In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of Prosperity Indiana’s founding in 1986 as the Indiana Association for Community Economic Development, the focus of our 2026 policy agenda reflects our members’ mission to strengthen Indiana’s communities and those who serve them by increasing housing and economic opportunities for all Hoosiers.

Prosperity Indiana’s annual policy agenda is 100% member-driven, driven by our annual Members Policy Survey, informed by year-round member feedback, and ratified by our Policy Committee and Board. Our 2026 agenda covers affordable housing; community development resources; and asset-building & consumer protection issues, as well as urgent & emerging priorities that cross all policy areas.

Over the past year, more than 2/3 of PI Policy Survey respondents find that budget and policy changes at the federal and state levels have significantly or moderately decreased the ability of their organization to serve Hoosiers and their community. (0% say policy changes have increased those abilities to serve.) As a result of policy changes, more than 40% of respondents have: eliminated programs or services; eliminated staff positions or not filling future roles; or reduced the scope of clients they can serve – or are considering doing so.

As a result, PI’s 2026 Policy Agenda focuses on priorities that strengthen the capacity of the organizations who increase housing and economic opportunity for all Hoosiers. Our members’ priorities range from increasing the supply of safe, affordable housing, to combating wealth loss through homeowner repair, to reducing the ‘benefits cliff’ for vulnerable families. Newly trending priorities for 2026 include increasing resources for organizations who serve their communities while defending those organizations from attacks and cuts.

Across these priorities, Prosperity Indiana is committed to increasing housing and economic opportunity for all Hoosiers, and to supporting the organizations who strengthen Indiana’s communities in 2026.