HICKS: Recessions end, with or without government help
The worst is likely behind us, but difficult times lie ahead, especially for the unemployed.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
EnerDel poised to get jolt of stimulus juice
Within weeks, EnerDel expects to receive notification that it’s getting as much as $480 million in financing under a U.S.
Department of Energy program aimed at fostering advanced vehicle manufacturing.
EDITORIAL: Project near MSA may be worth the risk
The city has unveiled a dramatic plan for new housing and retail development to revitalize the old Market Square Arena site.
Despite some shortcomings, the project deserves a chance to give the stagnant area a boost.
$65M downtown development deal raises questions
A $65 million public-private plan for the redevelopment of a vacant downtown office building is raising eyebrows for its unusual
approach and potential risk to taxpayers. The plan calls for a private developer to acquire the former Bank One operations
center, surface parking lots and an adjacent
parking garage from a private owner for $18.5 million, then sell the 1,680-space garage to the city for $18.5 million.
MARCUS: Urban entryways deserve attention
We need not have an arch to rival St. Louis, but more communities could copy work done on the north side of Bloomington and
the west side of Columbus to welcome visitors and bolster the pride of residents.
State audit findings sting Westfield
Westfield’s mayor says the city’s rapid growth and small staff are to blame for accounting problems raised in a State Board
of Accounts audit.
Unprecedented economic forecast revision will frame special session
With the help of outside economists, Indiana government undergoes an economic forecast every other yearâ??a process that’s taken on increased importance this spring, as Gov. Mitch Daniels and the Legislature attempt to craft a two-year budget amid the deepest recession since the early 1980s.
MARCUS: Let’s reassess reassessment
The process of assessment could be simplified and performed uniformly and inexpensively.
Transit, sustainable development likely to be themes in rescue of near-north neighborhood
Local leaders and, soon, a national team of experts, are quietly developing a strategy to revitalize Marion County’s biggest
concentration of brownfield sites and impoverished urban neighborhoods, centered at East 22nd Street and the Monon Trail.
Holiday a reminder of the value of public service
Many lament the loss of what might be called timeless values. I place these into two categories; both are exemplified and sustained by military service.
Panel handicaps market recovery chances
A panel of five veterans of real estate and construction provided industry insights at IBJ‘s Power Breakfast May
1 at the Westin Indianapolis.
Consider progressive taxes
Put some progressivity into Indiana tax rates when passing the Indiana state budget.
CIB drama goes from bad to worse
I am truly disgusted after reading the latest in the perennial saga of the CIB.
CIB executive director out-earns governor, mayor combined
Barney Levengood, executive director of the financially-struggling Capital Improvement Board, is one of the state’s highest-paid public employees, and some wonder if his pay should be cut.
Fiscal crisis calls for drastic measure
Ind. Gov. Mitch Daniels will call the Legislature into special session to pass an acceptable budget, but some legislators think a budget that would satisfy the governor cannot be crafted by the contentious partisans in this developing fiasco.
Prepare for Indiana’s low-carbon economy
No doubt the transition to a low-carbon economy will bring great challenges for Hoosier businesses, given how carbon-intensive
our society is. However, if we take proactive steps, Indiana can emerge as a standout success story.
Visible progress in the city hides other troubles
Indianapolis still looks like a city with momentum, despite the dismal economy. But appearances can be deceiving.
Stop funding CIB
Well-intentioned or not, competent or not, the so-called “leaders” [sports columnist Bill Benner] referenced in your [May 4] column failed miserably in representing the best interests of taxpayers and instead presided over an unconscionable transfer of wealth from “We the people” to a small number of professional sports owners and players.
Legislators, governor disagree about special session
Assigning responsibility for what stuck us with a special session is a political post-session must, but playing the blame
game usually isn’t a productive exercise.
Here’s a sustainable plan for the CIB
A reasonable and workable solution to the financial challenges confronting Marion County its Capital Improvement Board should include the following: