Delaware County approves up to $475,200 to help fund Muncie 12-acre housing subdivision

Delaware County Redevelopment Commission on Sept. 11 approved participation in infrastructure funding for a proposed 12-acre housing subdivision in the City of Muncie, voting unanimously to authorize a county contribution not to exceed $475,200.

Mayor Dan Ridenour, mayor of Muncie, and Jeff Howe of the Muncie Redevelopment Commission presented the proposal and financial analysis. Ridenour said the administration has prioritized building housing without resorting to new TIF districts or borrowing: "We have... paid off 2 bonds, 1 early... we are about $12,000,000 less in debt than we were before," he said, describing a strategy of paying cash for many projects.

Why it matters: county officials and the presenters said the subdivision is meant to attract and retain higher‑earning workers whose incomes and local spending would increase county tax receipts. Ridenour and Howe told commissioners the city and its redevelopment partners have advanced about 18 housing developments in recent years; combined construction spending they cited was about $292,934,000 and the total pipeline would produce roughly 933 housing units, of which the presenters said about 466 would be affordable or workforce units and 467 market‑rate units. Howe said the development before the commission would contain about 42 units and be included in the county and city revenue projections.

What presenters said: Ridenour framed the project as one element of a broader strategy to grow the tax base and keep employees living in Delaware County rather than commuting elsewhere. He described recent growth in the city’s general fund…