Governor, IEDC announce record-setting $20.7B first quarter in commitments
The IEDC said the first-quarter financial commitments, which came from 45 companies planning to locate or expand in Indiana, ranged from $81,000 to $11 billion apiece.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
Indiana Statehouse’s $12.5M repair project includes cleaning the dome
The project will focus on the roofline and include gutter repair, chimney masonry work, rotunda masonry work and cleaning, window replacement/repair, limited patching and repair of the roof where needed, and, finally, cleaning of the copper dome.
‘Message received’ on call for housing task force as Indiana slips in affordability
In light of a new report finding Indiana’s housing affordability worsened over the last year, a group of advocates on Thursday called on Gov. Eric Holcomb to establish a dedicated task force, saying lawmakers haven’t done enough to solve the state’s housing crisis.
State’s effort to attract data centers starting to pay off
At least seven projects have been announced around since the Legislature in 2019 passed an economic development aimed specifically at data centers, which house computers, servers, and related hardware and equipment.
Developers come out of the shadows in Westfield
With a new mayor and a completely new city council in Westfield, developers have resumed submitting projects to a city they say they’ve avoided the past four years.
Moving city workers a heavy lift but a cost saver
A $7 million, three-phased relocation project will move more than 600 employees across several city agencies from various rented spaces to either the City-County Building or the new Community Justice Campus, on Southeastern Avenue.
House committee delays vote on Blue Line bill after hours of testimony
Lawmakers on the Indiana House Roads and Transportation Committee heard nearly three hours of testimony Tuesday on Senate Bill 52, mostly from opponents who said the legislation would jeopardize the future of the planned Blue Line bus line and cause Indianapolis to lose out on $150 million in federal infrastructure improvements.
Regional collaboration aims to lift city centers
A cooperative of central Indiana communities wants to expand the impact of Main Street via walkable districts to attract residents and boost innovative development.
Indiana’s state budget director stepping down to become Carmel’s CFO
Zachary “Zac” Jackson, who has led the State Budget Agency as director for nearly five years, is leaving state government to become chief financial officer and controller for the city of Carmel, the Indiana governor’s office announced Monday.
Front-runner Mike Braun looks to break away from field in governor’s race
While no nonpartisan-sponsored polls have been released in the GOP gubernatorial race, a poll conducted for the U.S. senator’s campaign in late December showed him with a significant lead.
Energizer to close Franklin facility, cut 64 employees
The Franklin facility also saw major job reductions in October, when Energizer ceased its packaging operations at the site.
Indiana wholesalers fight over surging ready-to-drink cocktail market
Beer wholesalers want the ability to sell liquor-based ready-to-drink cocktails in Indiana, an increasingly popular line that liquor and wine wholesalers want to keep for themselves.
Lawmakers want IEDC to disclose more information
As the Republican-led agency faces calls from critics for more transparency, legislators from both political parties have filed legislation aimed at requiring the job-creation agency to disclose more about its activities.
On the move: Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen focuses on building city and region
Chris Jensen, 39, became the city’s first new mayor in 16 years when he succeeded Republican John Ditslear in 2020. While the pandemic provided a roadblock, Noblesville has still experienced a flurry of development in the past four years.
Happy hour, cocktails to-go bill makes splash at Indiana Statehouse
The bill would allow retailers to reduce drink prices for up to four hours a day, but less than 15 hours in a week. Happy hours wouldn’t be allowed between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m.
Assessed value boom in Indiana drives jump in maximum levy appeals
Indiana’s local units of governments increasingly seek reviews that could mean more funding.
Local leaders tour Singapore for White River inspiration
A 26-person contingent comprising state and city officials, not-for-profit leaders and business executives traveled to the tiny city-state Nov. 14-17 to study how the nation has developed land along its waterfront.
Indiana senator eyes 2025 for ‘school choice’ overhaul
A top GOP state senator wants to completely overhaul Indiana’s private school vouchers with a grant program that would allow all Hoosier families—regardless of income—to choose where their students get educated.
Coalition touts bills to improve consumer lending in Indiana
Hoosiers for Responsible Lending on Wednesday hosted a press conference lauding two pieces of legislation at the Statehouse that they said would significantly improve consumer lending policy in Indiana.
Banks prepare to take on Biden administration over billions in overdraft fees
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is expected to propose rules this week that would further rein in banks’ ability to charge customers a fee when they overdraw their bank account.