Clarence Lindon Hulse

Biography

 Recognized as a visionary leader in the community and economic development profession, Clarence Hulse is known for his passion and talent in implementing and executing a community’s vision. Clarence brings a long and proven history of success, particularly being a change agent, a connector and collaborator. His diverse employment background includes both the public and private sector arena in Inclusive Economic Development, Redevelopment, Affordable Housing, International Trade, City Management, Real Estate Development. Workforce Development and building community partnerships. Clarence’s journey includes stops in Florida and North Carolina and is credited with creating over 30,000+ jobs and $10+ billion in direct capital investment over the past 25 years. 

In his current role as the Director of Economic Development for Michigan City, INDIANA, he is spearheading the revitalization of the downtown through retail and art initiatives. These projects include ArtSpace $13 million and multi-million-dollar QOL/TOD projects (e.g. New Hospital ($ 240 million, Mixed Use Train Station-$101million, Supermarket/500 Mixed Use Apartment-$200million, 15 new independent restaurants downtown and 2new business parks-$180 million) . In 2025, he led the charge to implement over $1.3 billion in capital projects in Michigan City in one year.

Clarence earned his BS at Harding University, AR, in Public Administration, magna cum laude, and an MS in Economic Development from the University of Southern Mississippi. He is also a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute.

He has won local and national awards for his work in the community and economic development arena including International Economic Development Council (IEDC) 1999 award “Outstanding New Developer of the Year,” Indiana Planning Association 2011 Outstanding Community Initiative Award, 2019 Northwest Indiana Small Business Advocate Award, 2019 Indiana Economic Development Association first Shining Star Award and was inducted into Purdue University NW Society of Innovators in 2020. He was recently designated Fellow Member (FM) status by the IEDC for his significant contributions to the profession for his professional as well as academic endeavors. In 2022, he was awarded The Paul J. Alinsky Excellence Award, which is presented annually by the Rotary Club of Michigan City. Most recently, he was inducted into the 2025 Midwest Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame.

In his spare time, Clarence loves to enjoy music festivals, fishing, reading biographies and history, and completing his bucket list of visiting all 50 States (49 to date)