TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun says a new bipartisan bill that was introduced by Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) would help the City of Terre Haute “redevelop and reimagine” abandoned or rundown buildings, according to a press release.
Last Thursday, Senator Banks—along with Senator Mark Warner (D-Va)— introduced the Revitalizing Empty Structures Into Desirable Environments Act (RESIDE), which will help communities turn rundown or abandoned buildings—such as warehouses, factories, hotels, strip malls, and other unused spaces—into new housing options.
The bill would set aside funding within the House Investment Partnership Program (HOME)—starting in 2026—for a new pilot program to help communities repurpose these blighted properties.
This effort will help support both single-family and multi-family homes, all while not including any new spending in the bill.
“Owning a home is such a big part of the American dream. But with prices so high, especially for young people, we have to get serious about building more homes,” said Sen. Banks. “This bill is a commonsense way to revitalize our communities and give more families a real chance to buy a home.”
Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun said the RESIDE Act is a unique opportunity and looks forward to what it could do for the City of Terre Haute and the entire Hoosier state as a whole.
“The RESIDE Act is a unique opportunity to redevelop and reimagine blighted properties. The city of Terre Haute is looking forward to working with the federal government to put these funds to use in the great state of Indiana,” said Mayor Sakbun.
The issue of abandoned or rundown buildings across the City of Terre Haute has been something Mayor Sakbun has been addressing since taking office in 2024.
“We found some ways, internally, to increase our demolition numbers by 33% without adding a dollar, so, as you see, in July (2024), we’re going to take down another 28 homes or commercial buildings in the city of Terre Haute,” said Mayor Sakbun during his first City Update in 2024.
Vincennes Mayor Joe Yochum is also looking forward to what this could mean for the City of Vincennes.
“Any program that would assist in taking blighted or less desirable properties and turning them into workforce housing would be beneficial to all communities, as we are all dealing with the lack of quality housing.”
Other Indiana mayors have also shown their support for the RESIDE Act, including mayors from Fort Wayne, Noblesville and Bloomington.
“Hoosiers sent Senator Banks to DC to produce results for our communities. The RESIDE Act, introduced by Senator Banks, would put measures in place to revitalize blighted properties and spur economic growth and opportunities, said Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen. “This bill will have lasting benefits for the Hoosier state and local communities that receive the grant dollars to redevelop blighted properties. Local communities often look for ways to reinvest in existing infrastructure, and this bill does that.”
“As communities work against several barriers to provide housing for residents, creative approaches to housing are welcome. We commend Senator Banks for creating legislation to support the use of HOME dollars to address the nation’s need for housing that works,” said Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thompson.
“There is no one-size-fits-all way to address affordable housing, said Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker. “We need to rehab, repurpose, and build our way out. Federal funds that make the American Dream possible are always appreciated in Fort Wayne. Thank you to Senator Jim Banks for helping to make HOME funds available and supporting pilot programs like this.”
To read more statements issued by Indiana mayors regarding the RESIDE Act, you can do so here.
