Thrive35 Quarterly Report: 2026 Q1

The Community Foundation and the Huntington County Commissioners were pleased to have recently announced the launch of Thrive35, a countywide collaboration designed to bring together people, partnerships and resources around a shared vision for Huntington County’s future. Progress is guided by the five strategic pillars, which will continue to grow as residents and partners help identify priorities. The Foundation is committed to transparency and is pleased to provide quarterly updates and progress reports. Keep reading this first edition of the Thrive35 Quarterly Report to discover the momentum and impactful work of this community collaboration.

As we move into a pivotal year for Huntington County, momentum is building across housing, downtown revitalization and long-range planning.

MISSION MOMENT

Across the county, the spirit of collaboration that defines Thrive35 is showing up in remarkable ways. Regional leaders are stepping forward, not just to identify challenges, but to build solutions together. That collective ownership is exactly what it means for Huntington County to thrive.  

COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 

Club 720 Housing Optimization Phase II: We are entering Phase II of the Club 720 housing optimization program, unlocking substantial new funding capacity for catalyst new construction and strategic infill development countywide. With sites, builders and financing tools increasingly aligned, Phase II positions Huntington County to move from planning to shovels in the ground on projects with lasting community impact. 

PARTNERSHIPS & COMMUNITY ALIGNMENT 

Regional Housing & Revitalization Coordination: Thrive35 is actively working alongside regional leaders throughout the county to align the three essential ingredients of successful development: sites, builders and funding. By cultivating relationships across municipal, private and nonprofit sectors, we are building the pipeline and trust required to advance both new housing and downtown revitalization. 

DOWNTOWN VITALITY 

Downtown Revitalization: Housing investment and downtown vitality go hand in hand. Our work this quarter has included site-level conversations, partnership outreach and capital stack development for catalyst projects that can anchor broader revitalization efforts across Huntington County’s communities. 

LEADERSHIP & TALENT GROWTH 

County-Wide Strategic Plan — Firm Selection Underway: Thrive35 has launched a formal process to select a planning firm to lead a comprehensive, county-wide strategic plan. We are in active interviews with qualified firms, evaluating their capacity to engage residents, municipalities, businesses and civic institutions to produce a plan that is visionary and actionable. This plan will serve as the foundational roadmap for Huntington County’s next chapter. 

LOOKING AHEAD 

From firm selection for the county strategic plan, to Phase II funding commitments under Club 720, the months ahead bring key decision points. Community members and partners are encouraged to stay engaged. The work happening right now is the foundation for a Huntington County ready for growth, investment and the residents who call it home. 

Report provided by Erik Long, Director of Thrive35 

Learn more about Thrive35 and find Frequently Asked Questions here.