Increasing Indy’s Net Migration Value (in other words, attracting young urban professionals)

When it comes to development, urban cities across the U.S. are getting hip to what the hipsters want and the stakes are high. It’s no secret; the race is on as cities vie for fresh new talent to spur and support their economic development. What used to be a good idea, has now become a necessity. Indianapolis must attract young professionals to its city center in order to continue growing and thriving.

Lifestyle plays a huge role in migrants’ decisions about where to live: decent cost of living, ample employment, affordable housing, a diversity of entertainment options and a convenient way to get around. One of the most popular requests that young urban professionals have is the option to not own a car, which translates into close proximity to everything they need and ample public transportation options. According to Michael Andersen, Green Lane Project staff writer, “a few cities that happened to start investing in low-car transportation options years ago have been enjoying a big head start in attracting young workers over the last 10 years, even if their local job markets are ho-hum at best.”

On that note, Indianapolis ranks high in terms of bicycle and pedestrian access, much thanks to the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and Indianapolis Parks’ Greenways and Trails system for converting rails to trails and building new bike lanes connecting the city's major cultural centers with the downtown core. Even though the older parts of downtown grew haphazardly around areas of interest like the canal, the university, or near Massachusetts Avenue, the “new” downtown is developing along the Cultural Trail. Locating on or near the trail, with all of its adjoining arteries, has become a safe bet for new businesses and developers. David Leazenby, Vice President of Predevelopment at Milhaus, points out, “you cannot talk about residential development today in downtown Indianapolis without talking about the Cultural Trail. No other American city has one like it. It doesn’t matter which neighborhood around downtown: if you have the trail, then you are connected and there is a great opportunity for development.”

Building an inner city culture less reliant on cars comes with the added responsibility of providing residents plenty of alternatives to car ownership. In an IBJ article, Mayor Greg Ballard is quoted as saying, “Convenient and reliable transportation is critical to attracting new residents and is crucial to the future growth of central Indiana. We have been nationally recognized over the last few years as a great place to live, work and raise a family. A modern, regional mass-transit system is the next step to drive central Indiana forward as an economic engine for our state.”

In March, Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed Senate Bill 176, which will increase funding for public transportation. There is a buzz of excitement around this legislation because Indianapolis groups like Indy Connect, Central Indiana’s Transportation Initiative, in cooperation with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), and the Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority (CIRTA), have been working for years to gain support for better public transportation options in the city. And it seems the time has finally come. With increased downtown housing options and a growing job market, all of the pieces seem to be falling into place to attract a bright new future for Indianapolis.