Welcome to the official page for the Owen County Redevelopment Commission. The RDC plays a vital role in promoting economic growth and revitalization across the county. Established under Indiana state law, the Commission serves as the governing body for both the Owen County Department of Redevelopment and the Owen County Redevelopment District.
Our mission aligns closely with the Owen County Comprehensive Plan: to attract new development, support the revitalization of underutilized properties, expand the tax base, and improve fiscal health. We partner with organizations like the Owen County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation to support these goals.
What We Do
The RDC is authorized by Indiana Code to support local development through several key functions:
• Economic Development Planning
We prepare and amend development plans for designated economic development areas, such as the State Road 43 Corridor. Any amendments are reviewed by the Plan Commission and County Commissioners before adoption.
• Property Acquisition & Disposition
We may acquire or sell real property to advance redevelopment. For purchases or sales over $25,000, two independent appraisals and public notice are required.
• Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
TIF is a funding tool that reinvests future property tax growth back into public infrastructure and development projects. We currently manage the State Road 43 TIF District and are exploring residential TIFs to support housing development.
• Infrastructure & Housing Projects
We evaluate infrastructure needs—such as sanitary sewer access to McCormick’s Creek Elementary—and support developer incentives for housing, in line with the Comprehensive Plan.
• Interagency Collaboration
The RDC works alongside the County Commissioners, Council, and Plan Commission to align infrastructure investments with long-term land use and housing strategies.
Commission Members
The RDC is composed of local citizens appointed to serve the county’s long-term interests:
- President: Craig Coffman
- Vice President: Bobby Hall
- Secretary: Polly Chesser
- Member: Leonard “Sam” Hobbs
- Member: Hunter Stogsdill
- Vacancy: One seat open
Meetings & Public Notices
RDC meetings are open to the public and typically include minutes approval, claims review, and project updates.
Meeting Location:
Most meetings take place in the Commissioners Room, 2nd Floor, Owen County Courthouse.
Public hearings may also be held at other venues, such as Owen Valley High School.
Meeting Types Include:
- Executive Sessions (for property negotiations under Indiana Code)
- Public Hearings (required for plan amendments and TIF actions)
- Proposal Openings (such as sealed bids for land disposition)
Public Notices:
Notices are typically published in the local newspaper and/or on the county website.
Current Focus Areas
- State Road 43 Corridor: Ongoing work on the development plan and potential property acquisition.
- Infrastructure for Growth: Evaluating sewer expansions and utility needs to support new housing.
- Property Management: Overseeing disposition of surplus land and reviewing acquisition options.
Contact Information
Inquiries and official correspondence (including sealed proposals) should be directed to:
Owen County Auditor’s Office
60 South Main Street
Spencer, IN 47460
📞 (812) 829-5033
Documents & Resources
Public documents related to RDC meetings, plans, and actions will be available below:
Meeting Agendas
RDC Meeting Agenda – January 30, 2026
RDC Meeting Agenda – June 16, 2025
RDC Meeting Agenda – January 29, 2025
Meeting Minutes
Adopted Resolutions
RDC Resolution 2024-001 – Accepting transfer of real estate interest from Owen County – Concerns parcel #60-17-10-500-080.000-016 (96.39 acres)
RDC Resolution 2024-002 – Appointing appraisers for acquisition/disposition of property – Includes Figg and Hopkins Appraisal Services for parcels in Tract B (31.83A)
RDC Resolution 2024-003 – Approving amendment to St Rd 43 Corridor Redevelopment Plan – Adds new parcels to acquisition list; supports continued infrastructure planning
RDC Resolution 2024-004 – Authorizing property disposition & approving Offering SheetRefers to public bid process for 96.39 acres with minimum bid price of – $337,500
Public Notices
RDC Notice 11-14-2024 (Executive Session)
For strategy discussion regarding real property under IC 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(2)(D)
RDC Notice 12-18-2024 (Disposition Hearing)
Public meeting at Owen Valley High School for opening proposals for 96.39-acre parcel
RDC Notice (Confirmatory Resolution Hearing)
Hearing on amendments to economic development plan and acquisition list