NSI Celebrates APA Indiana Award for Grassroots Initiative

We are thrilled to share exciting news that reflects the power of community-driven planning and collaboration. Fest in the First Gary has been recognized as a top Grassroots Initiative.

(ID: A young girl with a butterfly painted across her face stands with two women at Fest in the First.)

This was announced at the American Planning Association (APA) – Indiana Chapter’s Annual Awards Luncheon this spring, and Nexus Strategy & Implementation is proud to have played a role in this achievement.

(ID: Crowded luncheon where awards are being projected on a screen.)

This honor was awarded based on the Impact Report for the 21st Annual Fest in the First, which highlighted the festival’s meaningful contributions to community engagement, local culture, and neighborhood revitalization in Gary, Indiana.

(ID: 2024 Fest in the First Impact report Cover Page.)

Honoring Grassroots Impact Across Indiana

The APA Indiana Hoosier Planning Awards celebrate outstanding achievements and innovation in urban and community planning across the state. From sustainable development to inclusive public engagement strategies, these awards recognize projects that are improving cities and towns through thoughtful, collaborative, and community-centered approaches.

(ID: Traditional African dancer showcase their talent at Fest in the First.)

Fest in the First stood out as a shining example of how grassroots initiatives can create lasting impact, bringing people together, elevating local voices, and strengthening a sense of place.

(ID: Little girl rides a horse at Fest in the First.)

Proud to Represent in Madison, Indiana

Nexus Strategy & Implementation was honored to represent the Fest in the First Committee at the APA-IN Awards Luncheon in Madison, Indiana, this May. We are especially proud to have donated our strategic planning, storytelling, and data-driven evaluation expertise to support the Fest in the First committee once again, this time as they prepare to celebrate their 22nd anniversary.

(ID: Hoosier Panning Awards in Madison were held at a historic brick building across from the Ohio River.)

Our work on the Impact Report helped translate community energy and outcomes into a compelling narrative that demonstrated the festival’s value, reach, and significance, an essential step in earning statewide recognition.

(ID: Jessica renslow and Gretchen Sipp representing Fest in the First.)

Gratitude and Looking Ahead to 2025

This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of the Fest in the First organizers, volunteers, partners, artists, vendors, and community members who made last year’s event such a success. Your passion and commitment are what turn a neighborhood celebration into an award-winning grassroots initiative.

(ID: Jessica Renslow dressed in a pink blazer and turquoise blouse holds the APA IN Award for Grassroots Initiative.)

As we celebrate this milestone, we’re also looking ahead. Stay tuned for more updates on Fest in the First 2025 and for continued collaboration as we support impactful, community-rooted initiatives across Northwest Indiana and beyond.

(ID: Jessica Renslow dressed in a pink blazer and turquoise blouse holds the APA IN Award for Grassroots Initiative and Gretchen SIpp dressed a black suit stands beside her. The Ohio River is in the backdrop.)

Celebrating Planning That Makes a Difference

The APA Indiana Hoosier Planning Awards remind us why we do this work.

(ID: young couple pushing triple stroller with three kids in it at Fest in the First.)

Planning is about more than pieces of paper, it’s about people, partnerships, and purpose.

(ID: Pair of girls enjoy the foam party at Fest in the First.)

We’re honored to stand alongside organizations and communities that are shaping Indiana’s future through creativity, inclusivity, and action.

(ID: Woman participates in community art project at Fest in the First.)

Congratulations again to Fest in the First Gary on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for trusting Nexus Strategy & Implementation to be part of your journey.

(ID: Boys waves bounce house at Fest in the First.)