Beech Grove Mayor Jim Coffman touted new business developments, infrastructure improvements and plans for enhanced public amenities during the 2026 State of the City address.
Coffman began his third annual reflection on the city with a remembrance for his brother, Steve Coffman, a Beech Grove native and Ohio high school math teacher who died April 30. He also honored Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott, who died in the line of duty Feb. 16.
The mayor referenced his eulogy for Elliott, where he said residents should strive to be more like the fallen officer.
“May we all be a little more kind, a little more dedicated, a little more humble, and a lot more protective of each other,” Coffman said. “That is the community Brian would want. And it is clear that this is the community we have right here in Beech Grove.”
Public safety and community connections were major focuses of the address that took place May 14 at Hornet Park Community Center, 5245 Hornet Ave.
The Democratic mayor praised the police department, which he said responded to 15,000 calls – an average of more than 40 a day – and was involved in 41 vehicle pursuits last year. To aid the officers, Coffman said the department replaced all in-car computers and in-car cameras and body cameras last year.
During his speech, Coffman also highlighted a $17 million dollar grant that will pay for safety improvements along Emerson Avenue from I-465 north to Main Street. This includes upgrading intersections with crosswalks, installing pedestrian and cyclists traffic lights and connecting the Franciscan Trail with the new Hornet Greenway.
The city will also begin construction of a $1.7 million roundabout this summer at the intersection of Arlington and Hanna avenues, and prepare for a $3.5 million roundabout at Emerson and Churchman avenues, using funds from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization.
Overall, Coffman said the city “is strong” as it works to revitalize the area while also tackling budget concerns caused by legislative action approved last year.
Attracting businesses and residents
Coffman celebrated the development of new businesses and public amenities. In 2025, the city’s Redevelopment Commission adopted its first updated economic development plan since 2008, which has served as a guiding light for the city over the past year.
“The level of development we are currently experiencing reinforces why we must continue to focus on quality-of-life services that include a strong focus on public safety,” Coffman said.
The community has welcomed new businesses, such as Boss Bunny Graphics and Mechanical Skills Inc., which built a new plumbing school. Meanwhile, established brick-and-mortar businesses grew, including the re-opening of Gwendolyn Lee Cakery and the Rustic Root, which opened the ice cream shop Scoop at the Root.
To support these entrepreneurs and enhance community connections, the city recently changed its schedule of monthly events highlighting artists and businesses. Instead of competing against other First Friday programs, the city will host Fourth Friday Art Walks beginning May 22.
Residents will also have an upgraded venue for the city’s annual concert series at Sarah T. Bolton Park, which features a newly constructed entertainment stage. Other community amenities planned for parks include new pickleball courts.
Additionally, the Beech Grove Parks Foundation and the parks board have begun a project to remove overgrown brush around Lick Creek in Bolton park. The work is funded by $100,000 grants obtained from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources in 2025 and 2026.
Funding the future
Still, Coffman said the city is carefully monitoring its budget.
Many local governments are preparing for a potential shortfall in coming years in response to state funding changes. Last year, Indiana lawmakers passed new property tax legislation, which reduces the amount of property tax revenue local governments can receive. Without those funds, small governing bodies, such as Beech Grove, have been working to ensure the future financial health of the city.
That’s on top of contentious debates regarding future sewer rates.
“No one ever wants to see a rate adjustment take place, but the community came out, you asked questions, and you were involved in the entire process,” Coffman said. “You held elected officials accountable for their decisions, and I am thankful for that.”
Despite the challenges ahead, Coffman said he is proud of the work the city completed last year – and excited for the growth to come in 2026.
“I leave you with the same request that I had last year – please share with others why Beech Grove is special to you,” Coffman said. “The exact qualities you mention to others are the ones we must strive to protect. By doing this simple task, the state of our city will continue to be strong for years to come.”
Residents can view the speech online.
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Mirror Indy reporter Elizabeth Gabriel covers the south side of Marion County. Contact her at elizabeth.gabriel@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on X at @_elizabethgabs.
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