As I write this, we are in the second day of 2024.  So, what do we know is in store for Fishers in 2024?  There is a little we do know.

First, the City Council will convene with 3 new members and a work session coming on a possible process to take bids on a city-wide trash collection contract.  Many surrounding municipalities either run their own trash collection operations or contract with a private firm to handle the job.  Mayor Scott Fadness has said he has no interest in having a city trash collection department, so a city-wide private contract with the potential to save money for citizens and Homeowners Associations (HOAs) in their trash collection fees is most likely the solution to be considered.  We will see where this goes in 2024.

Another major decision coming locally is on a new Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools Superintendent.  The previous superintendent, Yvonne Stokes, resigned in September with a generous separation agreement with just under one year left in her contract.  The school board has narrowed the list of superintendent candidates down to 5, according to a statement from Board President Dawn Lang delivered at a recent meeting.  A decision is expected in late January or early February.

There are many big events local residents are awaiting in this new year.  The new City Hall/Arts Complex is expected to open in late spring or early summer this year.  The Events Center, to be the home of the Indy Fuel minor-league hockey team and the indoor football team Fishers Freight in 2025, is on target to open in November of this year.  A new community center should break ground soon. There are also new hotels and restaurants opening in the downtown Nickel Plate District.

So, there is a lot in the pipeline.  When I ask local officials what to expect in new announcements during 2024, most tell me me the year will be about starting what’s already been announced and finishing what the city has already started.

What will the biggest story of 2024 be in Fishers?  My best guess is the biggest story is the one we cannot predict or imagine today.  In most years, it is the stories we cannot envision now that will be big in the new year.

Happy New Year to all my readers!