Noblesville's Top 10 in '24
Noblesville’s Year in Review
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, I wanted to take a brief moment to reflect on the commitments I’ve made to you and celebrate the milestones we've achieved together in 2024.
1. Together, we protected our brick streets.
Campaign Promise: Dedicate funding for Old Town infrastructure
A $350,000 investment will be a strong down payment towards restoring Logan and Clinton Streets' iconic bricks — preserving the character that makes our Front Porch Music Festival and downtown events so special. This block-by-block rehabilitation includes matching historic bricks, reinforcing roadbeds, and upgrading curbs to protect these streets for future generations.
2. Together, we expanded sidewalk connection too.
Campaign Promise: Dedicate funding for Old Town infrastructure
Based on feedback from residents in Old Town, the City doubled down on the three-year-old program to reconstruct and connect sidewalks in and around downtown Noblesville. This year, you may have seen these funds in action around Southwest Quad and along Conner Street near the Boys & Girls Club.
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3. Together, we supported businesses downtown through INDOT’s construction project.
Campaign Promise: Support businesses while addressing traffic to and through Noblesville
When INDOT’s reconstruction of State Road 32 began impacting downtown businesses, our community jumped into action by supporting shops and restaurants.
In an effort to do its part too, the City launched the "Hard Hat Resiliency Grant" — a grant available to downtown businesses funded partially by revenue from visitors to Noblesville.
The Hard Hat Resiliency Grant was one piece of our broader effort to keep downtown Noblesville thriving during infrastructure improvements. The success of this program showed that targeted support, combined with community backing, can help our local businesses navigate significant challenges while continuing to serve our neighbors.
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4. Together, we opened Phase One of Pleasant Street.
Campaign Promise: Addressing traffic to and through Downtown Noblesville
September marked the completion of Pleasant Street's Phase One, delivering Noblesville's first new downtown bridge in 44 years. This milestone project includes the White River bridge and new roundabouts at 8th, 10th, and River Road - all completed on schedule. Construction continues on Phases Two and Three, which will connect Pleasant Street from 10th to 19th Street and from River Road to SR-32 by late 2025.
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5. Together, we welcomed new small businesses downtown.
Campaign Promise: Encourage a “small business” mentality. Government doesn't create jobs, it creates the opportunity for entrepreneurs and businesses to take risks and create jobs. The investments we make in infrastructure and public safety make Noblesville a desirable place to open or expand businesses.
In early March, we helped welcome Peony & Poppy to the square. Owners Kylee and Klaudia have a story that is quintessentially Noblesville — they grew up watching their mom run Karisma on the square and returned to open their own shop right next door.
But that’s not all — this year, Bar Ellis (with the first rooftop bar in Noblesville!), the Annex by Thistle and Thyme, Chapter Book Lounge, Courthouse Club, Sara’s Soiree, and Go & Do opened or expanded around the square too. Spots like these, especially in downtown Noblesville, are the backbone of our economy and bring so much vibrancy to the square.
6. Together, we pushed for stronger standards in neighborhood development.
Over this past year, the Council collectively pushed the development community to commit to stricter standards for new neighborhoods in Noblesville — particularly with rental restrictions, increased architectural standards, and lower density.
When I felt that developments did not meet the standard Noblesville deserved, I voted "no" to ensure Noblesville erects the barriers necessary to grow in the right ways.
7. Together, we supported our public safety officials in making Noblesville one of America's safest cities.
Campaign Promise: Set the standard statewide for public safety
As we were going through the budget process this fall, the Council made sure to prioritize funding for public safety personnel and equipment before other expenditures. As the largest component of the budget (more than 50%) this is a critically important step to take.
We see the impacts of those investments locally, but they are noticed statewide and across the country too. This year, SmartAsset’s study ranked Noblesville as the 12th safest suburb in the United States and the #1 safest suburb in Indiana. I’m grateful for the men and women of the Noblesville Police and Fire Departments who selflessly do the work to keep our community safe.
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8. Together, we invested in downtown infrastructure.
Campaign Promise: Encourage a “small business” mentality. Government doesn't create jobs, it creates the opportunity for entrepreneurs and businesses to take risks and create jobs. The investments we make in infrastructure and public safety make Noblesville a desirable place to open or expand businesses.
Implemented DORA: Launched in September after careful consideration and City Council approval, DORA (or the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) allows residents and visitors to enjoy alcoholic beverages from more than 15 participating establishments while strolling through designated outdoor areas downtown. This program, designed to cut government red tape and promote small businesses, has helped enhance the downtown experience for residents and visitors alike.
Added Enhanced Crosswalks, Stoplights, Four-way Flashers: We’ve been purposeful in the physical investments made in downtown this year, like upgraded stoplights along SR-32 and new four-way flashers by Seminary Park and Lofts on Tenth.
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9. Together, we invested in more trail connectivity than ever before.
Campaign Promise: Make long-term investments in Noblesville’s trail network
Over the past two years, we opened the Nickel Plate Trail, the Levee Trail Extension, and the Stony Creek Trail — a record for Noblesville. Each of these are important as they serve as connection points within our city and to the communities around us.
In the near future, we’ll see more trail connectivity with the Midland Trace Trail connection (via Pleasant Street), Little Chicago over Morse, alongside 146th near Allisonville, and on the East side on Noblesville near Pulte / Del Webb. Design dollars are also allocated next year for the Nickel Plate Trail over 146th Street.
10. Together, we accomplished this all while living within our means.
In October, the Council approved Noblesville’s $127.7 million budget for 2025 that:
Keeps the tax rate steady for the sixth consecutive year
Commits 15% of annual revenue towards our rainy day fund (3% higher than the State mandate)
Allocates more than 50% toward public safety
And invests in long-overdue infrastructure projects around Noblesville
As always, thank for reading and being a part of what we’re doing in Noblesville. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent you and look forward to what’s to come in 2025.
Onward,
Aaron Smith
317-445-1045