About - Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, Indiana

Welcome from the Executive Director

In 2023, our EDCMC team and community leaders were able to mark how all of the little steps truly add up to big changes as monumental projects took off and broke ground. The South Shore Double Track and SoLa (South of the Lake) developments are on pace as we see the progress take tangible shape.

While these projects are undeniably important to our city’s future path, I am especially proud of our progress in the social-economic arena this past year. Our city was one of three in the state that participated in an Economic Inclusion Learning Lab initiative that created our Vibrant Michigan City playbook.

From building healthy and engaged neighborhoods to constructing safe and affordable housing, the playbook pathways are imperative to our progress as an economically inclusive city that not only celebrates all of our residents but also welcomes our tourists and guests.

– Clarence L. Hulse

EDCMC Staff

Clarence
Hulse

Executive
Director

About Clarence

Liliana
Franco

Operations
Director

About Liliana

Karaline
Cartagena Edwards

Economic Development
Manager

About Karaline

Tristan Gaston

Special Projects Coordinator

About Tristan

Erin Meisner

Community Development Manager

About Erin

Mission Statement

To develop and implement seamless policies, procedures and programs for economic and community development that drive systemic and long-term viability through collaboration and consensus with our stakeholders and community resources.

Vision Statement

To assure the long-term viability of Michigan City with a healthy and robust business environment, modern public infrastructure, a stable tax base, outstanding customer service and quality human, technical and financial resources so that local leaders are able to sustain needed change.

A New Plan for the Future

A refreshed Michigan City Strategic Action Plan plots key points to forge toward continuous economic development and socioeconomic opportunities and innovations.

The Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch and business and community leaders worked closely with the Ascendant Global Consulting team to update the Strategic Plan for a groundwork to pave the way to 2040.

“Our vision is rooted in our city’s history and current path while not shying away from the challenges and issues our community members face,” said EDCMC Executive Director Clarence L. Hulse. “The framework is based on months of interviews, discussions, roundtables, surveys, analysis and connections with a cross-section of our community and businesses – all with an eye toward collaboration and unity.”

The Strategic Action Plan is built on the base created by the Ascendant team that pinpoints five pillars: economic inclusion, workforce development, placemaking, storytelling and economic modernization. The plan drills down each area into actionable steps that will serve as a guide to move toward measurable and meaningful benchmarks.

1. Economic Inclusion

Michigan City exhibits disparities in economic inclusion, with limited opportunities for certain demographics and communities. There is a need to address trust issues, align career opportunities with workforce interests, and improve access to economic information and resources.

2. Workforce Development

While workforce development programs exist, there are concerns about their effectiveness in reaching those most in need and addressing talent acquisition challenges. There is a desire to enhance training programs, particularly for youth, and leverage technology to expand market capacity.

3. Placemaking

Michigan City boasts areas of natural beauty but faces challenges such as crime, blight, and inadequate amenities in some neighborhoods. Stakeholders emphasize the need for housing affordability, downtown revitalization, arts and cultural programming of public spaces, and leveraging transportation infrastructure for economic growth.

4. Storytelling

Michigan City should cultivate a shared narrative and promote its value proposition to attract businesses and talent. Stakeholders recommend crafting a shared narrative highlighting quality of life, diversity, employment opportunities, and regional amenities.

5. Economic Modernization

Michigan City’s economic modernization efforts involve traditional business development, support for small businesses, and digital transformation. Recommendations include diversifying sectors for corporate attraction, enhancing regional collaboration, updating comprehensive plans, supporting small business growth, and investing in digital infrastructure.

View our Plan