Politics & Policy

Fed raises rates, adding financing pressure for Indiana businesses

The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark target to 3.75%–4%. BusinessIndy examines the potential effect on Indiana employers carrying variable-rate debt.

Noblesville mayor highlights $4.2B private investment, Ryan Fireprotection $25M HQ2 and Deer Creek District rebrand

Mayor Chris Jensen used his Sept. 10, 2026 State of the City address at Riverview Health Arena to review recovery from the White River flood, outline public-safety and infrastructure spending, and list major private investments and branding tied to continued growth in Noblesville.

Noblesville leaders spotlight SMC’s 950+ jobs, $200M investment and Toyota Automated Logistics’ $165M campus

At his Sept. 10, 2026 State of the City address, Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen hosted executives from SMC Corp. of America and Toyota Automated Logistics to highlight continued Japanese investment in Noblesville, including SMC’s more than 950 full‑time employees and $200 million invested since 2009 and TAL’s $165 million campus announced in 2024.

Braun visits Anderson to assess flood recovery, discusses state and FEMA assistance for Madison County

The governor’s office said on Sept. 15, 2026 that Gov. Mike Braun toured flooded areas in Anderson and met with Mayor Thomas Broderick and Madison County leaders to review cleanup and recovery needs, including state and FEMA assistance for affected families.

Mitch Frazier appointed IEDC president, effective Oct. 5

Fort Wayne approves $340K for Miovision traffic cameras, replacing in‑road sensors

Fort Wayne City Council approved just over $340,000 to buy Miovision traffic detection cameras that detect vehicles approaching intersections to help signal timing. City officials say the cameras cannot read license plates, store video for roughly a week, and will replace in‑road sensors to avoid tearing up streets.

Muncie council advances plan to add ‘In God We Trust’ decals to police, fire vehicles; cost estimated “a few thousand dollars”

Muncie City Council voted 5-4 to place an ordinance up for a final vote next month that would add “In God We Trust” decals to police cars and firetrucks. Mayor Dan Ridenour supports the proposal; Council President Jeff Green wrote the ordinance and said it would cost “a few thousand dollars.”

EPA backs Indiana takeover of coal-ash permitting; 60-day comment period opens Sept. 16, 2026

Federal EPA officials announced on Sept. 15, 2026 a proposed approval of Indiana’s coal combustion residuals (CCR) permit program; the proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register on Sept. 16, 2026, opening a 60-day public comment period. IDEM estimates about 100 CCR units would require permits and forecasts $1.3 million in personnel costs.

Carmel schedules Sept. 17 block party to mark reopening of College Avenue, thanking nearby businesses

The City of Carmel will hold a free block party on Sept. 17, 2026, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Rosie’s Gardens & Hughes Landscape (10402 N. College Ave.) to celebrate completion and reopening of the College Avenue reconstruction project. The event will feature Mayor Sue Finkam’s Neighborhood Pop-up activities, remarks and a live set by the Naptown Hepcats.

MDC approves $4.3B Sabey data center incentives, secures at least $29.8M for Decatur Township

On September 16, 2026 the Metropolitan Development Commission approved an Economic Revitalization Area and deal terms for Sabey Data Center Properties LLC, enabling execution of a Memorandum of Agreement with the city. The package includes property abatements, job and wage commitments, and guaranteed community investments for Decatur Township.

Braun: Indiana Board of Finance approves additional gas tax reimbursements as holiday continues

Indiana board approves roughly $139M to reimburse local road funds; $46M distribution to counties, cities and towns set this week

On Sept. 15, 2026 the Indiana State Board of Finance approved about $139 million in reimbursements from the State Highway Fund to replace July gasoline excise and use tax revenue; the State Comptroller’s Office will begin distributing $46 million to counties, cities and towns this week.

Westfield council OKs 30 mph for Tomlinson Road

On Sept. 14, 2026, the Westfield City Council voted 6-1 to reduce the speed limit on Tomlinson Road from 40 mph to 30 mph after months of advocacy from the parents of a child killed in a June crash and other residents. City engineers had recommended 35 mph, but the council amended the ordinance to 30 mph.

‘All INdiana Politics’: Indiana Supreme Court reverses recount, restores Deery to ballot

Indy Parks' proposed $54M 2027 budget would boost maintenance, staff pay and aquatics investments

Indy Parks is proposing nearly $54 million for 2027 — about a 7% increase — to cover higher utilities, more facility maintenance and pay increases, including a new compensation policy. The department plans $2.5 million for aquatics and will complete a pool assessment this fall to identify maintenance needs.

Ryan Fireprotection plans $25M expansion of Noblesville headquarters, adding warehouse, offices and supply yard

Ryan Fireprotection announced a planned $25 million expansion of its Noblesville headquarters — a project called HQ2 that would add a warehouse, new office space and an outdoor supply yard on land immediately north of its existing facility, Mayor Chris Jensen said Sept. 10.

Republicans attack ex-GOP Mayor Ballard in party’s opening secretary of state ad

Advancing Westfield Foundation awards $499,000 to 22 Westfield nonprofits

Advancing Westfield Foundation granted $499,000 to 22 organizations serving Westfield, backing health care, youth programming and senior services. The awards were funded by proceeds from the Mayor’s Grand Gala held in early May.

Ali Brown resigns from the Indianapolis City-County Council

IMPD says officers can now only use Flock camera system for specific cases

An IMPD officer admitted using automated license-plate readers for personal reasons on Aug. 6, triggering an internal and criminal probe and immediate restrictions. IMPD adopted a policy tying searches to case numbers and Flock announced vendor rules shortening data retention and requiring searches be linked to cases.

IMPD Tightens Flock Oversight and Audits

HSE board OKs homeless policy language change

Indiana treasurer offers $50M in low-interest advances to storm-damaged local governments

State Treasurer Daniel Elliott is making $50 million immediately available through the Recovery Advance Program for Infrastructure Damage (RAPID). Local governments and municipal entities can apply for up to $1 million without a disaster declaration; loans carry a 2% interest rate and can be repaid with federal, state or local recovery funds.

Indiana employers expand childcare benefits to retain staff, warn tax credit’s $2.5M cap could limit help

At an Indiana Chamber childcare summit, employers including the Indianapolis Airport Authority, Parkview Health and Cummins described employer-funded childcare programs that helped retention, while raising concerns that a state employer childcare tax credit — capped statewide at $2.5 million and never claimed — may not cover future investments.