When I entered the world of municipal administration, things were a little different from today. The basic services we expect from our city or town are probably the same, but the way these services are delivered seems decidedly more modern.
The deployment of automated meters, online bill payment and garbage trucks with robotic arms only scratches the surface of advancements that make service delivery more effective and efficient.
Such advances are usually visible instantly. There are many other kinds of changes that happen slowly and require leaps of faith that our leaders implement new strategies and programs using available data, trends, research and, of course, community expectations. .
Today, more than one million Hoosiers work from home at least one day a week. As Indiana’s economy has slowly evolved into one that must foster quality communities where employees want to live, governments at all levels have had to think more about what makes a quality place.
Parks need thoughtful programs and amenities that appeal to citizens of all ages and abilities. Healthy public services and a network of roads and sidewalks in good condition. Public safety services that consistently deliver. Beautification efforts that show you are in a proud community. Over the past decade, these place-making efforts have gained credibility as a direct driver of economic development.
But is it enough? No more. Communities wonder what this says to current and potential residents when looking at things like Indiana’s drug and alcohol abuse rates, infant mortality, smoking statistics, suicides, life expectancy and other markers of well-being such as mental health.
According to U.S. News and World Report’s 2021 “Best States” ranking, Indiana ranks 40th in overall public health rankings. As for the specifics, Indiana is ranked 38th among other states in infant mortality, 41st in early adult mortality, 40th in obesity, and 41st in smoking.
These rankings translate into increased health care costs for individuals and businesses.
Traditionally, these have not been viewed as municipal issues. In this economy, however, where people choose where they want to live before they get a job, “the way we’ve always done things” is disappearing.
A great example of Accelerate Indiana Municipalities (Aim) and our city and town members stepping out of the norm is our advocacy on Senate Bill 4. This bill is a comprehensive public health measure that attempts to codify many of the recommendations contained in Governor Eric. Holcomb Public Health Commission Final Report.
The commission found that Indiana’s per capita public health spending ranked 45th in the nation. Aim has been and continues to be a strong supporter of the bill and a method of funding the bill that is consistent, reliable, and directs new funds to local health departments rather than private providers.
Nearly 2.5 million Hoosiers live in areas with provider shortages. Local public health departments can and should partner with providers, but to ensure funding reaches the most rural parts of the state, it is important to leverage local health departments.
Important elements of SB 4 include the inclusion of municipal representation on local health service boards. This recognition that elected municipal officials have a keen interest in the health of their communities is a welcome addition to this long overdue conversation.
As the Legislature enters its final weeks, we look forward to continued positive discussions on SB 4 and the corresponding funding changes included in Bill 1001. The completion of the work of the Public Health Commission from the Governor will send a clear message to current and potential Hoosiers. Hoosiers seeks to give us a chance: We care about the health and well-being of our state, and the communities and people who call it home.
Matt Greller has been the leader of Accelerate Indiana Municipalities (Aim) since 2002. Aim is the official voice of municipal government in Indiana, with more than 470 member cities and towns. This commentary originally appeared on indianacapitalchronicle.com. Send feedback to [email protected]