Muncie Memory Spiral

21st CENTURY MUNCIE

PHOTO CREDIT: A revitalizing Downtown Muncie.

With the decline of Muncie and east-central Indiana’s manufacturing base in the 1980s and 1990s, and an accompanying population decline of over 7%, Muncie’s civic leaders saw the need to begin a process that would lead to a revitalization of the city. As a result, Muncie has transformed itself from primarily a manufacturing community into one with a much more diversified economy. The city’s two major institutions of higher learning, Ball State University and Ivy Tech, have expanded greatly, employing thousands in the process. The city’s healthcare industry has also grown in recent decades, with IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, Open Door Health Services, and Meridian Health Services expanding throughout the city and the surrounding area. At the same time, both public and private non-profit organizations have added greenspaces, an extensive trail network, and have revitalized the core downtown commercial district. Economic development organizations, local governments, non-profits, and foundations have partnered to expand workforce development and early childhood educational opportunities. Also, in 2018, with legislation approved by the Indiana General Assembly, a unique partnership was formed between Ball State University and the Muncie Community Schools, with Ball State becoming the first university in Indiana to oversee a public school district.

MUNCIE TODAY

Roundabout at Walnut and Riggin