(MUNCIE) – Ball State University has launched a new economic development initiative. It’s called, “The Indiana Communities Institute.” BSU says the institute will focus on ways to improve the quality of life in communities in order to attract and retain talented workers sought by today’s businesses.

It’ll bring together many of Ball State’s top research and outreach activities to help Indiana communities as they strive to improve life experiences for residents, businesses and visitors.

Administrators say growing communities tend to see not only growth in population, but also rises in personal income, wages and job creation, all of which need to be replicated in struggling communities across the state.