Richmond's mayor gave his State of the City address. Here are some highlights
Evan Weaver
- The city saw significant economic investment from manufacturers, creating new jobs and attracting businesses like Chick-fil-A.
- Developments in downtown Richmond include the Revitalize Richmond project and new housing initiatives.
- Improvements to transportation infrastructure include the reopening of the Depot Overpass Bridge, the Revive I-70 project, and the expansion of the city's Complete Street Loops Project.
RICHMOND, Ind. — On Friday afternoon, Richmond Mayor Ron Oler welcomed dozens of community members and local, state and U.S. representatives to the Richmond Municipal Building as he gave his annual State of the City address.
In his 35-minute speech, Oler spoke of accomplishments his administration and the city have worked on throughout 2024, as well as highlighting projects set to come in 2025.
From bringing in more than 150 new jobs through manufacturer expansions and hyping the arrival of a Chick-fil-A to touting department improvements over the past year, here are some highlights.
Investments from Blue Buffalo, Richmond Beverage Solutions and more
Oler spoke of multiple investments from manufacturers to expand within the city, which amount to a combined $400 million investment and will create 160 new full-time jobs.
Pet food manufacturers Blue Buffalo (50 new jobs) and Anchor Ingredients combine for a $240 million investment, while precision fermentation plant Liberation Labs (45 new jobs) and Richmond Beverage Solutions (65 new jobs by 2027) make up the remaining $160 million.
Staying on the topic of food, Oler said a demolition permit for the old Steak 'n Shake building at 5901 National Road E. was just approved last Tuesday, paving the way for construction of Chick-fil-A to begin this spring.
Oler also noted other projects that are in the works for this year, such as Wawa, Speedway and QuickPix as well as "many other restaurants" and coffee shops.
Developments to downtown and housing: Revitalize Richmond, 6 Main Apartments, Smith Hill Subdivision
Oler spoke about the developments coming to downtown through the city's Revitalize Richmond project with Earlham College, which includes a $25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. and $83 million in matching funds from community partners.
Oler also discussed the upcoming housing projects recently approved by Richmond Common Council that will bring luxury apartments to the former Elder Beerman Building site and a new townhome subdivision between South 37th Street and Garwood Road on the east side of the city.
Oler spoke about the city's homeless and unsheltered population and the initiatives the city took in 2024 to find better solutions for them.
One such solution, Oler said, was the cleaning and removal of dozens of encampments across the city, both on public and private properties, while working with local non-government organizations to act compassionately by allowing residents of the encampments to collect their personal belongings with a 30-day notice.
"In 2024, we removed over 40 tons of debris from more than two dozen encampments around the city," he said. "By first finding better housing solutions, then removing the encampments, we hopefully are preventing future transients from setting up camp along the river and other city parks."
Transportation improvements for drivers, bikers, pedestrians alike
From staying at home to living on the road, Oler talked about all of the projects the city has recently completed and is currently working on to give all modes of transportation a safer and more accessible path to travel from Point A to Point B.
Starting with improvements for motorists, Oler noted the January reopening of the Depot Overpass Bridge that was under construction for two years, adding that there will be a block party and dedication ceremony coming to the Depot District in May.
He also brought up the $800 million Revive I-70 project being undertaken by the Indiana Department of Transportation that covers the interstate from the Ohio state line to just west of Cambridge City. The project will bring extra driving lanes and redeveloped interchanges to allow for safer transition for on and off ramps.
"We'll finally have a gateway to Indiana from the eastern United States that the state would be proud of," Oler said.
Pertaining to Richmond's surface streets, Oler touted the Community Crossings grant that allowed the city to pave three and a half miles' worth of streets last year with another five planned for this year. In January, the city's common council accepted a matching grant from INDOT that could give the city up to $1.5 million this year.
For bicyclists and pedestrians, Oler spoke about Loop Phase II, an extension of the city's Complete Street Loops Project that "seeks to create a more connected and accessible Central Corridor by providing safe routes for people not in cars."
"The completion of the second phase will transform the loop into a destination, rather than just a thoroughfare," Oler said.
Oler said a transportation master plan will be developed soon.
Projects from Richmond Sanitary District, Municipal Airport, Parks & Recreation
Considering the growth of Richmond, Oler said the Sanitary District has been enhancing its sewer structure to meet increasing demands.
Two such projects include the West Side Interceptor Improvements, a $6 million investment to replace aging sewers with larger pipes and dual barrel siphon under the Whitewater River to improve wastewater flow, and the Short Creek Lift Station, which was built on Liberty Avenue to replace a 55-year-old facility to improve wastewater management.
Oler said there are plans to get a new terminal building at the airport, with a "critical milestone" coming in April with the submission of a design grant application.
"Securing this grant will be essential for attaining additional funding and advancing the next phases of the project also at the airport," he said.
U.S. Rep. Jefferson Shreve told the Palladium-Item he was meeting with Oler shortly after the address to discuss the funding.
"That's something I'm going to try to be helpful with," Shreve said. "I think he's looking for the federal component to that, which likely wouldn't have an April deadline. Most of the funding for airports is federal, not state."
Oler also briefly talked about the Parks & Recreation Department's Whitewater Gorge Activation Plan, which is still in its early stages, as it aims to introduce more outdoor recreational activities for residents.
Enhancements to city's police and fire departments
"Over the past year, we've reserved positive trends in crime reduction thanks to the dedication of our law enforcement agencies and our community partnerships," Oler said. "Initiatives such as community policing and crime prevention programs have fostered trust and collaboration between officers and residents."
Oler said notable improvements including police officers using body cameras, the hiring of 14 new officers in 2024, and de-escalation training allowed for higher transparency, accountability and ethical policing.
"RPD is the only one of five departments in the entire state to adopt the ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) approach, taking Richmond again to the forefront of improving public safety services," he said.
Oler also talked about the police department's Policing and Communities Together Division, which saw officers positively engage with community members at 90 events, as well as the city's fight on blight, which the Richmond Police Department just began enforcing on vehicles.
Oler said the hiring of 13 new firefighters and facility improvements that included a new pole barn for additional storage, remodeling Station Five, the incorporation of a new fire truck and ambulance and the introduction of a Safe Haven baby box at Station One have enhanced emergency response and community support.
Oler spoke about the Richmond Power & Light's collaboration with the city to improve street lighting and rebuild the city's electric system, as well as partnering with Indiana Municipal Power Agency to provide the city's eighth solar plant for green energy production.
Oler also mentioned the city's new rebranding initiative and an upcoming update to the city's comprehensive plan.
"Richmond has never undertaken a comprehensive branding process in the past," he said. "Municipal branding goes beyond logos and slogans. It really embodies the collective perceptions, personality and reputation of a city. It represents what people associate with a place when they hear its name. By clearly defining these elements, Richmond can consistently express its identity, strengthening its image and reputation."
Evan Weaver is a news and sports reporter at The Palladium-Item. Contact him on X (@evan_weaver7) or email ateweaver@gannett.com.