Recent discussions about changes to Indiana’s state contracting policies have sparked important conversations about fairness, opportunity and economic growth. Whether you agree or disagree with the changes, I encourage everyone to read the news coverage, learn more about the issue, and think about what it means for the future of our local economy.
As I run to win and represent District 8 on the Indianapolis City-County Council, our focus is not on relitigating decisions made at the Statehouse. Our focus is on what we can do here in Indianapolis to strengthen our local economy and create pathways for more businesses to grow.
When small businesses succeed, our families, neighborhoods and local economy succeed with them.
Small businesses are the backbone of District 8. They create jobs, invest in our neighborhoods, sponsor community events, and help build the vibrant communities we all want to call home. When small businesses succeed, our families, neighborhoods and local economy succeed with them.
As I’ve listened to residents and small business owners across our community, I’ve heard a consistent message. People want local government to be more accessible, more transparent, and more intentional about creating opportunities for neighborhood businesses. They are not asking for shortcuts. They are asking for a fair chance to compete, grow and contribute to the economic success of our city.
When elected, I will champion local policies and resource allocations that strengthen our small business community and create more opportunities for local entrepreneurs to grow. That includes supporting local procurement goals that encourage participation by Indianapolis businesses, expanding small business assistance through Develop Indy so entrepreneurs have access to the resources they need to succeed, investing in neighborhood commercial corridors that attract new businesses and customers, improving transparency in public contracting, expanding outreach to neighborhood entrepreneurs, and ensuring our local procurement practices help qualified businesses compete and succeed.
Economic opportunity should not be limited to those who already have established connections or decades of experience working with government. We should be cultivating the next generation of entrepreneurs, helping neighborhood businesses grow, and ensuring public investments create lasting economic impact in the communities they are meant to serve.
Supporting small businesses is about more than awarding contracts. It is about creating jobs, strengthening commercial corridors, increasing local investment, and building wealth that stays in our neighborhoods. When local businesses grow, they hire local workers, support other local businesses, and reinvest in the communities they call home.
District 8 is filled with talented entrepreneurs who are ready to lead, innovate and grow. My commitment is to help open more doors, remove unnecessary barriers, and ensure our local government is a true partner in their success.
This moment presents an opportunity to focus on what matters most …
This moment presents an opportunity to focus on what matters most: building a local economy where innovation is encouraged, entrepreneurship is supported, and every qualified business can compete. We can do that by making strategic investments in our local businesses, supporting entrepreneurs at every stage of growth, and ensuring our economic development efforts reach every neighborhood, not just a select few.
That is the kind of economic development I believe in. It is practical, forward looking, and rooted in the belief that when more small businesses can succeed, our neighborhoods become stronger, our economy becomes more resilient, and Indianapolis becomes a city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
If you believe in building an Indianapolis where opportunity is expanded, local businesses are supported, and every neighborhood has the chance to thrive, I invite you to join our campaign. Learn more about our vision for District 8, get involved, and help us build a new local government that works for everyone at BelindaDrake.com.
