A new hotel and conference center district is planned in Carmel, and Mayor Sue Finkam is hoping the state legislature will approve a tax that could help fund its public infrastructure.
Finkam testified before the Indiana Senate’s Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Jan. 13 in support of Senate Bill 242, which would allow Carmel and New Haven to impose an innkeeper’s tax at a flat rate of up to $5 per night.
The mayor didn’t provide details about the proposed district but told lawmakers it is projected to drive nearly $1 billion in investment.
Finkam said an independent market analysis showed the city can support significant conference and meeting space, specifically for mid-sized conventions, corporate meetings and community events.
She said the project will complement the Indiana Convention Center and is not expected to compete with it.
“The goal is simple: attract more visitors, create more room nights and generate more business for hotels, restaurants and hospitality employers throughout Central Indiana,” Finkam said.
Finkam said SB242 is responsible and competitive because it caps the fee, provides transparency for travelers and is dedicated to tourism-related investment.
Carmel is set to lose its primary conference facility – 502 East Event Centre – in 2027 to make way for a major redevelopment project between Carmel Drive and 126th Street. Gramercy and Marketplace will include rental and for-sale residential units, retail space, public plazas and a parking garage.
Learn more about SB242 at iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/senate/242/details.
Related posts:
Mayor recounts ‘challenging’ year, debuts Carmel 311 app at State of the City On the horizon: Major redevelopment announcements, parks improvements expected in 2026 Township tax could be long-sought funding solution for Carmel parks New online tool aims to increase applicant pool for Carmel boards, but altered meeting times could limit it Carmel in brief — December 9, 2025 ‘Worth the wait’: Carmel officials explain yearslong delay in debut of Japanese Garden expansion
Read more on Current Publishing
