Hoosiers getting state tax refund after surprising revenue surplus
Overall tax collections came in about 14% higher than a year ago, giving Indiana a surplus of almost $3.9 billion and triggering a tax refund.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
City wants building owners to track utility use
A city proposal to require tracking of municipal and commercial energy use could save millions of dollars, reduce emissions by thousands of tons and cut water usage by billions of gallons in less than a decade.
Regions form to apply for statewide economic grant program
More than 50 cities and counties across Indiana have partnered to form nine regions to apply for the state’s $500 million READI grant program.
Pressure grows on Biden to curb ransomware attacks
Although last week’s attack appears to have caused what Biden called “minimal damage” to U.S. businesses, it rattled national security officials, and personnel at key federal agencies worked through the July 4 holiday weekend to assess the damage.
Indiana’s parks and preserves land $57M in upgrades
Indiana’s state parks, forests and trails—long starving for cash and maintenance—will receive money for improvements at nearly 50 state properties and the first new state park inn in more than 80 years.
State Fair lands $50M to turn swine barn into multiuse facility
The pigs at the Indiana State Fair are officially getting a new place to stay after the state released $50 million to replace the almost century-old swine barn with a multiuse facility that will also be able to host large sporting events.
Governor to lead business development trip to Qatar
Indiana’s delegation is scheduled to leave Indianapolis on Monday, July 5, and return Friday, July 9.
House passes $700B transportation and water bill, making its pitch on infrastructure
The package provides $343 billion for roads, bridges and safety programs, $109 billion for transit agencies and $95 billion for rail. It also includes $117 billion for drinking water programs and $51 billion for wastewater infrastructure.
Noblesville approves $142M master plan for 274 acres near Hamilton Town Center
The conceptual design for Hyde Park lays the groundwork for mixed-used buildings, multifamily housing, neighborhood retail and office space, a senior living community and a park to be developed near Interstate 69 over the next 10 years.
Indy awards $400,000 to 40 community organizations for crime-prevention projects
Dozens of Indianapolis community organizations based in districts experiencing high levels of violent crime will receive grants aimed at addressing root causes of crime and violence.
Judge rules Indiana must continue extra federal unemployment benefits
Gov. Eric Holcomb and the state’s Workforce Development office “will discuss an immediate appeal of the judge’s order with the Attorney General,” the governor’s office said.
Federal funds help libraries, schools provide off-campus internet access
The application period opens Tuesday for the Emergency Connectivity Fund, which will reimburse libraries and schools for the purchase of laptops, tablets and Wi-Fi hot spots.
Fresh wave of rental help on way as eviction moratorium extended for ‘final’ time
Since IndyRent launched last July, it has provided $96.1 million in emergency rental assistance to help thousands of residents stay housed in the midst of the pandemic’s economic fallout.
Greenwood mayor unveils latest designs for new sports complex
Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers touted the city’s economic development and unveiled renderings for the 40-acre sports complex at his State of the City address.
From Congress to the classroom, Susan Brooks joins IU McKinney
The former congresswoman will be returning to her alma mater, Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, as a distinguished scholar and ambassador at large, the school announced Wednesday.
Industry vet named president of KSM Location Advisors
Mark Mitchell, an economic development executive with more than 25 years of experience, and Indiana roots, is expected to help KSM Location Advisors build its business in the southern United States.
Fishers to consider $27M in bonds for land acquisitions, life sciences park
Much of the money is earmarked to acquire a 75-acre property for a life sciences business park that will be anchored by Stevanato Group’s planned $145 million pharmaceutical manufacturing facility.
Dems eye $6T plan on infrastructure, Medicare, immigration
Half of the total in the $6 trillion plan is expected to be paid for with Biden’s proposed taxes on corporations and those earning more than $400,000.
Longtime developer Chambers named Indiana secretary of commerce
Brad Chambers, who founded Indianapolis-based powerhouse development firm Buckingham Cos. in 1984, will take his new position July 6. He’ll succeed Jim Schellinger, who stepped down abruptly in March after 5-1/2 years on the job.
Food-packaging manufacturer plans $380M plant, 345-plus jobs in Indiana
The company, which stands to receive more than $6 million in state and local incentives, said it could expand its investment in central Indiana to $490 million and its hiring plans to 425 by 2025.