Local lawmakers: Elkhart awarded funding to expand housing
STATEHOUSE (Aug. 11, 2026) – Recently, the city of Elkhart was awarded $10 million from the Indiana Finance Authority in the latest round of funding to expand housing throughout the state, according to local legislators.
State Rep. David Abbott (R-Rome City) said the loans come from the Indiana Residential Housing Infrastructure Assistance Program, which was established in a 2023 law championed by House Republicans. The fund helps local governments cover the costs of housing infrastructure like water distribution systems, electric or gas distribution lines, and new streets, roads and bridges.
"When building new homes, public infrastructure can become very costly and drive-up prices," Abbott said. "When the state and local communities work together, we can make the American dream of owning a home more affordable."
State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) said the $10 million low-interest loan to Elkhart will help the city redevelop an abandoned mall into a mixed-use housing development. The project is expected to include about 140 housing units, a health center, job training center and retail space.
"We want to help more Hoosiers find and afford quality homes," King said. "With more available housing, we can help lower costs for Hoosiers while attracting additional residents and jobs to support the local economy."
State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart), author of House Enrolled Act 1005 (2023), said since the program's inception, the Indiana Finance Authority has closed more than $87 million in loans for housing developments in 20 cities and towns throughout the state. Miller said that Hoosier communities have added over 3,000 housing units since 2023 through the program.
"The Residential Housing Infrastructure Assistance Program provides local units of government a tremendous opportunity to increase housing stock in their communities," Miller said. "These efforts help communities embrace more housing and provide more affordable home options to Hoosiers, and I look forward to the continued positive impact of this program."
State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) said 70% of the state funding is dedicated to communities with populations under 50,000, where the lack of housing is more prevalent. The remaining 30% is available for communities with populations greater than 50,000.
"This program helps local communities of all sizes partner with the state to attract and bring housing development to the area," Wesco said. "This fund lowers up-front housing costs which ultimately leads to more access and lower housing prices for Hoosiers."
This year, House Republicans led further efforts through House Enrolled Act 1001 to expand housing availability, lower costs and help more Hoosiers pursue the American dream of homeownership.
Elkhart is one of six cities that closed on more than $25 million in housing loans for this round of funding. To see the full list of cities and learn more about the Residential Housing Infrastructure Assistance Program and application process, visit https://www.in.gov/ifa/residential-housing-infrastructure-assistance-program/.
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State Rep. David Abbott (R-Rome City) represents House District 18,
which includes portions of Elkhart, Kosciusko, Noble and Whitley counties.
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State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) represents House District 49,
which includes a portion of Elkhart County.
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State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) represents House District 48,
which includes a portion of Elkhart County.
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State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) represents House District 21,
which includes portions of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.
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