Mayor elected vice president of ARa board

Seymour Mayor Matt Nicholson was elected vice president of the Administrative Resources association board of directors during its quarterly meeting Wednesday in Columbus.

The association, which is owned by southern Indiana cities, provides assistance in the planning and financing of community and economic development projects.

In announcing the election, Executive Director Eric Frey said, “Mayor Nicholson has been a responsive and supportive member of the ARa board. His election as vice president of the association is a reflection of the respect and confidence his fellow mayors have for him.”

ARa is a governmental association founded in 1973 with help from the Lilly Endowment. ARa helps cities better compete for community and economic development resources and comply with complex federal regulations.

ARa has negotiated financial incentive packages for more than 200 new industrial ventures, resulting in the investment of more than $750 million and the creation of more than 4,000 new jobs.

The association also has helped create and manage small business loan programs totaling more than $1 million.

In the area of community development, ARa has developed and administered more than 600 projects involving water and sewer systems, affordable housing, park and recreation facilities, new public buildings, downtown and neighborhood revitalization, law enforcement programs and transportation systems.

“ARa has helped update our park master plan, provided technical assistance to our public transit system and help secure COVID funding for our local food pantry,” Nicholson said. “ARa is an effective and efficient way for cities to work together, and I am pleased to have been selected to serve as vice president.”