Blackford County Youth Leadership Academy Raises $5,000, Seeks Additional Funding

From the Blackford County Commissioner Meeting on July 20, 2026

The $25,000 Youth Leadership Academy has secured $5,000 from the Hartford City Redevelopment Commission, with additional funding requests pending from multiple sources.

Economic Development Director Warren Brown reported that the Montpelier city council and redevelopment commission have been approached, and the Hartford City Common Council is "considering" funding. Wind and solar companies have also been asked to contribute. The county council is interested but wants a more detailed presentation at their next meeting before committing.

Brown said the Economic Development Corporation will backstop the full amount if needed. "Whether we have to pay it ourselves or we raise it," he said, adding that the academy is "happening this year no matter what." He emphasized sustainability: "We don't want this to be a one-year and done." The academy is being developed in coordination with the school system.

Source: YouTube transcript — Blackford County Commissioner Meeting, July 20, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.