The Vigo County Commissioners have successfully completed the first phase of the Riley Spur Trail, made possible by a $652,247 grant from the County’s ARPA funds. This initial phase established a 1.61-mile trail linking Louisville Road to Lama Road, marking a significant step forward in enhancing local recreation and connectivity.

Building on this success, Vigo County and the City of Terre Haute are moving ahead with the second phase of the trail, supported by a $1.9 million grant from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Next Level Trails Round 3. Once completed, this multi-use trail system will extend 7 miles, connecting the Town of Riley to prominent Terre Haute destinations such as Rea Park. This ambitious project is set to improve accessibility, promote outdoor recreation, and enhance quality of life for the entire community

The Mental Health Roundtables bring together mental health leaders from across Vigo County to collaborate on enhancing mental health services and strengthening the workforce in the region. Two dedicated subcommittees focus on key areas: the K-12 education system and workforce development. These groups address grant opportunities, shared resources, and legislative advocacy to create meaningful improvements in the mental health landscape of Vigo County. Through this collaborative effort, the Roundtables aim to foster a stronger, more supportive mental health infrastructure for the community.

Launched in 2021, the Crossroads Trails app was designed to help residents and visitors navigate the extensive network of trails and outdoor amenities across West Central Indiana. Featuring user friendly mapping tools and amenity layers, the app is an invaluable resource for trail users of all experience levels. Key features include information on parks, current and planned trails, trailheads, water access points, and restrooms. Looking ahead, Thrive plans to enhance the app by collaborating with users to include additional details such as trail-friendly businesses, other local amenities, and various trail types. With its innovative features and future updates, the Crossroads Trails app is set to become the go-to companion for outdoor enthusiasts in the region.

Inspired by the See You in Terre Haute Community Plan, a collaborative group of partners — RiverSCAPE, Vigo County, the City of Terre Haute, and Thrive West Central — has initiated the development of a comprehensive Riverfront Master Plan. This visionary effort aims to transform the riverfront into a dynamic asset that enhances quality of life and bolsters tourism in the region. The Riverfront Master Plan represents a long-term commitment to revitalizing the area, with an eye toward creating actionable projects that can be integrated into future community initiatives. By reimagining the riverfront, this plan seeks to position Vigo County as a vibrant and attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.

Launched in February 2022, the VCSC Coordinated Health Program began under the leadership of Annie Noble, its inaugural director, with a mission to bring impactful health initiatives to the community. Early efforts focused on raising awareness about the dangers of sugary drinks, providing education on eating disorders, and pursuing grant opportunities to drive meaningful changes within local schools. Since its inception, the program has grown significantly, now boasting a team of four dedicated employees and offering a diverse array of health-focused programs. This expansion reflects a continued commitment to improving student health and well-being across the Vigo County School Corporation.

Community Crossings is a collaborative initiative between INDOT and Hoosier communities — urban and rural alike — designed to invest in infrastructure projects that drive economic development, create jobs, and enhance local transportation networks. The City of Terre Haute and Vigo County have successfully leveraged these funds to pave critical road projects, improving connectivity and supporting long-term growth throughout the region.

The United Way's Strong Neighborhoods Council has officially introduced the Wabash Valley Neighbors Helping Neighbors Program, a community-driven initiative connecting residents with small home repair needs to skilled volunteers ready to help. Homeowners can easily submit repair requests through the program’s user-friendly website at wvnhn.org. These projects are typically manageable tasks that can be completed by individuals or groups without requiring advanced tools or specialized skills. Thanks to a grant from CenterPoint Energy, the United Way created a dedicated program coordinator position to foster partnerships with local neighborhood organizations, further strengthening the program’s impact. Wabash Valley Neighbors Helping Neighbors embodies the spirit of community support, empowering residents and volunteers to work together to enhance the quality of life in the Wabash Valley.

The Homes for the Future Program is a groundbreaking pilot initiative designed to incentivize homebuilders and developers to construct new, age-friendly homes in West Central Indiana. With $1.8 million in funding from the Wabash River Regional Development Authority, this program represents a strategic investment in sustainable housing to meet the region's growing needs. Launched collaboratively by Thrive West Central, City of Terre Haute and Vigo County, the program aligns with a broader housing strategy focused on high-quality construction and increased production. As part of this initiative, several targeted programs have been introduced, including the Professional Builders Program, Small Builders Program, Blight and Rehabilitation Program, and Non-Profit Builder Program. Through a competitive funding proposal process, selected homebuilders and developers may receive up to $245,000 per home to cover eligible infrastructure costs upon completion. This initiative emphasizes the creation of market-rate homes to accommodate West Central Indiana’s expanding workforce and population, addressing a critical need for high-quality, affordable housing. The Homes for the Future Program exemplifies a forward thinking approach to regional development, ensuring that West Central Indiana continues to grow as a vibrant and sustainable community for generations to come.

