Braun: Morales’ India economic development trip falls outside secretary of state’s responsibilities
Secretary of State Diego Morales said the trip was privately funded, but his office did declined to tell IBJ who paid for the trip.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
Bill creating transparency measures for Indiana economic development agency heads to House floor
Critics of the Indiana Economic Development Corp., which receives hundreds of millions in tax dollars each year, have wondered whether the agency has been transparent and fiscally responsible enough.
Experts, insiders say it’s unclear which option MLS might favor for Indianapolis soccer team
If Major League Soccer decides to put a team in Indianapolis, it can happen one of two ways: through an expansion of the 30-team league or by moving an existing team here.
Report says townships fail to disperse emergency help taxpayers are funding
The January report by poverty- and homelessness-focused service providers, titled “Marion County Township Trustees: Opportunities Seized; Opportunities Missed,” is the result of a yearlong investigation.
Bill creating water withdrawal regulations expected to pass House committee amid LEAP concerns
The legislation would add a new permitting process for utility developers looking to move large amounts of water to support their projects.
Some businesses fear for future of federal program in wake of partial blockage
A federal court last fall temporarily blocked a program meant to prevent discrimination in government-funded transportation contracts from applying to two southern Indiana contractors.
Braun executive orders seek to limit misuse of unemployment benefits
For eligible Hoosiers on unemployment, Gov. Mike Braun said he wants the state’s unemployment program to provide more job assistance support and become a “springboard” for opportunity.
Legislation targeting squatting gains momentum
Depending on whom you ask, such bills are a solution in search of a problem or an important tool in combatting property problems caused by scammers and the homeless.
EV, battery manufacturers moving ahead on projects despite Trump’s views, actions
Potential rollbacks of Biden-era policies that incentivized electric vehicle production and ownership have stirred apprehension among some local economic development officials across the state.
U.S. Senate confirms financier Howard Lutnick as commerce secretary
At his confirmation hearing last month, Lutnick dismissed as “nonsense” the idea that tariffs contribute to inflation.
Tariffs could reach deep into manufacturing-heavy Indiana
While consumers across the country could pay higher prices on all sorts of goods, Indiana’s economy is especially vulnerable to the uncertainty from tariffs and retaliatory tariffs between nations, economists say.
Uncertainty over impact of tariffs leaves aftermarket manufacturer anxious
Anderson-based StagUSA Services Inc. manufactures aftermarket products allow vehicles to run on alternative fuels like compressed natural gas and propane. The company imports propane tanks from Mexico and other components from Poland.
Nashville distiller says Trump policies may present new opportunities
When the Trump administration announced tariffs on Feb. 1 for most Canadian, Mexican and Chinese goods, Hard Truth Distilling Co. co-owner Jeff McCabe was worried but said his Indiana whiskey producer will be fine.
Portage plastics parts maker fears trade ‘chaos’
Konrady Plastics Inc. CEO Leah Konrady says President Trump’s trade proposals are creating uncertainty.
Despite building concerns, IEDC transparency bills died without hearings. Why?
Lawmakers’ unease with the Indiana Economic Development Corp. culminated in at least four transparency-focused bills this session—all filed by Republicans—seeking to add more guardrails.
Indiana House passes bill to create state agency supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs
House Bill 1172 has broad support from the business community, including the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the Indiana chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business.
Bill to overhaul regional development funding awaits committee vote as deadline ticks closer
Senate Bill 377 introduces a new framework and requirements for regional development funding, shifting the focus from place-aligned projects to more industry-focused development.
Federal judge blocks ‘catastrophic’ Trump administration cut to NIH grant funding
A judge on Monday prevented the National Institutes of Health from changing the percentage that universities and medical schools are paid in facilities and administrative costs in 22 states.
NCAA changes transgender competition policy for women’s sports
The NCAA policy change is effective immediately and applies to all athletes regardless of previous eligibility reviews under the NCAA’s prior transgender participation policy.
Economic enhancement district fee headed toward spring tax bills. Here’s what it will pay for.
Downtown Indy Inc. and the nine-member Downtown Economic Enhancement District Board of Directors have proposed a $4.53 million budget for 2025.