A weekly program where mayors from Bloomington, Columbus, Terre Haute, and Nashville answer questions about your community. We also delve into new and long-term city topics.
The show airs on WFIU on Wednesday mornings at 6:45 a.m. and 8:45 a.m.
From left: Mayor Jim Lienhoop (R-Columbus), Mayor Duke Bennett (R-Terre Haute), Mayor John Hamilton (D-Bloomington), and Town Council President Nancy Crocker (I-Nashville).
Hamilton says the monolith is already under construction if not complete, officers carrying tasers is part of a pilot program, and annexation hearings should be scheduled soon.
We meet Mayor Lienhoop at an installation of Exhibit Columbus to talk about why a city well pump is being shut down, and update on NexusPark, and new rules for the Commons.
Hamilton responds to a city council member and police official who say there's not enough transparency in the police/fire headquarters move. Also, more on the CIB for the convention center expansion.
Bennett says crafting next year's budget is top priority this month, the city needs a workforce that's ready to work with housing on every level, and his reaction to the Danville casino opening.
The Crump Theatre may open back to the public in a couple months, a new developer is looking at another site for a proposed conference center, and more pay increases to retain police and fire personnel.
Hamilton says a handful of residents are now connected to high-speed internet from GigabitNow, the city is concerned about the proposed CIB without an inter local agreement, and the Hopewell neighborhood groundbreaking is scheduled for Friday.
Bennett says construction of the casino is on schedule to open in spring as workers enclose the building before winter. We also get updates on ARPA funds and city park upgrades.
Bennett says Dr. Chris Himsel will be a good fit as superintendent of Vigo Schools, American Rescue Plan money funding meetings are continuing, and the convention center needs more hotel rooms.
Mayor Lienhoop tells us why there's a Christmas tree on top of NexusPark, reaction to the recent park drive-by shooting, and why the delay on a downtown conference center.
Hamilton says he doesn't read too much into the Cook job cut announcement as economies change. A city commission is proposing a ban on feeding deer, and a look at the May primary election.
Hamilton's preference for his successor is no surprise, statehouse legislators say the city misspent food and beverage tax revenues, and why a stop sign has been reinstalled on 7th Street.
The city is helping Sullivan in tornado recovery efforts, the city's sewer system is back to normal after an accidental chemical spill, and 1,800 people responded to the water park survey.
Lienhoop says the city has offered help to those communities hit by Friday's tornadoes, Project 46 furthers collaboration with other cities to fight climate change, and the 1821 Trail is ready for a grand opening.
The mayor explains why he wants to close vehicular traffic through Cascades Park, the controversy on council representation on the city capital nonprofit board and responds to the H-T report on low firefighter pay.
The ammonia spill is under control and didn't pose any risk of losing water supply, big improvements are coming to city parks, and leaders are luring a $1 billion business investment.
First responders train for emergencies like the train derailment in Ohio. No reports of disruptions as crews install fiber for broadband access. And the mayor is preparing for his final State of the City address.
The county is having trouble finding a location for the new jail, no update on the convention center expansion, and homeowners shouldn't be responsible for fiber sewer repairs.
Bennett says he's seeing more downtown openings after the pandemic, the new jail location further south isn't creating new problems for officials, and new legislative talk of decreasing property tax caps is déjà vu.
The city wants to add traffic calming devices and parking along 2nd street to reduce accidents, reduce parking enforcement in outlining areas, and steel is on the way for the NexusPark construction.
A new nonprofit will focus on the arts, tech, and housing initiatives. The mayor condemns the racist stabbing. And city administration wants to move forward on expanding city hall to include police and fire headquarters.
Bennett says there's still work to be done and he wants another term as mayor to do it. We also talk 2023 priorities and what he's watching for as the general assembly gets underway at the statehouse.
Nashville Town Council President Nancy Crocker wasn't re-elected in November. We talk one last time on her four years on council and what's next after politics.
