GOP U.S. Sen. Jim Banks introduced a bipartisan bill this week to ensure the United States Postal Service will give certain communities in Indiana their own ZIP codes. Photo by Jason Hawke, Unsplash.

By Niki Kelly
Indiana Capital Chronicle

INDIANAPOLIS — GOP U.S. Sen. Jim Banks introduced a bipartisan bill this week to ensure the United States Postal Service will give certain communities in Indiana their own ZIP codes, making mail delivery clearer and more efficient.

Fellow Sens. Michael Bennett, D-Colorado; Markwayne Mullin, R-Oklahoma; and John Hickenlooper, D-Colorado, are original cosponsors of the legislation, which includes several other states.

“I’ve heard from too many Hoosiers frustrated by mail delays and mix-ups. Our growing communities deserve their own ZIP codes so families and businesses can count on reliable service,” Banks said in a press release.

Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen supports the effort to assign single, unique ZIP codes for communities.

“This will eliminate longstanding address confusion for businesses, residents, and newcomers by saving time, reducing errors, and improving local services. The clear boundaries also help ensure tax collections are accurately divided among the communities they serve,” he said. “I applaud Senator Banks for introducing a bill to give cities a dedicated zip code, provide clarity, and have a lasting impact on residents and business owners.”

The bill directs the Postal Service to designate single, unique ZIP codes for the following communities in Indiana:

• Carmel, Indiana
• Lawrence, Indiana
• Noblesville, Indiana
• Westfield, Indiana
• Zionsville, Indiana

A release from Banks included supportive statements from other area leadership.

“We have people who live in Zionsville, but they have a Brownsburg, Lebanon or Whitestown ZIP code, so this bill will help foster community by reflecting our true boundaries,” said Zionsville Mayor John Stehr. “It will also simplify services and make emergency response more efficient by eliminating confusion over who has jurisdiction for a particular location.” 

Lawrence Mayor Deb Whitfield said “having our own ZIP code is more than just a number on mail. It’s about identity, efficiency, and opportunity. It gives our city the recognition it deserves, improves services for residents and businesses, and strengthens the sense of community we all share. Thus, this step ensures that the people of Lawrence, that I serve are better connected, better represented, and better supported.”