Step 1
The Letter of Intent

Rushville has built great momentum for revitalization in recent years. A vision for Rushville's future was realized through ideas formed by leaders and residents of the community through development of a comprehensive plan, as well as through Rushville's participation in the Indiana Hometown Collaboration Initiative (HCI). Collaboration with residents and partners, both public and private, became an important theme as Rushville began to envision its future. Stellar designation in particular became of great interest to the community for the potential partnerships with nine state agencies, an opportunity to gain invaluable advice and support, and to identify feasible methods for reaching intended goals and meeting Rushville's maximum potential.

“We have learned that to survive as a small rural community in the modern era we need to embrace change and develop the internal capacity to make things happen. Collaboration is our key and it must take place in order for our community to be successful”

While Rushville's initial application for Stellar designation was rejected, the experience caused the community to re-evaluate its efforts and take a more effective approach. In another attempt, along with ten other communities, Rushville submitted its Letter of Interest for 2016 Stellar Communities Designation. In April 2016, six finalists were announced, Rushville as one of three belonging to Division 1 (population of 6,000-50,000), and three others belonging to Division 2 (population of less than 6,000).

To celebrate Rushville's success at becoming a finalist, residents of all ages were invited to "Think Big and Have Fun" at the annual Riverside Park Amphitheater Concert Series where they got to enjoy oversized games provided by city officials, purchased using a planning grant received from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority in recognition of becoming a Stellar finalist.
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Step 2
The Strategic Community Investment Plan

As a finalist, Rushville began putting together a Strategic Investment Plan to be finalized by July. The process involved resident ideas and feedback and outlined the necessary steps to move forward with the community's transformation. The theme, "Re-Imagine, Re-Invest, Re-Discover," reveals a plan designed and intended to counter the decline that Rushville has faced in the previous decades. In the SIP are details of individual projects and partnerships, proposed funding, as well as identification of Rushville's needs, goals, and financial capabilities to accomplish these plans. 

​“The primary goal for our SIP is short and sweet… to create a better Rushville!"

The projects listed Rushville's SIP intend to impact both quality of place and quality of life for residents and visitors in the city and county, with a focus specifically on the heart of the community, the historic downtown district and surrounding neighborhoods. The SIP targets the retention of Rushville's young population, service toward the elderly population, support for entrepreneurs and small business owners, and attraction of new residents and visitors. 

“We need to make sure that we are doing everything we can to make Rushville a great place to live, work, and play for the people who already call our community home. If we can successfully accomplish this then we can expect Rushville to be a great place for people to visit as well.”

Below are the projects presented in Rushville's SIP:

Campaign Quarters
Downtown Commercial
​Building Revitalization
Neighborhood Revitalization (Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation)
The Overlook @ Riverside (Business Incubator and Community Building)
Flatrock Run ​Trailhead & Bike Hub
Riverside Park ​Gateway Plaza
Morgan Street Corridor
Step 3
The Site Visit

Later in July 2016 Rushville hosted the state Stellar team, a delegation of staff representing partner agencies along with the Lieutenant Governor, for a site visit. As part of the visit, local community leaders gave a tour of the local projects, demonstrating what in the town has been done already and what work is planned. The group also discussed details about the SIP, including feedback on the feasibility of individual projects, their available funding, timeframes for completion,  and partner participation.
Step 4
The Announcement

On August 11 Rushville Mayor, Michael Pavey, received a phone call with news that Rushville had been chosen for Division One Stelar Designation. Soon after, on August 18 at the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis, Designees were officially announced and a Stellarbration was held, hosted by the Lt. Governor and the state Stellar team. Included was an award ceremony and a look back on the successes of the first five years of the Stellar Communities program, as well as presentations from both Rushville and Corydon on their revitalization plans.

On October 14, the Lt. Governor and state Stellar team also travelled to Rushville for a local Stellarbration with community members at Riverside Park, attended by 75 residents and guests and community leaders.
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