A recent survey from Black Onyx Management shows that the main concerns in many communities include access to health care, creating small businesses, and housing. 

Marshawn Wolley, the CEO of Black Onyx Management, says the mission of his organization is to connect communities and businesses that benefit from data-rich research projects. This information is collected and then used to lobby the Indiana legislature for new laws to benefit the community. “People come to us when they’re looking to understand a population or community.” 

Wolley says many of these issues, many of which were uncovered in a recent policy summit, include sustainable housing and access to mental health care. Wolley says even issues like these can impact small businesses. 

After collecting the data, Wolley says Black Onyx then develops a program and presents their findings and recommendations to Indiana lawmakers with the help of a lobbying firm.  

For the upcoming legislative session, Wolley says his organization will closely watch movement on cuts to Medicaid, workforce housing, mental health funding, and more.