The mayor is still not on board with a CIB to expand the convention center. We get a preview of Wednesday night's council meeting on new police and fire headquarters, and new jail rezone.
The city is working with the county on a feasibility study for a sports complex and water park. Art Spaces is asking $1.5 million for phase two of the Turn To The River project. And the mayor's thoughts on whether he'll run for re-election.
Lienhoops says investigators haven't found the cause of Sunday's downtown blaze that destroyed a historic building, what projects he's focusing on before his final term ends, and the year in review.
The city plans to respond to the county's offer of a CIB to run the convention center in a week or two, a feasibility study recommends an arts incubator, and a listener emails in to ask for the mayor's homeless population plan as winter arrives.
City council votes on redistricting, Airpark development and NexusPark update, Meridiam broadband installation begins soon, and the city will be honored this month as the state's community of the year.
We visit with town council president Nancy Crocker to get an update on the newly crafted budget, the state abortion ban effect on tourism, new security cameras, and more.
The city wants to move ahead with the convention center expansion without county collaboration, the 2023 city budget is up $22 million from last year, officials held a first hearing on a site for the new jail, and more on urban deer.
Next year's budget is approved and now the city turns to allocating ARPA funding, a workforce development plan, 12 Points area rezoning, and housing strategies.
Mayor Lienhoop takes a trip to Bloomington to meet with Mayor Hamilton on environment initiatives. We talk housing shortage, second tier city status, and new security enhancements for city hall.
Hamilton says city high-speed internet construction begins next month and the city doesn't want to deal with forming a CIB if the county is not interested in the convention center expansion.
Mayor Bennett says next year's budget will be the 8th straight balanced budget with increases for capital equipment and staff raises, and prisoners should be occupying the new jail in October after supply delays.
The city is selling Otter Creek Golf course, but with a few stipulations. Parking meters could create more churn in downtown parking. And the new county court services building paves the way for a proposed conference center site.
After delays and concerns, town council passed a human rights ordinance. A new mural is going up downtown. And a Community Crossings grant is helping re-pave and stripe streets just in time for the fall tourism rush.
Hamilton responds to the General Assembly's special session, the idea behind taking over convention center operations, and budgeting for the income tax increase.
Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett addresses abortion and inflation relief legislation. Also casino construction is underway, prisoners will be moving to the new jail soon, and a quick update on road paving.
City officials are moving forward on combining fire and police headquarters at city hall, retail spaces at Fourth Street Garage are still vacant, and the mayor's message to state legislators on crafting abortion legislation.
The city is getting $4.3 million to help build a parking garage downtown, how officials plan to attract casino-goers to downtown, and a local hospital installs a free naloxone vending machine.
City council is set to vote on elevating city government status to 'second class,' COVID cases are creeping back up, NexusPark is getting $6 million from the state's READI grant program, and the conference center study is in.
Hamilton says the city's cooling stations are open, state and federal officials are not doing enough to prevent gun violence, a new project identifies lead in water lines, and gives an annexation update.
Bennett says there are multiple solutions into reducing mass shootings including gun control, schools will have to find other ways to fund capital improvements after a failed referendum, and Terre Haute hosts it's first Pride festival.
Paperwork is moving forward to get Brown County State park on the town's water/sewer system, the human rights ordinance is ready for a second reading, and a new art display is scheduled to be dedicated Friday.
Now that the income tax increase is set, how will residents know where the extra money is going? More on the possible east-west transit route, combination fire and police headquarters, and more.
The Brown County Playhouse has been upgraded, tourism dollars don't fund town infrastructure, a human rights ordinance gets a first reading, and most storefronts are full despite COVID.
Hamilton explains why now is the time to raise the local income tax rate, the communication process between the mayor and council, and your questions on fiscal transparency, and the lawsuit on annexation waivers.
The Terre Haute Convention Center is officially open for business, the city will dedicate a new art plaza in May that aims to link downtown to the Wabash River, and the city will host its first Pride Festival.
