Lafayette is enjoying a robust, healthy economy, with significant advances made under the leadership of Mayor Tony Roswarski.

Manufacturing Expansions
Thousands of new jobs and millions of dollars in new investments have recently been made by local industries, boosting the availability of jobs and increasing the city’s tax base. Topping the list is Subaru of Indiana Automotive’s $230 million investment to expand production to include the Toyota Camry, adding 1,150 new jobs. Others include: Tate & Lyle’s $108 million investment and Caterpillar Inc.’s $175 million investment and 350 new employees for production of its new, large-engine platform. Also: Kirby Risk Service Center’s $4 million expansion, Oscar Winski’s $1 million expansion, Fairfield Manufacturing adding 400 new jobs since 2004, and significant ongoing employment opportunities at Wabash National, Alcoa and many other industries.

Healthcare Growth
Two new hospitals are under construction, representing a $380 million investment. Clarian Arnett Medical Center opens its for-profit, 144-room hospital in late 2008; St. Elizabeth East opens its 150-bed hospital in 2009.

Real Estate Developments
From downtown’s three-building, $25 million Renaissance Place completed in 2007 to the new 120-acre Cascada Business Park where five buildings have already been constructed, developers are recognizing that Lafayette is a wise choice for new growth. Park 350 has been certified an Indiana “shovel ready” industrial site. Other projects include SJC Inc.’s seven-acre project at Sagamore Parkway and South Street and the Puzzle Factory Lofts, a condominium project in a former manufacturing facility. 

Retail Surge
A 21st century style shopping complex, Lafayette Pavilions Retail Center, opened on Lafayette’s east side in 2007, bringing a $30 million investment and new retailers and restaurants to town. As a regional shopping hub, Lafayette continues to attract new retailers throughout the community.

Focused Economic Development Efforts
Lafayette’s work to assure healthy economic development took a giant step forward with the 2006 formation of the Lafayette-West Lafayette Development Corp., merging six organizations into one highly focused, coordinated organization. With city support, that organizations launched the Tippecanoe Prospector website, an interactive, GIS-based site and demographic information resource for businesses and industries interested in our community. Three economic development forums were also hosted. And the City of Lafayette brought the Lafayette Urban Enterprise Association operations into city operations, continuing those redevelopment programs.