WHAT WE DO

MISSION:  The mission of the NAUEA is to improve the physical, business, residential and socioeconomic environment of the New Albany Urban Enterprise Zone through collaborative, public-private initiatives that stimulate private investment in real and personal property.

This creates a continuum of jobs, including “living wage” jobs; and provides a supportive atmosphere for employers, employees and zone residents alike.

In all its endeavors, the NAUEA shall strive for the common good and reciprocity among its many stakeholders.

Urban Enterprise Zones were established in 1983 by the Indiana General Assembly following a push at the Federal level by President Ronald W. Reagan. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation, successor to the old Department of Commerce, designates & approves enterprise zones.

There are 26 Enterprise Zones in Indiana. The mission of each zone is the same; to “Initiate & coordinate any community development activities that aid in the employment of Zone residents, improve the physical environment, or encourage the turnover or retention of capital in the Zone.”

More simply put, Zones serve as a “catalyst for Zone development activities by acting as a liaison between Zone residents and businesses, the local municipality, and the Zone Board of Directors for any development activity that may affect the Zone or Zone Residents.”

Each zone has a twenty year operating period with a possible renewal following the first ten years. The New Albany Urban Enterprise Zone was designated in 2000. If the program continues for its full life, NAUEA has sought renewal in 2010 and will come to an end in 2020. No new zones can be designated after 2015.

The NAUEA is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit entity with a 12 Member Board of Directors. Of the 12, six are appointed by the Mayor, four by the City Council and the final two by the Governor.

 
"The Indiana Enterprise Zone program is targeted to work within a specific district, in an across-the-board approach. It is the only program in Indiana obligated by law to work on a one-on-one basis in the areas of economic, community, work force, and neighborhood development." - Daniel Meyer, President of the Board of Directors - New Albany Urban Enterprise Zone