Indiana State University, Ivy Tech Community College - Terre Haute, and West Central Indiana Partnership have joined forces to launch Grow Up in West Central Indiana, a regional child care strategic plan designed to create a safe, stimulating, and supportive environment where every child can thrive. This initiative aims to drive organic growth in the region by supporting workforce development, increasing population retention, and expanding opportunities.

By leveraging innovative programming, educational resources, and strong collaborative partnerships, Grow Up in West Central Indiana seeks to foster holistic development for children while laying the foundation for accessible, high-quality child care. This strategic effort represents a long-term commitment to meeting the needs of families and strengthening the communities of West Central Indiana and beyond.

Wabash Valley Goodwill received legislative approval to establish a Goodwill Excel Center in Terre Haute, and it officially opened on August 8, 2024. This innovative, tuition free adult charter high school will offer students the opportunity to earn both high school diplomas and industry recognized certifications, equipping them with the skills needed to advance their careers. As the first of its kind in West Central Indiana, the Excel Center represents a significant step forward in providing accessible, high-quality education for adults in the region.

In October 2024, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology celebrated the groundbreaking of Innovation Grove, a cutting-edge entrepreneurial ecosystem designed to foster innovation and experiential learning. This transformative development will include the relocation of Rose-Hulman Ventures and introduce new amenities to provide students with expanded internship opportunities and hands-on experiences, equipping them with the skills to excel in a rapidly evolving world. The long-term vision for Innovation Grove is supported by a blend of private philanthropic contributions and public funding. Key supporters include the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), Indiana’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI), and allocations from the Vigo County Council and Terre Haute City Council’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) resources. This collaborative investment underscores the community’s commitment to advancing education, innovation, and economic development in West Central Indiana.

One of the earliest successes of the See You in Terre Haute 2025 Community Plan was the community-wide effort to establish a 1% Food and Beverage Tax. Recognizing its potential as a valuable funding source, the community came together to support this initiative, which enables counties to levy an additional tax on prepared food and beverages. This tax applies to food and beverages sold in establishments like restaurants, bars, and other food service providers. The revenue generated by this tax is earmarked for projects that enhance the community’s appeal and drive economic growth. Specifically, funds are designated to support the development and operation of the Convention Center, promote tourism-related initiatives, and fund arts and cultural activities. The Vigo County Capital Improvement Board is responsible for managing the funds, ensuring they are used effectively to benefit the community and advance the goals outlined in the plan.

We’re proud to celebrate Terre Haute! In August 2023, the Good Days Are Here in Terre Haute video was launched as part of the Community Plan’s Talent Attraction and Retention initiative. This inspiring production highlights the many assets that make our community unique, from thriving local businesses to vibrant cultural and recreational opportunities, showcasing why Terre Haute is a great place to live, work, and grow.

The Queen of Terre Haute Casino is a transformative addition to Vigo County, offering new economic opportunities and entertainment options to the region. The journey toward bringing a casino to Terre Haute began in 2019 when Indiana passed legislation granting the city a casino license to stimulate local tourism and economic development. Following a competitive bidding process, Churchill Downs Inc. secured the license in 2021. Construction of the $260 million facility commenced in 2022, and the casino officially opened its doors in 2024. The Queen of Terre Haute Casino features a state-of-the-art gaming floor with hundreds of slot machines and table games, complemented by diverse dining options, entertainment spaces, and an attached hotel. This premier destination has quickly positioned itself as a significant driver of tourism and a key contributor to local revenue.

Following the approval of the Vigo County Food and Beverage Tax, the Vigo County Capital Improvement Board took a significant step toward realizing a key vision of the See You in Terre Haute 2025 Community Plan — the development of the Terre Haute Convention Center. Groundbreaking for the Convention Center took place in June 2020 in the heart of Downtown Terre Haute, and the facility officially opened its doors in March 2022. Since its opening, the Convention Center has become a vital asset to the community, providing a versatile space for banquets, conventions, meetings, and a wide range of events. This state-of-the art facility has elevated the region's ability to attract visitors and host gatherings, contributing to the economic growth and vibrancy of Vigo County