It's our first visit to Columbus since the pandemic took hold two years ago. Lienhoop says he's seeing an increase in foot traffic downtown, takes your questions on climate change, and previews the groundbreaking for a housing and grocer development.
A fire destroys at least two downtown shops, the town is looking for state grant money to fund sewer projects, the town needs more police officers during tourism season, and we learn more about Nancy Crocker as we welcome her to our show for the first time.
An engineer says the downtown creamery smokestack will have to be reduced in size. A proposed local income tax increase could fund police dept. raises. And decisions on city annexation lawsuits could be announced in a week or two.
Terre Haute’s new convention center is getting ready for an April 9 grand opening. The city will have to adjust budgets for higher gas prices and increase sewer rates for its long-term control plan.
The city plans on loosening the mask requirement in government buildings, a new study on the proposed downtown conference center, NexusPark funding, and the mayor responds to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
If declining COVID trends continue the mask mandate could end, the city is using some of the food and beverage tax dollars for pandemic assistance, and there's still a long ways to go before annexation is finalized.
The city is cleaning up from last week's winter storm, neighborhood planning forums aim to revitalize the 12 Points area, and the city update is rescheduled for February 24.
The city has 900 tons of salt ready for the winter storm this week, the mayor updates his priorities on Statehouse legislation, and the dominoes are falling in place for the new conference center facility.
Despite the pandemic, the town was able to break the innkeepers tax record, sewer infrastructure and public safety are the town's top funding priorities in 2022, and COVID testing/vaccinations continue.
Hamilton says the city hasn't had to reduce city services due to increased COVID cases, the Monroe Convention Center expansion is still on hold, a study is underway on the future of performing arts venues.
Bennett says he rather see vaccine mandates come from the statehouse and not the White House, masks in public places should be up to individuals, and says state tax cuts are fine if legislators replace those funds to cities with other revenue streams.
The first program of the year comes with Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop who reacts to the lag in COVID vaccinations, new READI grant money, demolition work at Fair Oaks Mall, and an update on the 1821 Trail.
Hamilton says the latest controlled burn lead report is the last test in the area, the city is waiting for finalized remonstration report to determine if legal action is necessary, and the mask mandate is keeping COVID cases low despite the recent uptick.
Like most places, Terre Haute is experiencing a COVID surge, Churchill Downs has been selected as the new casino operator, the city allocates American Rescue Plan Act funds, and the mayor reflects on 2021.
Hamilton says in hindsight the controlled burn should have been done differently, the 7-Line dedication is set for Wednesday, and the city has a letter of intent with a developer to install high-speed Internet throughout the city.
The mayor says a 54 percent vaccination rate is not high enough, Columbus Regional Health is beginning to take over the former Carson's location at Fair Oaks Mall, and city tax districts will help fund a mixed-use urban grocer development.
Tourists are still flocking to Nashville despite the delay of autumn colors. A new proposed development means housing options for keeping young residents in the community.
Bennett says the city hasn't reacted, but has been evolving policing for some time. He prefers Lucy Luck gaming as the city's casino operator. And we get an update on the end of this year's paving projects.
In this week's "Ask The Mayor" program, we visit with Nashville municipal consultant Dax Norton and talk COVID during tourism season, police budget, and more.
Monroe Co. is one of only three in the state's yellow COVID metric, annexation is scheduled for a vote tonight, and the mayor disagrees with FOP city salary ranking.
Bennett says the state is doing the best it can do despite rising COVID numbers, the city would welcome any Afghan refugees to live and find work, and he doesn't believe the census numbers are correct.
Lienhoop says a whole bunch of people need to get vaccinated and another mask mandate would be difficult to enforce. He's also motivated to help refugees start a new life in America, and is supportive of Amtrak service through Columbus.
