The Indiana University Center for Rural Engagement and Brown County will work together on community projects through the Sustaining Hoosier Communities initiative during the 2026-27 academic year. This collaboration continues a longstanding relationship between Indiana University (IU) and Brown County, dating back to early 20th-century partnerships in the arts and environmental research.
The Sustaining Hoosier Communities program connects IU Bloomington faculty, their courses, and students with local initiatives. These efforts focus on areas such as quality of place, public health, business development, education, and natural resources.
Brian Tadlock, chair of the Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said: “Brown County is a small community with big shoulders — creative, resilient and proud of its roots. Our partnership with Indiana University will help us build a future where our residents and visitors thrive together.”
Kyla Cox Deckard, interim executive director of the IU Center for Rural Engagement, stated: “We are delighted to work alongside Brown County, an artistic and innovative community. The Sustaining Hoosier Communities partnership will connect local expertise with inspired, energetic students and faculty to bring community-led initiatives to life.”
Brown County has recently started planning efforts that draw from increased innkeeper’s tax revenue. These plans aim to balance tourism’s economic benefits with everyday rural life for residents. The collaboration with IU is expected to increase local capacity to address both resident and visitor needs.
The Brown County Quality of Life Committee acts as the coordinating committee for this partnership. Formed to review how innkeeper’s tax funds are used, the committee represents various county interests. Its main goal is to ensure that tourism-generated revenue improves infrastructure and services for all residents while supporting the industry.
Nashville serves as the county seat about 19 miles east of IU Bloomington’s campus. Brown County is known for its artistic heritage—such as the historic Art Colony—and attracts approximately two million visitors annually due to its natural beauty and events like the Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival.
This marks the seventh county involved in Sustaining Hoosier Communities. The program was recognized nationally by winning a regional W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Engagement Scholarship Award in 2025 for its statewide impact.
Community listening sessions are planned for February 12 at Seasons Lodge Event Center (560 State Road 46) and February 19 at Van Buren Elementary School (4045 State Road 135), both in Nashville at 6:30 p.m., where residents can provide input on potential projects.
Residents seeking more information or wishing to share ideas can contact the Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau via email at info@browncounty.com or call 812-988-7303.
