County 26: DeKalb

Lt. Governor Skillman visits Auburn to talk about community and economic development efforts in the area. Auburn received a $5,000 grant for main street improvements from the state.

As I gathered in Auburn with local officials, I couldn’t help but marvel at the downtown district of the city. The historic buildings filled with restaurants and shops glistened as a fresh coat of snow, the first of the season, fell softly upon the roofs.

It would have been a perfect day to visit Santa Claus in his little red house that the locals built or check out the winning gingerbread houses in this year’s contest. These are only a few things that are happening in downtown Auburn. Auburn officials reported on some of the exciting events they put on throughout the year to attract residents and visitors to the area.

They have partnered with several organizations, and are part of the state’s Indiana Main Street program. Recently, we awarded them a $5,000 Downtown Enhancement Grant through the Indiana Main Street program administered by the Office of Community and Rural Affairs. Three projects have been completed thus far, and now there is more opportunity for Hoosiers to invest in a business in the downtown area.

More than 100 communities are part of the Indiana Main Street family, and 181 building rehabilitations have taken place under the program. We know that the heart of a community is the downtown area. It is the hub for government, business, culture and financial activity. We want people to continue to flock to Auburn and other Main Street communities. I know I look forward to my next visit to DeKalb County.