No mask mandates in effect, the county is rated 'orange' in the state metric for COVID cases, water utility needs millions of dollars in repairs, and budget hearings are scheduled this week.
The city is status quo on COVID-19 cases and doesn't see the need for more restrictions, the balance of annexing more people into a city, and a few interested casino operator parties have contacted the city.
Twenty percent of positive COVID cases are the delta variant, a 900 bedroom apartment complex is approved at the former K-mark location, why Kirkwood floods, and will the city be able to maintain a proper police force staff after annexation.
As COVID restrictions loosen, more buildings and places are opening. Human bones were discovered during sewer work. Sewer rate proposal heads to city council. And FairOaks Mall will soon be renamed.
Brown Co. is in the yellow cautionary state metric level, municipal buildings open June 1, the DNR is working with the town in providing water and sewer for Brown County State Park.
City loosens COVID restrictions, UDO duplex ordinance passes with compromise, all eyes turn to annexation procedures, and Bloomington's 4th of July parade will look different this year.
Bennett says media and politicians should step aside and let non-vaccinated COVID residents consult their doctor. Convention center construction is on time and on budget, and officials are waiting for rescue plan money.
Bartholomew County is at the blue COVID metric level, vaccine hesitancy and variants could block herd immunity, 20-year-olds are contracting the most COVID cases, and a new gateway project is in the works.
The mayor addresses COVID metrics, uptick in cases, Rescue Plan funding, herd immunity, senior citizen parking downtown, UDO zoning, IU's new president, and more.
Bennett agrees with Holcomb's loosening of COVID restrictions and says the city would need to see cases in the 30s before imposing local restrictions. And the city is getting $38 million in federal relief funding.
Lienhoop says COVID rates would have to reach January levels to extend a public mask mandate, the city is just starting to look into spending the $8 million in federal relief funds, and police are still looking for the individual who left white supremacist graffiti downtown.
Vaccine preference, fans at NCAA games, city infrastructure, rental assistance, herd immunity, and no-income housing are just a few of the questions submitted for Mayor Hamilton today.
The mayor reflects on a year of COVID, the vaccination supply is still good, a new attraction at Fairbanks park is just getting started, and a casino groundbreaking could come in April.
Why Columbus had a head start on the coronavirus response, when Columbus could reach herd immunity, scheduling summer events, Riverfront project costs are going up, and Exhibit Columbus returns.
Plexes are more restricted after changes to the UDO amendment, city crews are working on getting secondary roads cleared, annexation is still on pause, and a structure design bill could hamper community standards.
COVID-19 vaccinations are moving along smoothly, prison cases are declining, the new casino groundbreaking could still be in a couple weeks, and the city laid out four Community Crossings projects.
The mayor is scheduled to get his vaccination Thursday, a COVID relief bill isn't a priority, and a new downtown development has plans for a new Bloomingfoods location.
Dax Norton talks about his company's contract with the town of Nashville, the Brown County Music Center, COVID cases and forward thinking in the new year.
Monroe County's COVID-19 positivity rate is the lowest in the state, vaccination roll-out is ongoing, and why the city continues to remove people experiencing homelessness from a city park.
Bennett says he isn't sure there are enough vaccinations for the number they need, he's watching for any TIF changes in this year's state legislative session, and renovations are underway on the new police station building.
Vaccinations are underway to frontline responders, but not much information is coming from the state on next round scheduling. Lienhoop says state legislature shouldn't limit the Governor's emergency powers.
Despite a coronavirus vaccine and lower county positivity rates, Hamilton says there's still a long way to go. And we talk about the decision to enforce the prohibition of overnight camping in city parks by those experiencing homelessness.
Hospital room supply is low - and so is the amount of healthcare workers. Enforcing the mask mandate is still a challenge. And the city is moving forward on a number of downtown developments.
COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations hit all time highs, the availability of quick testing before the holidays, timeline of the IU Health downtown Bloomington Hospital site plans, and UDO proceedings continue.
