Calling for Consolidation of Hundreds of Tiny Townships

Hundreds of townships in Indiana serve fewer than 1,000 people each, prompting some government officials to call for consolidation to reduce wasted resources.

1 minute read

January 26, 2011, 10:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg

"[B]ased on 2009 population estimates, nearly one in five of the state's townships serve fewer than 1,000 residents -- and more than half (588) serve fewer than 2,500 people.

Not surprisingly, an Indianapolis Star analysis of November's trustee elections shows that the winner often needed to sway fewer voters than a high school class president. And in some cases, one vote would be enough: The Star also found a high number of trustee races were uncontested.

With lawmakers tackling several aspects of township reform, one issue they will confront is whether to force certain townships to consolidate."

But others argue the small sizes help foster a more vibrant democracy in those communities.

FULL STORY: Do tiny townships make sense?

Monday, January 24, 2011 in The Indianapolis Star

Community / Economic Development Government / Politics Social / Demographics Indiana Democracy Funding Townships View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.