Local officials highlighted economic development, infrastructure projects and housing growth during a City-County Legislative Luncheon hosted Thursday by the Crawfordsville/Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce.
The event at the Hoosier Heartland State Bank Succcess Center brought together business leaders, residents and elected officials to discuss initiatives affecting Montgomery County.
Crawfordsville Mayor Todd Barton pointed to several projects and investments made in recent years as the city works to support economic growth while improving quality of life.
“We’ve spent years and years kind of building a foundation and getting the momentum going, and I’m going to tell you right now, we’re there,” Barton said. “Things are happening. There’s a lot happening.”
Barton said the city is focused on sustained growth to support employers and maintain a strong local economy.
“If you’re not growing as a community, you’re going to die. That’s the bottom line,” he said. “To meet the employment demands of our current employers, we have to have sustained growth.”
Among the initiatives Barton highlighted was the launch of the Crawfordsville Area Transportation system in January, the county’s first public transportation service.
“We now have a public transportation system in place,” Barton said. “Yes, it’s in its infancy, and it will have to grow, and it will grow to meet demand.”
Barton also discussed workforce development efforts, including the Crawfordsville Adult Resource Academy, located at the former Ivy Tech facility that houses career and technical education programs and apprenticeship opportunities.
“To me, one of the key ways is to get to the young people so that they can see that there is another option,” Barton said. “They can have a great life in our community.”
He also highlighted park and trail projects aimed at improving quality of life, including work at neighborhood parks, Brickyard Nature Park and the planned Shortz Nature Park. City officials are also working to extend local trails through Purple Heart Parkway and toward Milligan Park.
Infrastructure projects remain a major focus as the city prepares for additional growth. Barton said sewer and water extensions are planned along C.R. 150S and Purple Heart Parkway, along with other road and utility improvements tied to development on the city’s south side.
Barton also brought up the federal planning study to address the Market Street railroad crossing.
“That is a monumental project in and of itself,” Barton said, noting the planning grant will help determine potential solutions and prepare the city to seek federal funding for construction.
Barton said housing development continues to increase, particularly on the south side of Crawfordsville, where several residential projects are planned or under consideration.
Retail development often follows housing growth, he added.
“Retail follows rooftops,” Barton said.
Crawfordsville City Council member Andy Biddle said the level of activity in the community is unlike anything he has seen in decades.
“I’ve been in town since ’71, and I’ve never seen any kind of activity like we’ve seen now,” Biddle said. “I think you’ve seen the result of a good council and a good mayor working together.”
Montgomery County Commissioner Dan Guard said cooperation between city and county officials has been key in supporting business retention and economic development.
“It’s so much easier to retain those businesses that are here rather than trying to recruit new,” Guard said.
Guard also provided updates on several county projects, including the completion of the courthouse renovation and the timeline for the Nucor Bridge project. The bridge project is now expected to go out for bid in January 2027, with construction still anticipated to begin later that year.
“That will definitely open up and be a key player for us to be able, as a county, to focus any commercial and residential development along that corridor,” Guard said.
Montgomery County Councilman David Hunt said county officials are monitoring the potential effects of state property tax legislation while preparing for the upcoming budget cycle.
“We’re watching the effect of what the Senate bill is going to do,” Hunt said.
Hunt said the county’s financial position has improved in recent years, allowing it to better fund matching requirements for projects supported by grants.
“We have drastically turned that around over the past few years and put us in a better position to do these projects that come up,” Hunt said.
He also noted the county is finalizing tax abatement agreements tied to Nucor Towers and Nucor Coatings expansion projects.
“Those are huge investments in our community,” Hunt said. “It’s bringing great jobs, high-paying jobs, and that’s what’s driving our growth.”
During a question-and-answer session, Barton was also asked about potential retail development in Crawfordsville. He said the process is largely driven by developers who analyze market data before approaching retailers.
“What really happens is it works through developers,” Barton said. “We give them our retail gaps analysis … and that starts the conversation.”
Barton said the city also uses cellphone data to show retailers that Crawfordsville serves as a regional shopping destination.
“I can tell you how many people shopped in the Walmart in Crawfordsville last week,” Barton said. “And where they came from.”
Another question focused on the impact rising rent prices are having on seniors and other residents who rely on subsidized housing. Barton said there is interest from some developers in bringing low-income housing tax credit projects to the community but said those decisions involve multiple considerations.
“Is there hope? Yes,” Barton said. “But I will tell you, it’s not straightforward.”
