2025 Year in Review: Data center projects spur opposition, investment in power generation
Indianapolis-based Citizens Action Coalition estimated in September that there were 40 data centers active or proposed in the state.
Economic Development
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Indy Chamber brings on council policy chief to lead local government affairs
Greg Stowers is moving from his job as the City-County Council’s chief administrative officer and policy director to a new position with the Indy Chamber. In a question-and-answer session with IBJ, he discusses his new role.
INCOG BioPharma investing additional $200M to expand Fishers campus
INCOG, which now employs just more than 400 people in Fishers, plans to have nearly 1,000 people working at its 21-acre campus by 2030.
IEDC board handles funding for Elevate Ventures in first meeting since audit
The IEDC board converted debt from Elevate Ventures into ownership of the nonprofit’s funds, while also awarding Elevating a $5 million loan to invest in Indiana startups.
Hobart reaches agreement with Amazon for next-gen data center
Mayor Josh Huddlestun said the project will create thousands of construction jobs for local workers and “close to a thousand” long-term jobs.
City’s roster of cultural districts spikes from seven to 19
The move nearly triples the number of highlighted areas and recasts perceptions of what areas are worthy of recommending to visitors.
Tensions rise as hundreds crowd Decatur Township data center meeting
Attendees voiced fears that the project would worsen existing problems, ranging from deteriorating roads to strained water and power infrastructure.
Former Indy Chamber chief to join Indy Eleven as president
In addition to his responsibilities with the team, the new hire will serve as senior vice president for Keystone Group and as strategic adviser to owner Ersal Ozdemir.
Broad Ripple stakeholders pursue plan to revitalize neighborhood
New nonprofit Friends of Broad Ripple Village hopes to end a stagnant commercial era for the neighborhood.
Indiana lawmakers’ nuclear energy push pays off earlier than expected
Energy startup First American Nuclear plans to spend $4 billion and create 5,000 jobs in Indiana in the coming decade as it pursues building a nuclear plant powered by small modular reactors.
Nuclear energy startup to establish HQ, manufacturing operations in Indiana
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun said in a news release that the move will bring 5,000 high-paying jobs to Indiana.
New Indiana task force aims to boost state’s role in U.S. drone development
The new “Indiana Initiative for Drone Dominance Task Force” will coordinate work across government, universities and private industry.
Examiner recommends city deny east-side Wawa request
Joe Calderon, a Barnes & Thornburg attorney representing Wawa, told reporters that he is unsure whether Wawa will appeal.
Use of nondisclosure agreements criticized amid data center surge
The NDAs public officials are signing early in the development process are a growing source of friction between tech giants and Indiana residents.
UPDATE: Henry County commission tables data center discussion—for now
The Shelbyville-based developer previously attempted a data center project in Hancock County, but withdrew that proposal earlier this year after receiving significant community pushback.
Former Hogsett aide’s secret relationship calls into question high-profile deals
Recent media reports raise questions about deals brokered by Thomas Cook, Mayor Hogsett’s former chief of staff, and the city’s former top economic development official, with whom Cook was allegedly in a secret romantic relationship.
Shelbyville to add concert amphitheater as cultural amenity
City leaders in Shelbyville say the planned $14 million amphitheater is expected to boost economic development.
Indiana-based Fiber Global planning $29.4M plant, 100 jobs in Boone County
Fiber Global Inc.’s flagship product, Forged Fiber Board, is manufactured from reclaimed corrugated cardboard and bio-based resin.
Carmel’s $55M natatorium draws international competition
The Oct. 10-12 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup will bring 450 swimmers, including Olympians and world-record holders, to Carmel. The event will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock in the United States and in 12 international markets.
Some Indiana Democrats call for further investigation into IEDC, affiliated entities
Rep. Ed Delaney, D-Indianapolis, called the 127-page forensic report “a good start.” But he said it left out important information.