Fishers is now into 2016, and there are reasons to believe at least the first 90 days will feature plenty of activity.

First, at the Indiana Statehouse, Mayor Scott Fadness is heading-up the Legislative Committee for the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT).  That means he will be spending a lot of time in downtown Indy advocating for issues impacting the state’s municipal governments.  Fadness was appointed to the post by IACT President Greg Goodnight, Mayor of Kokomo.

“Mayor Fadness brings a huge bank of experience to the table” said Goodnight in an IACT news release.  “He will be able to draw upon the many successes and challenges he’s faced in Fishers to advance legislation that gives municipal officials the tools to create a better quality of life in all Hoosier cities and towns.  Scott has become known among lawmakers and peers for his innovative leadership and strategic vision”

Meanwhile, here in Fishers, a retreat held last week featuring city council members, the mayor and key city staff, provided a glimpse into what the city may be seeing in 2016.

Based on what I heard in that retreat, and information I have gleaned from other sources, here’s what I see happening in the first 90 days of 2016:

–The state is likely to release some option income tax money its been holding for the last few years.  Mayor Fadness expects Fishers to receive $9 million in a lump sum if the proposed Senate bill becomes law, which the mayor expects it will.  Some of the money will come with major strings attached by the state, but about 25% will be available for the city to spend as it wants.  The mayor and city council will need to make a decision on that.

–Look for the city to ramp-up its communications efforts.

–City Councilman Rich Block proposed a new city hall be constructed if the current one cannot be renovated easily.  No one else spoke up at the retreat in favor of that proposal, so don’t look for action anytime soon on a new Fishers City Hall.

–The city is working on economic development projects that would produce jobs for the city.  The word I am getting is that announcements should be forthcoming in the first 3 months of 2016.

–Look for city departments to continue moves toward upgrading technology.

Bottom line, Mayor Fadness says he spent a good part of 2015 delivering his vision of Fishers’ future.  2016 is time to deliver on that vision.  We may know more about that when the mayor delivers his State of the City address on February 10th.