Cicero creates new position to boost economic development

Cicero is trying to take redevelopment to the next level.

The first step was hiring a community development specialist–a position the town has not invested in previously.

Shae Kmicikewycz started earlier this month to help the Cicero/Jackson Township Plan Commission with economic development and quality of life in the small community of less than 5,000 people.

“I think it’s going to be a great opportunity for us,” planning director Paul Munoz said.

Kmicikewycz will serve as a community liaison, connecting different local organizations, businesses and residents and will seek grant and other funding opportunities for town projects.

And she has experience helping towns—including Cicero—commit to revitalizing downtowns. Prior to joining the town staff, she worked as the Indiana Main Street program manager in the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs.

Kmicikewycz worked with 127 different cities and towns and said she fell in love with Cicero as she helped town leaders establish Our Town Cicero last year.

Our Town Cicero became an officially designated Indiana Main Street organization in the fall–another step the town has taken toward boosting economic development.

Now town leaders are hoping to make the area a food destination, drawing customers from throughout Hamilton County and out-of-town visitors from Westfield’s Grand Park Sports Campus.

Munoz said within the next several months he anticipates multiple new restaurants opening or announcing interest in the downtown area along the north end of Morse Reservoir.