The Sagamore Institute on Monday announced that community development executive Bill Taft will lead a new initiative of the organization to develop affordable housing and other projects statewide, starting in La Porte County.
Taft is managing partner of Full Circle Development, an Indianapolis-based real estate investment fund geared toward the development of affordable housing. In his new role with the Sagamore Institute, he will lead the think tank’s new Interurban initiative, the institute said in a news release.
Interurban plans to work closely with local governments, economic development organizations, land banks and others to assess a community’s assets, needs and opportunities and then work with local partners to develop projects that improve quality of life.
“Bill has for many years made a remarkable and lasting difference in our city and state,” Teresa Lubbers, president of the Indianapolis-based think tank, said in the release. “We are excited that Bill will lead this innovative program centered on improving economic opportunity and the quality of life in underserved communities.”
An initial focus for Interurban is a plan to develop affordable housing in La Porte County. Taft and the Interurban team are working with local government officials, economic development experts and other local leaders to create a plan for construction, the institute said.
Taft previously served as executive director of Local Initiatives Support Corp. and president of Southeast Neighborhood Development Inc. in Indianapolis.