development potential
Karnerblue empowers transformation from the core of possibilities. We work directly with elected officials, senior management, partners, grassroots and residents to activate the development potential in people and places. Over the past eight years, Karnerblue has advised on the infusion of $180 million in regional development, secured over $6+ million in grants and facilitated civic engagement processes for thousands. Currently, we are overseeing in excess of $20 million in local redevelopment efforts and $2.4 million in grant funding opportunities.
Grant Development
Karnerblue identifies grant opportunities, develops the project/program scope and writes the proposal with input from key stakeholders. Writing services cover federal, state and local grants as well as private foundations and corporations.Town Master Development
Karnerblue serves as the master development consultant for the Burns Harbor Redevelopment Commission. We oversee the planning, implementation and funding of the RDC’s priority redevelopment projects estimated at nearly $19 million. Key projects: Marquette Greenway, 32 Acre Site Development, Placemaking, Business Attraction/Retention, Transportation Enhancements and Partnerships. We've brought in nearly $2.0 million in grants to date.Regional Economic Development
As special projects consultant to a Regional Development Authority, Karnerblue served on the initial team responsible for establishing internal operations and external project investments for $35 million annually. In this capacity, Karnerblue staff worked on comprehensive regional economic development plans, $180 million in planning to construction projects, and stakeholder alignment. Core granting areas were airport, commuter rail, regional bus, shoreline development and economic development.Capacity Building
Karnerblue is advising the Kankakee Valley Historical Society on the restoration of Collier Lodge, a national register site, in an executive leadership and strategic-master planning role. We are guiding KVHS step-by-step toward its long-range vision of a heritage corridor. Key activities include a Phased Approach to Historic Preservation, Strategic Planning, Partnerships and Fundraising. We've helped attract over $25,000 to the organization in the last year.CBDG Grant Administration
As a certified grant administrator for the Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs, Karnerblue has provided grant services for blight elimination to several Indiana communities such as City of Gary, City of Lake Station, Porter County among others. Projects to date include planning, disaster recovery and brownfield clearance grants. Karnerblue is able to meet the public outreach needs of bi-lingual communities.Interim Leadership
As an interim leadership to a community foundation, Karnerblue helped launch two community development initiatives funded in partnership with a national foundation.Quality of Life/Place Research
As the primary investigators, Karnerblue researched, designed and produced a series of quality of life/place reports for a regional nonprofit organization. In this capacity, we defined methodology, facilitated focus groups, collected data, trends and stories, and integrated best practices and policy recommendations.Process Design & Faciliation
Karnerblue has facilitated small groups to 250+ attendees in public outreach workshops and civic engagement dialogues using data-driven, storied processes.Cultural Preservation
Karnerblue assists non-profits and community groups working to preserve and raise awareness of Indigenous Rights and Culture.Show More