Indiana Nuclear Push, Columbus Growth and 2026 Outlook

Indiana nuclear energy moves to the center of the state's growth strategy as communities prepare for rising electricity demand and new investment.Guest host Mitch Frazier, president of IBJ Media, examines the Advanced Nuclear Ready Communities program with Jon Ford, executive director of the Indiana Office of Energy Development. Ford explains the three-tier process, why local support must come first, and how data centers, electrification and industrial growth are reshaping the state's power needs.Columbus Mayor Mary K. Ferdon details the Four Pack, also called Finish on Fourth, a downtown redevelopment effort built around city-owned properties and community input. She also discusses the Advanced Machine and Vehicle Innovation Center, or AMVIC, and its focus on clean power, battery storage, workforce technology and employee retraining.The program also reports on Redwire's new Georgetown research and manufacturing facility, where teams can work live with astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Redwire's Indiana operation supports life sciences projects, including 3D bioprinting and pharmaceutical research. Other headlines include the SK hynix semiconductor project in West Lafayette, Copper Works expansion in New Haven, housing market gains, Buc-ee's plans in Greenwood, Wawa's proposed Mooresville location and major port investments.Lesley Weidenbener, editor and assistant publisher of the Indianapolis Business Journal and The Indiana Lawyer, looks toward the second half of 2026. Her preview covers Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich, the Secretary of State race, data center investment, Eli Lilly's growth and major economic development stories still taking shape.