The Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) has announced a $25 million investment from the Lilly Endowment in CICF’s Connected Communities Initiative, a collaboration with the City of Indianapolis. 

The initiative, which has been convening partners, neighborhood residents, and other stakeholders since 2015, will support the expansion of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure in Marion County, with a focus on improving access for underappreciated communities. The grant includes $5.25 million in matching funds that will be available to leverage an additional $18.75 million in state and federal funding to construct an additional 25 miles of greenways. Combined with $25 million committed by the city, the commitments will fund planning, wayfinding, and the design and construction of protected on-street and off-street pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, such as multi-use paths and greenways.

The initiative aims to create a total of 7.25 miles in new greenways, as well as four miles of on-street protected bicycle infrastructure. To improve access to the current system and broaden engagement in the future, the initiative will develop programming through partnerships with Freewheelin’ Community Bikes, Bike Indianapolis, the Greenways Partnership, Groundwork Indy, and Indiana Pacers Bikeshare. These partnerships will focus on improving the visibility of and accessibility to the new greenways, trails, and protected bike paths and increase the number of people who use the transportation options. 

“Indianapolis spans a large land area, which can make it challenging to navigate for residents who are dependent on alternatives to cars,” said Lilly Endowment vice president for community development Ronni Kloth. “We are pleased to support the Connected Communities Initiative, which will provide residents with greater access to trails, greenways, and other destinations and foster stronger connections between neighborhoods.” 

“Today’s announcement leverages the city’s historic greenway investments over the past six years, especially the $25 million boost through our Circle City Forward initiative,” said mayor Joe Hogsett. “With support from Lilly Endowment, the city is excited to partner with CICF to combine public, private, and philanthropic support to expand and enhance pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure throughout Indianapolis.” 

(Photo Credit: Getty Images/alvarez)