Lebanon 2026 Plans For Growth
Continuing the momentum of 2025, Mayor Matt Gentry will make major advances in positioning Lebanon for future success, with upcoming projects focused on economic development and strengthening infrastructure needs into 2026. The year will be aimed at ongoing revitalization of Lebanon’s historic downtown, continued advancements in the LEAP District, planning for the future of Hickory Junction, and improving infrastructure needs to better the quality of life for residents.
“Lebanon’s in this growth curve at the moment, and so it’s a matter of just continuing to grow sustainably in a thoughtful way,” Mayor Gentry says.
Because of the increasing growth Lebanon has been experiencing, 2026 will focus on strengthening infrastructure to meet the needs of the growing population. This includes construction of a new park, public safety improvements and major utility work.
“There will be construction of a new park on the west side of town at the old Street Department garage breaking ground this summer,” Mayor Gentry says. “We’re currently under construction on our third fire station that’ll be completed in 2026, new housing neighborhoods, the Indiana Department of Transportation is rebuilding State Road 32, we’re in the early stages of planning for a police station because our current station was built back in the ’60s and is reaching the end of its useful life, and we are awaiting Parkview Health to submit their development plans to the city so they can start construction on their hospital in Hickory Junction.”
Major utility infrastructure projects are expected to take place in 2026, with a water tower being built west of State Road 32, additional wastewater investments, and water utility work provided by Citizens Energy Group.
“Earlier this year, we entered into contractual agreements with Citizens Energy Group, and they will be providing Lebanon with an additional 2 million gallons of water per day by Jan. 1, 2027, then an additional 8 million gallons of water by January 2028, and finally an additional 15 million gallons of water by Jan. 1, 2031,” Mayor Gentry says. “That’s certainly exciting for the city, and we’ll be able to fuel all of our economic development and residential growth happening in Lebanon for the foreseeable future.”
In 2026, Lebanon will continue its momentum of development in the LEAP District and downtown Lebanon.
“We’re seeing a lot of great attraction and focus on the LEAP District and downtown Lebanon,” Mayor Gentry says.
The LEAP Innovation and Research District is an expansive 9,000-acre site near Interstate 65, certified through the Strategic Site Inventory, to be utilized for economic advancement, innovation and research development by industry-leading companies. In 2026, Lebanon will see Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, continue construction on its sprawling 1,400-acre data center, while Eli Lilly and Company progresses on its medicine foundry — a state-of-the-art facility focused on drug development and advanced medical manufacturing.
While balancing Lebanon’s rapid economic expansion with preserving its small-town charm, Mayor Gentry says staying connected as a community remains a priority.
“We want to keep that small-town feel, where people can walk to places, see their neighbors and be active in their community,” he says. “We’re investing in public spaces, in our trails and parks, and a few years ago we invested in our downtown. We’re seeing great success in our downtown, making that the place where people want to gather and be with family and friends.”
Lebanon remains purposeful in its downtown revitalization efforts to ensure future success. Mayor Gentry and his administration are in the early stages of developing a “next ring” of reconstruction outside the historic square.
“With the vibrancy we’re seeing downtown, we’re trying to continue that momentum and keep moving forward, and the City Council just approved a designated outdoor refreshment area for Lebanon,” Mayor Gentry says. “We’re really trying to use all the tools in our toolbox to make downtown Lebanon a thriving and vibrant place. We have a lot of great history downtown, and we’re trying to preserve that by investing in historic buildings while also blending in the new. We’re focused on thoughtful planning and development that makes people feel welcome and connected.”
Hickory Junction also holds significant promise for growth heading into the new year. Lebanon is partnering with Card and Associates Athletic Facilities, which has taken the lead on bringing development to Hickory Junction.
“There are a lot of additional opportunities for restaurants and retail near the new Farmers Bank Fieldhouse that’ll be great for our community and certainly a tourism opportunity,” Mayor Gentry adds. “We also have the announcement of Parkview Health and the construction of a new hospital close to that facility, which would be a great addition to the south side of town.”
Looking ahead, Mayor Gentry says he is confident his administration will bring continued success to Lebanon in 2026.
“We have a great team that’s ready to address any challenges if they arise,” he says.
With a focus on stimulating economic growth and infrastructure improvements, there is strong confidence in Lebanon’s future as the new year approaches.
