Redevelopment commission approves $100,000 for Heart of Lebanon after annual report

At a public meeting, the Lebanon Redevelopment Commission approved a $100,000 contribution to Heart of Lebanon for the 2026 fiscal year after receiving the nonprofit’s 2025 annual report. The commission recorded its approval by voice vote; the meeting moderator abstained from the funding vote because they sit on Heart of Lebanon’s board.

Heart of Lebanon Executive Director Missy told commissioners the organization has turned recent investment into downtown growth, saying, 'Tonight, I'm excited to show you the tangible dividends of this investment.' In 2025, Missy said the downtown welcomed four new restaurants, one new retail establishment and four new service businesses, and several existing businesses expanded their footprints. She listed two ownership changes (The Cupboard and Blooms by Sandy, now The Garden) and said three restaurants and a yoga studio are already under construction in 2026.

Missy described a range of events and placemaking efforts that she said have supported that growth: 45 community events in 2025 (about 10 more than the prior year), an indoor winter market running Saturdays in January and February, signature activations such as Jolly Trolley and Witches on Wheels, and community placemaking projects. Heart of Lebanon reported it facilitated 1,209 volunteer hours, executed six placemaking projects totaling about $48,500 in investment, and has seven buildings currently under construction downtown. She also said the organization received an Indiana Main Street and Ball State Design Assistance Grant to provide facade design assistance for four downtown properties.

On communications and public feedback, Missy reported roughly 2,450,000 social‑media views last year, 18,213 followers and 226 community surveys collected at events, including DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) surveys. She noted recent recognition — including inclusion in a WNBA scavenger hunt and regional media coverage — and highlighted a crowdfunding effort that paid for a headstone dedication for Carlisle Borders at Oak Hill Cemetery.

When asked whether any unspent funds from last year could carry over, Missy said prior funds were distributed from the RDC to Heart of Lebanon and that a balance remains in the organization’s account but that carryover operations are separate and not part of the new $100,000 request. The moderator said, 'I obviously will be abstaining from any votes just because I do hold that board position.' A motion to appropriate $100,000 to Heart of Lebanon was made, seconded and carried by voice vote; the record does not include a roll‑call tally.

The commission did not attach additional conditions to the appropriation during the meeting. Heart of Lebanon said it will proceed with planned events, wayfinding signage and DORA implementation this year. The commission will reconvene in February.