Kokomo City Hall is located at 100 South Union Street, Kokomo, IN 46901.
Phone: 765‑456‑7370.
Neighborhoods
The City of Kokomo [†] is a regional metropolitan area serving north-central Indiana. The major transportation routes include: US 31, 35 and SR 22; rail system; and municipal airport. These transportation modes facilitate the efficient movement of people, goods and services.
Kokomo's regional economic vitality dates back to its settlement in the early 19th century. Treaties signed with the Miami Indians in 1834, 1838 and 1840 allowed for the influx of white settlers into the swampy and densely forested area. During this time, David Foster founded the community of Kokomo and maintained a good trading relationship with the Miami Indians. In 1844, Kokomo was chosen as the County Seat of Justice of Howard County, formally known as Richardville County.
Fueled by the discovery of natural gas in 1886 and the completion of gravel roads and railroads, Kokomo rapidly developed into a regional industrial center. Although the supply of natural gas was limited, the industrial spirit of residents was not and Kokomo very quickly established itself as a "City of Firsts."" In 1894, Elwood Haynes designed and built America's first automobile and later that same year, the first pneumatic rubber tire was invented by D.C. Spraker. George Kingston followed in 1902 with the development the first carburetor. In an effort to find tarnish-free tableware for his wife, Elwood Haynes discovered stellite cobalt-based alloy and stainless steel in 1906 and 1912 respectively. The industrial expansion of Kokomo continued through the First World War.
In the mid-1930s, Delco Radio Corporation and the Chrysler Corporation established operations in Kokomo. Much of the region was affected by the depression and both these corporations provided many employment opportunities and stimulated economic development throughout the community. Kokomo's industrial presence continued to grow through the Second World War where many war items were produced including the first all metal life boat (1941) and life raft (1943) nicknamed the "Kokomo Kid."
Several notable inventions at Delco Radio Corporation have contributed to Kokomo's image as a City of Firsts. These include the first push-button car radio (1938), the first signal-seeking car radio (1947), and the first all transistor car radio (1957). The City of Kokomo continues to enjoy a strong economy. Delphi Delco Electronic Systems, formally Delco Radio Corporation and the recently merged, Daimler-Chrysler remain the major employers in the area and create jobs not only within their industries, but also in the other businesses and services in Kokomo and the north-central Indiana region.
† City of Kokomo Comprehensive Plan, 2001, www.cityofkokomo.org, accessed January, 2024.
Nearby Towns: Galveston Town •