Data for Decision-Makers

Aaron Renn is a prolific writer on all things urban. His blog The Urbanophile, gives particular focus to Midwestern urban issues. Last week, I read a post from Renn's blog discussing how Indianapolis is experiencing an uncommon phenomenon -- a rise in the residential population of the urban core. This led me to examine the actual data behind Renn's conclusion. 

Sure enough, the U.S. Census Bureau reports the population of Center Township rose from 139,238 residents in 2006 to 147,791 persons in 2008 -- an astounding 6 percent increase in just two years. This is even more incredible, given that the population growth rate for the entire metropolitan statistical area from 2000 to 2008 was 12.5 percent.

So I started thinking about the reasons why people have a renewed desire to live in the urban core of Indianapolis. I have lived in the Indianapolis Region for almost 18 years now, which is long enough to have seen a major transformation. The transformation is mostly due to foresight over the past few decades on the part of our local political leaders with help from the Lilly Endowment, Central Indiana Community Foundation, and key philanthropists. Realizing that a vibrant urban core is vital to the entire region, local leaders have intentionally focused development of new sports venues, libraries, galleries, theater districts, parks, and trails in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. 

Mayor Ballard's increased emphasis on fighting crime, particularly violent crime, is also paying off.  The overall crime rate in Marion County declined by 5 percent from 2007 to 2009, with violent crime declining by more than double that rate. Ballard has also renewed efforts to address vacant properties -- an historical breeding ground for crime in any region.

As we enter a new decade, I am excited to see more residential construction than ever in the downtown area. The benefits are spilling over into neighborhoods bordering the downtown area as well, like Chatham Arch, Mass. Ave., Fall Creek Place, Old Northside, and others.  Big events will unfold here over the next few years including the NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four this year, NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four in 2011, and the Super Bowl in 2012, all taking place downtown. By the first part of next year, we will have an expanded convention center that is truly competitive with the largest in the U.S. in size and amenities, drawing ever larger groups of folks to see what Indianapolis has to offer. Many people will arrive here through the architectural marvel that is the new Indianapolis International Airport terminal, which I consider to be a world-class gateway to a world-class city.

Yes, the new decade in Indianapolis and the entire Indianapolis Region looks brighter than ever. Our urban renaissance will continue to be a major contributor to our progress in the coming years.

OF NOTE: Aaron Renn, The Urbanophile, will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming Indy Partnership Annual Meeting. The event will be held on March 23 at the Toby Theatre at the Indianapolis Museum of Art and is open to the public. For more information, visit www.indypartnership.com or contact Oren Cooley at ocooley@indypartnership.com.

PHOTO CAPTION: A view from the Washington Street bridge shows the NCAA headquarters, NCAA Hall of Champions, and the nearly complete JW Marriott hotel, which stands 34 stories tall next to the newly expanded Indiana Convention Center. The Indianapolis JW Marriott will boast the largest ballroom in the chain -- fitting for the largest JW Marriott in the world.