Fadness to Run for 2nd Term
Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness announced yesterday that he will seek a second term as Mayor in the 2023 election.
Since becoming Mayor in 2015, Fadness has led Fishers to become one of the most sought-after communities in the country with transformative economic growth and quality-of-life investments. In his next term, he promises further investments in quality-of-life amenities, economic development and operational efficiencies.
Fadness has focused on growing a sustainable and vibrant economy while building a desirable community with unique and modern amenities. Fadness’ administration has executed this vision, leading to today’s growing hub of biotech and entrepreneurial activity alongside substantial quality-of-life investments. As a result, Fishers has repeatedly been recognized as one of the best places to live and work, not only in Indiana but also the country.
“Over the last several years, Fishers has experienced transformative growth and investment, and we’ve built a community that is vibrant, thriving, and entrepreneurial all while maintaining best-in-class city services and a solid financial foundation,” Fadness said. “To build on this momentum and accelerate Fishers further into the future, I will continue to embrace innovation, seize opportunities, and lead with bold vision for our city.”
Economic Growth
Since 2015 when Fadness took office, Fishers has attracted and created 8,091 new jobs with an average annual salary of $75,000. During that time, the city landed more than $2.5 billion in capital investment. In recent years, Fishers accelerated its growth even further, bucking national trends following the global pandemic. Just since 2020, Fishers created 3,450 jobs with an average annual salary of $90,000, attracted $1.83 million in capital investment, and saw $575 million raised in venture capital by Fishers companies.
Contributing to this economic success is a now booming life sciences industry in Fishers, a result of Fadness’ visionary leadership to attract this burgeoning sector. In 2021, Fadness proposed establishing a Life Science & Innovation Park to cultivate a life sciences industry and attract world-class life sciences companies to Fishers. The Park, with the support of Fishers’ GOP-led Council, has brought in more than $750 million in investment from life sciences companies, more than 1,000 new high-paying life sciences jobs, and grown the square footage of life sciences lab space in Fishers ten-fold.
“My team has worked incredibly hard to create a world-class, diverse economy in Fishers that attracts and supports the jobs of the future,” Fadness said.
“The support of our Republican Councilmembers has been critical to this success. We’ve managed to elevate Fishers across the board all while maintaining fiscal responsibility and one of the lowest City tax rates in the county and state.”
Public Safety
Fadness has encouraged innovation across all facets of city government to improve services for residents. He challenged Fishers’ public safety agencies to lead the metro area on technology, data and safety. The Fishers Police Department is the only other agency outside of IMPD to use leading technologies to solve gun crimes and is now assisting other regional agencies to join their efforts.
The Fishers Fire and Emergency Services expanded services by adding two more stations under Fadness’ leadership, prioritizing resident safety. Additionally, the city is a leader in mental health support with dedicated First Responders trained in crisis intervention.
Lastly, Fadness recognized critical challenges in the public health system and took action, creating a public health department to provide better access to care for Fishers’ residents.
Quality of Life
A primary focus of Fadness’ administration has been to create a vibrant community. Under his leadership, Fishers is now home to the state-designated Nickel Plate Arts & Culture District, and the city has invested in expanding parks and natural areas, and culinary and entertainment spaces.
Announced in late 2022, the new Fishers Event Center will be a community asset that the Indy Fuel will call home and community events and celebrations will be held. The ever-popular Fishers District is expanding to bring even more world-class entertainment and restaurants to the city.
Other quality-of-life improvements include the new Geist Waterfront Park which will give the public access to enjoy Geist Reservoir and the popular Nickel Plate Trail.
Fiscal Responsibility
Fadness has transformed Fishers while maintaining fiscal responsibility, good governance and low taxes. His most recent budget decreased property taxes for Fishers’ residents, maintaining the second-lowest tax rate in Hamilton County, all while making record investments in quality-of-life amenities. Under Mayor Fadness’ leadership, the city maintains a AAA credit rating.