Muncie Mayor Dennis Tyler spoke to community members, students and city officials this morning for his State of the City address at the Horizon Convention Center.
Tyler started off his address by discussing economic development and discussed the success of the Courtyard Marriott Hotel in downtown Muncie.
The hotel opened in 2016 and is connected to the Muncie Children's Museum, Thr3e Wise Men and Horizon Convention Center. It is also where students from the Erskine Greene Center are employed. The center gives those with disabilities the opportunity to work at the hotel and gain knowledge in the hospitality field.
The hotel reported high revenue in its first year, producing $3.5 million in revenue in 2016, Tyler said. It is expected to produce $3.8 million in revenue in 2017.
Tyler also discussed the city's four microbreweries, calling them "new and unique.” The breweries have provided tax revenue for the city, and Tyler said they have provided "fun and entertainment for all adults, which is always great.”
Tyler said that in 2016, 183 new businesses in Muncie were reported by the state. Quality small businesses, especially those in Muncie, are employing local residents and are key in helping some get out of poverty, he said.
Tyler later discussed how crime and the recent drug epidemic in Muncie have caused public safety departments to use two-thirds of their overtime budget. Muncie Police will continue to work with organizations to connect the citizens to the resources they need, Tyler said, and the Muncie Police Department is currently helping officers receive the best training available.
In May, Tyler said MPD will launch a take-home vehicle program, which hopes to help save the department money.
The Muncie Fire Department, Tyler added, is also being outfitted with new tools to help assist first responders and firefighters, including a new rescue truck.
Tyler went on to talk about the street department and its current projects. Future plans include pothole and road repairs. Tyler said the city has invested $90,000 just in asphalt to repair potholes.
In less than five years, Tyler said Muncie has been awarded for its sidewalks and bicycle accessibility. The city is working with Ball State's master plan to continue the growth.
Regarding the Muncie Community Schools board's recent vote to close three elementary schools after the state took over, Tyler said, “there is no simple solution.”
RELATED: Muncie school board votes to close 3 elementary schools
"We are not failing. If we fail, they fail," Tyler said. "We cannot allow them to fail.”
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