Lily Jones, The Herald Bulletin

January 10, 2026

ANDERSON — Lingering uncertainty in some sectors about the effects of tariffs levied by President Donald Trump on an array of consumer goods has complicated the outlook of some economists for the year ahead.

Those worries aren’t keeping local economic development officials from pressing ahead with plans to either prepare for or capitalize on an expected influx of residents and business activity in 2026.

Communities across the county are investing in business parks, downtown revitalization efforts and other measures to attract new residents and enhance infrastructure. A common goal, according to officials across the county, is preparing for development opportunities as growth from the northern suburbs of Indianapolis continues to makes its way toward Madison County. A visible example can be found along Interstate 69 near the Hamilton County line, where construction on buildings expected to house up to 240 apartments, as well as two new industrial buildings are part of the developing Ingalls Innovation District.

“These projects reflect a balanced approach to growth by investing in infrastructure, public spaces and core civic assets,” said Neil Stevenson, Ingalls planning director and town manager. “We believe they will improve day-to-day livability for residents while positioning Ingalls as a competitive and business-friendly community.”

Here is a look at some other notable projects and initiatives that economic development officials around the county are anticipating progress on in 2026:

ALEXANDRIA

The city continues to move forward with its façade improvement program, which has helped property owners reinvest in aging buildings and restore storefronts throughout downtown. The program provides matching grants for exterior improvements such as masonry repair, windows, signage, and façade upgrades.

“Façade improvements may seem small on paper, but they have a big impact,” Mayor Todd Naselroad said. “When people see buildings being cared for and invested in, it changes how they view downtown. It builds confidence, attracts customers, and encourages other property owners to step up and reinvest as well.”

City officials say the improvements will help reduce vacancy, support local businesses, and create a more walkable and welcoming downtown core.

The city is also laying groundwork for larger-scale growth through its business park planning efforts. Recently passed state legislation now allows Alexandria to annex non-contiguous property specifically for industrial and business park development, giving the city greater flexibility to attract employers.

“This legislation is a game-changer for us,” Naselroad said. “It gives Alexandria the tools we need to compete for modern employers that require larger, well-planned sites. That means more jobs, more investment, and more opportunity for our residents.”

ANDERSON

Officials expect to see 600 new jobs and more than $220 million in new investment in 2026. Many projects enjoyed significant progress last year and will continue to move forward in 2026, according to Greg Winkler, executive director of the Anderson Economic Development Department.

Construction has begun on the new JLBS headquarters in Anderson. Winkler said the company has purchased the entire city block between Meridian and Main streets, just south of the CSX railroad tracks, and is rehabilitating the existing structures for its new headquarters. The project is expected to bring up to 65 jobs to downtown, with a projected investment of more than $6 million.

A new Wawa convenience store, which will be located at the intersection of Mounds and Scatterfield roads, is under construction with utility funding from the Anderson Redevelopment Commission. Winkler said the project, with a retail investment of about $8 million, will be the first of two Wawas in the city. The stores together are expected to add 60 jobs. The second location will be on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, north of 67th Street.

The city’s west side, long an area of concern for development, will welcome a Needler’s grocery store, which is expected to open in the old Marsh Supermarket building on Nichol Avenue in February.

Ground is expected to be broken in May on a new full-service McDonald’s restaurant, which will be located adjacent to the U.S. post office on Raible Avenue. The restaurant is set to open by the end of the year and should provide an additional 30 jobs.

“Grocery stores and hardware stores, especially when they’re located together, drive traffic,” Winkler said. “As more people continue to shop in that part of the community, you’ll see other vendors start to appear. It’s going to raise the overall quality of life and hopefully we follow that with additional housing.”

Winkler also pointed to expansion plans put forth by other companies in the area, including SAICA, Unified Group, Perfecto Tool, Surber’s, Ertl Enterprise and FITT USA, as indicators that economic activity in the city will continue to be robust.

ELWOOD

The City of Elwood has been working on the development of a sports complex. Mayor Todd Jones described the project as “an investment in the long-term economic vitality and quality of life in the Elwood community.”

City officials hope the sports complex will be a catalyst for sustainable economic development, drive regional tourism, support other local business and attract new investment.

The addition of a 54-room hotel at the intersection of Ind. 37 and Ind. 28 will, Jones said, “generate new jobs, increase hotel and sales tax revenues, and support surrounding businesses such as restaurants, retail establishments, and entertainment venues.”

“We are eager for these two major projects to come to fruition,” Jones continued. “Great things continue to happen here, and we can’t wait to see what else 2026 has in store for our community.”

INGALLS

In addition to the housing and infrastructure projects near the interstate, Ingalls is advancing plans for a new municipal complex paired with a comprehensive Main Street streetscape and infrastructure improvement project, Stevenson said.

“The plan is for these investments to modernize public services, improve walkability and strengthen the town’s core,” Stevenson said. “We want to make downtown Ingalls more attractive for small businesses, community events and future private investment.”

Stevenson said additional projects could provide housing for more than 1,000 new residents. A planned Walmart Supercenter near State Road 13 could also spur other business development and create other opportunities for the town.

“We will continue to monitor residential growth trends, infrastructure capacity and private development interest as key economic indicators guiding decision-making in the coming year,” Stevenson said.

PENDLETON

Recently, the town approved updates to its comprehensive plan and downtown revitalization plan which aim to guide initiatives, as well as align community vision and priorities, according to Denise McKee, director of economic, community and planned development.

Town officials are looking to continued investment in the Historic Pendleton Revitalization District to strengthen the attraction of the neighborhood by preserving its character and supporting local businesses by increasing downtown retail and tourism activities, McKee said.

Town officials plan several listening sessions on their Arts and Culture Plan.

The Keystone Development District Conceptual Study is near completion, McKee also noted. The study will help guide decisions for gateway-related projects along the I-69 corridor that will highlight the town’s amenities and infrastructure.

Pendleton also has plans for a $5 million investment in an electric substation expansion that will create more capacity and provide support for future development and business growth.

“Together, these efforts will elevate Pendleton’s quality of life and support a strong business environment by blending economic opportunity and safeguarding our small-town identity,” McKee said.