Brewer Pitches Economic Corridors Amidst New Policy Platform

INDIANAPOLIS -- Republican Chuck Brewer says targeting certain corridors for development will help Indianapolis’ economy grow beyond just the downtown core.

The candidate for mayor discussed his economic development strategies Wednesday. Brewer says he wants to partner with anchor institutions like hospitals and colleges along the city’s busiest streets.

"Corridor development is absolutely essential to growing and sustaining our neighborhoods," he said. "Studies show that attractive corridors drive retail traffic. And retail traffic drives up property assessments, which in turn results in greater tax revenue and fuel neighborhood redevelopment."

Brewer says he also wants to open a world trade center in Indianapolis to help local companies connect with the global economy. And he wants to create computer coding academies in each of the city’s school districts.

Also, Brewer wants to take a page from one of the city’s suburbs to encourage startup businesses and entrepreneurship. Brewer says ‘Launch Indy’ will be similar to the program Fishers started, by offering collaborative workspace for entrepreneurs.

"We can be a magnate for entrepreneurs and startups and young companies that are looking for ways to engage with a large city like us," he said.

His opponent, Democrat Joe Hogsett, was recently endorsed by the Chamber of Commerce. Though Brewer owns two successful downtown restaurants.