Sustaining Hoosier Communities
The Indiana University Center for Rural Engagement and Brown County will work together to advance community-identified projects through the center’s Sustaining Hoosier Communities initiative in 2026-27. The partnership marks a new chapter in a century-long relationship between Brown County and IU.
Sustaining Hoosier Communities brings together IU Bloomington faculty, their courses and the dedicated work of hundreds of students to support local initiatives in areas including quality of place, public health, business development, education and natural resources.
Links and Resources
News at IU news release:
https://news.iu.edu/live/news/48333-brown-county-iu-to-collaborate-through-sustaining
Brown County SHC community web page:
https://rural.indiana.edu/get-involved/shc/brown-county/index.html
Brown County is beginning a new partnership with Indiana University through the Sustaining Hoosier Communities (SHC) initiative. This partnership creates an opportunity for the county to pause, listen, and better understand community perspectives as we consider next steps for the future.
As part of this process, we are hosting community listening sessions to hear directly from residents. These sessions are not presentations and are not intended to promote specific ideas or projects. Instead, they are meant to provide space for open conversation about Brown County—what people value, what feels challenging, and what they hope for moving forward.
Want to know more? Click here: Brown County: Sustaining Hoosier Communities: Get Involved: Center for Rural Engagement: Indiana University Bloomington
Listening Session Dates
Thursday, February 12
Event Link to RSVP
🕡 6:30 p.m.
📍 The Seasons Event Center, 560 State Road 46 W, Nashville, IN 47448
Thursday, February 19
Event Link to RSVP
🕡 6:30 p.m.
📍 Van Buren Elementary School, 4045 St Road 135 S, Nashville, IN 47448
Each session will last approximately 90 minutes. While we encourage attendees to arrive around 6:30 p.m., this is not a strict start time—participants are welcome to join when they are able.
What to Expect
Informal, facilitated listening and conversation
Finger foods and refreshments provided
Coloring activities available for children to encourage family participation
These sessions are an early step in a broader community process made possible by recent planning efforts and new local funding. Hearing a wide range of voices now will help ensure future decisions reflect the needs and experiences of residents across the county.
We hope you’ll consider attending and sharing your perspective.
If you have questions, please contact the Brown County Convention & Visitors Bureau at info@browncounty.com or (812) 988-7303.
Thank you for taking part in this community conversation.
For more information about the Center for Rural Engagement’s Sustaining Hoosier Communities program and past projects, visit shc.indiana.edu.