When I first stepped into the world of municipal government, things were a little different than today. The core services we expect from our city or town are likely the same, but how those services are delivered looks decidedly more modern.
The deployment of automated meters, online bill pay and trash trucks with robotic arms only scratch the surface of advancements that make providing services more effective and efficient.
Such advances are usually instantly visible. There are many other kinds of changes that take place slowly and require leaps of faith that our leaders are implementing new strategies and programs using available data, trends, research, and of course, community expectations.
Today, more than 1 million Hoosiers work from home at least one day per week. As Indiana’s economy has slowly evolved to one that must nurture quality communities where employees want to live, governments at all levels have had to think bigger about what makes a quality place.
Parks need thoughtful programming and amenities that attract citizens of all ages and abilities. Sound utilities and a network of roads and sidewalks in good repair. Public safety departments that consistently deliver. Beautification efforts that display you are in a community that takes pride in itself. For the past decade, these placemaking efforts have gained credibility as a direct driver of economic development.
But is that enough? Not anymore. Communities are asking themselves what it says to current and potential residents when they look at things like Indiana’s drug and alcohol abuse rates, infant mortality, smoking statistics, suicides, life expectancy, and other wellness markers like mental health.
According to the 2021 US News and World Report “Best States” Rankings, Indiana ranks 40th when it comes to overall public health rankings. Looking at the specifics – Indiana is ranked 38th compared to other states in addressing infant mortality, 41st in early adult mortality, 40th in obesity and 41st in smoking.
These rankings translate to increased health care costs for individuals and businesses.
Traditionally, these have not been considered municipal issues. In this economy, however, where people are choosing where they want to live before they have a job, the “way we’ve always done things” goes out the window.
A great example of Accelerate Indiana Municipalities (Aim) and our city and town members stepping outside the norm is our advocacy on Senate Bill 4. This bill is a comprehensive public health measure that is attempting to codify many of the recommendations contained in Gov. Eric Holcomb’s Public Health Commission final report.
The commission found that Indiana’s per-capita spending on public health ranked 45th in the nation. Aim has been and continues to be a vocal supporter of the bill and a method of funding the bill that is consistent, dependable and directs new funding to local health departments rather than private providers.
Almost 2.5 million Hoosiers live in provider shortage areas. 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.
Among the any important components in SB 4 is the inclusion of municipal representation on local health department boards. This acknowledgement that municipal officials have an acute interest in the health of their communities is a welcome addition to this overdue conversation.
As the legislature enters its final weeks, we look forward to continuing positive discussions on SB 4 and changes to the corresponding funding included in House Bill 1001. Completing the work of the Governor’s Public Health Commission will send a clear message to both current Hoosiers and prospective Hoosiers looking to give us a shot: We care about the health and well-being of our state, as well as 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 cities and towns as members. This commentary originally appeared at indianacapitalchronicle.com. Send comments to [email protected].
