Develop Indy's 2019 Report Highlights Economic Progress

A new look at 2019 economic and workforce development in Indianapolis says it’s been a good year for business. 

Develop Indy, Indianapolis’s economic development agency that operates through the Indy Chamber, provides the annual assessment.

Last year the city saw more than $500 million in new investment and 4,000 new jobs.

Indy Chamber Vice President Ian Nicolini says average wages reached a record high of $32 an hour. 

He says that came through a strategic attempt to attract so called opportunity industries.

"To drive better employment outcomes, better access to the middle class, leading to a more inclusive economy," says Nicolini.

The report says new jobs were created in the tech, health and life-sciences sectors.

The information comes as the city launches new policies to improve inclusiveness in the workplace. Those involve more inclusive hiring and incentive programs for companies to remove barriers to employment -- like child care and training.

Nicolini says businesses can receive assistance to create these environments.

"We want to make sure those tools are being used for companies that are creating pathways to the middle class, and helping their workforce to remove barriers to being successful," says Nicolini. 

The inclusive policies started this month.

Indianapolis has a three percent unemployment rate.