RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This study primarily utilizes a multi-method case study research approach, looking at the efforts of Indiana Housing Community Development Authority (IHCDA), Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA), the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), and convening community partner organizations in twelve Indiana communities (Bedford, Delphi, Greencastle, Huntingburg, North Vernon, Princeton, Richmond, Wabash, Crawfordsville, North Liberty, Rushville, and Corydon) as part of its Indiana Stellar Communities Program in:
Data was obtained from three primary sources: 1) key informant and social network interviews with civic and community leaders, residents, private stakeholders, consultants, and local government officials, 2) field observations of community-based events, steering committee meetings, and project sites, and 3) archival data , among others.
Over a four-year period, more than 106 face-to-face and/or telephone interviews were conducted with ISCP participants in Bedford, Crawfordsville, Corydon, Delphi, Greencastle, Huntingburg, North Vernon, Princeton, Richmond, Rushville, Wabash, ISCP Finalist Communities, as well as staff from IHCDA, OCRA, INDOT, and SERVE Indiana. Research is capturing different perspectives on ISCP, including those of project staff, program administrators, residents, community partners, and public officials. In-depth cases studies of the ISCP designated cities are being used to develop a finer understanding of the ISCP processes, activities, and outcomes.
- Creating strategic community investment plans.
- Implementing components of the strategic community investment plans and projects implemented across the distinct community contexts.
- Building social capital to leverage other forms of community capital as a comprehensive community development approach.
- Changes in community condition over time.
Data was obtained from three primary sources: 1) key informant and social network interviews with civic and community leaders, residents, private stakeholders, consultants, and local government officials, 2) field observations of community-based events, steering committee meetings, and project sites, and 3) archival data , among others.
Over a four-year period, more than 106 face-to-face and/or telephone interviews were conducted with ISCP participants in Bedford, Crawfordsville, Corydon, Delphi, Greencastle, Huntingburg, North Vernon, Princeton, Richmond, Rushville, Wabash, ISCP Finalist Communities, as well as staff from IHCDA, OCRA, INDOT, and SERVE Indiana. Research is capturing different perspectives on ISCP, including those of project staff, program administrators, residents, community partners, and public officials. In-depth cases studies of the ISCP designated cities are being used to develop a finer understanding of the ISCP processes, activities, and outcomes.
