Indiana is 'blooming,' Gov. Eric Holcomb says in Bloomington visit

Gov. Eric Holcomb spoke about Indiana's economic outlook, educational investment and intercommunity collaboration at the Monroe Convention Center on Thursday. The Governor's Luncheon was hosted by the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, with the question and answer section moderated by Indiana University President Pamela Whitten.

Cook Medical president highlights local issues: housing, jail conditions

Before the governor's introduction, Pete Yonkman, president of Cook Medical, shared some thoughts on where he sees areas for potential improvement in the community.

"I think sometimes (when) I see our community, I see some challenges," Yonkman said.

Early in 2022, Cook Group announced plans to build hundreds of homes in Owen, Orange and Lawrence counties in order to sell many of them to its employees at cost, or for less than $200,000. Notably, Monroe County was left out of these plans, with Yonkman now citing difficulty in securing local support for a housing development project.

2022 announcement:Cook to build 300 homes in Owen, Orange, Lawrence counties; sales price below $200,000

"I was asked why I support a project that was critical, I thought, to the needs of the community and want to support them at the hearing. The response I got back was that 'Well, we don't agree that housing is an issue. I think it's a myth perpetrated by the Realtors.' It was shocking to me; I wasn't sure how to respond to that."

Yonkman supported a housing development proposed in 2021 by local home builder Tom Wininger. Wininger wanted to build paired townhomes south of Bloomington that would have sold around $250,000. Monroe County commissioners rejected his zoning request and Wininger said he would instead build homes on larger lots selling for $500,000 or more. Wininger opted to build his affordable housing project in Greene County, which he said was friendlier to his development.

Commissioners say 'no':A developer's plan to build 190 paired townhomes near Clear Creek Elementary was rejected

"As a community we haven't even agreed on what we want as housing," Yonkman said. "Do we want density? Do we not want density? Do we want expansion (or) do we not want expansion? How are we expected to deal with the real needs of our community if we, leadership, can't even agree on what the definition of housing is?"

He also referenced current county jail conditions, which have gained ire and concern from community members, as a critical issue that needs more community collaboration in order to be properly addressed.

Yonkman said the state's ability to create space and offer necessary tools will help local community leaders tackle their area's own unique challenges.

What does Holcomb want out of Indiana's 2023 legislative session?

Holcomb highlighted economic development, education, public health and support of local communities as the key sectors state lawmakers are currently focused on strengthening.

"We have to put more resources into early learning, pre-K (programs), literacy and making sure there are more pathways in high school," Holcomb described.

By re-investing in Indiana's education, there will be more jobs requiring advanced skills that attract educated workers, whether that means keeping graduates in the state or enticing people to move to Indiana for those jobs.

Holcomb also referenced the need for more cross-collaboration between Hoosier counties, aided by state programs such as the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative.

How will Indiana's economy be advanced for the future?

To ensure Indiana's competitive edge in the current and near-future economic market, Holcomb is interested in sharpening the state workforce.

"To do that, we need to make sure that we protect and enhance what makes our state so attractive for businesses," Holcomb said.

While noting the state's unemployed population is around 1.9 million workers, he said about 1.8 million of those individuals aren't looking to return to work, including people who retired during the pandemic. For the approximately 80,000 people who could be recruited back into the workforce, there needs to be more focus on incentivizing them.

"So how are we directly connected with them and getting them the skills to a job that's within 12 miles of where they live?" Holcomb posited.

Noting that Indiana is home to some of the premier universities in the world, such as Indiana University's high-performing medical school, Holcomb said local businesses and educational institutions need to better connect and cross-promote the advantages of living in the state.

Holcomb also emphasized the importance of attracting new people as well, through "real, legal immigration reform" as well as encouraging other state's residents to move here.

Holcomb said he recently sat down with staff of a top-tier business, whose leaders described Indiana as "blooming" with potential advantages.

"Like you're not trying, you're already there. You're growing. You've got the components," Holcomb said.

Holcomb stressed the importance of continuing in a positive direction, urging Hoosier businesses and universities to join efforts to strengthen Indiana as a vibrant, enticing community that will attract new opportunities for economic growth.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Governor Holcomb visits Bloomington, shares plans for state resources