Economy: Indianapolis growth could help Muncie, BSU economist Hicks says

Michael Hicks, distinguished professor for Ball State University's Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER), told the crowd at the Indiana Economic Luncheon Monday, Dec. 7 that it's likely the Indianapolis metropolitan area will continue to grow, both in terms of population and physical reach. By 2020, the region will have about 2 million people, up from the current 1.5 million. The state will also see population growth in the coming decades; the economist said Indiana will reach a population of about 7 million in the next 15 years.

The Regional Cities Initiative, which is a statewide effort to bring together counties in distinct areas of the state to build their areas, isn't necessarily driving population in places such as Indianapolis and Fort Wayne the way it might locally, Hicks said. However, he also noted the proximity of the western half of Delaware County to Indianapolis' metropolitan area, making it better suited for future growth.

"The population forecast for East Central Indiana probably wouldn't be effected (by the Regional) ... but surely Muncie and the participating cities would do better," Hicks said. "The eastern half of the county would remain plagued with the same problems rural areas have."