than vote at the same session. Council members asked for clarifications about the fellowship and housing support; staff confirmed questions will be followed up and the funding request will be considered at the next meeting.

Next steps: Council will review the formal $10,000 funding request at the next regular meeting and may vote on the appropriation then.