Letter: What does Indy 2060 look like?

After reading through the IBJ 40th anniversary edition and Nate Feltman’s column [“Forty years and still going strong,” Jan. 1], I was inspired to think about what is needed the next 40 years for central Indiana to continue to thrive and flourish. I will be in my mid-70s at that time and thinking of the city I’d want for my children and grandchildren.

Four things came to mind:

1) Coalition-building across diverse groups to build trust. We already do this in the many public/private/philanthropic initiatives we’ve modeled so well. However, this will require intentional effort and a new wave of leaders to build bridges across racial and economic divides leading to a reduction in adversarial relationships. Additionally, we need collaboration between key stakeholders in Marion County and the surrounding counties as marketing the region is truly how we will get the highest leverage for our special community.

2) Attract global talent. In order to do this, we need to invest in our city neighborhoods, arts and parks, cultural attractions and continue to double-down on our global niche of sports business.

3) Economic development and mobility. The task of attracting companies and good jobs to the region will never stop, and we need to work at creating better pathways for those lower on the economic ladder to gain access to these opportunities. Unique “earn and learn” models for all high schoolers is a great starting point for this exposure.

4) Better range of opportunities for all kids. A community is only as strong as the collective prioritization it puts on raising healthy kids. This includes schools, health care, home life and recreation.

I’m excited to see this vision come to life in the decades ahead. The opportunity for bold leadership has never been greater.

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Dave Neff