J. Sebastian Smelko focuses on infrastructure investment and economic development structures, as well as governmental affairs. He maintains a wide-ranging government relations practice that combines public affairs advocacy, traditional legal acumen, and strategic policy and political guidance for both public and private sector clients. He has served as general counsel for the Ports of Indiana and as a policy director and the assistant general counsel in the office of former Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, where he worked alongside current Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb. 

Sebastian brings to bear a breadth of knowledge of the executive branch of government and procurement processes, analyzing and drafting policy initiatives and ushering legislation through the general assembly. He has experience in developing and drafting numerous pieces of legislation, including those impacting Public-Private Partnerships (P3) matters. With the enactment of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and other COVID-related federal funding streams, Sebastian has advised local governments throughout the state on how to strategically utilize these increases in funding, and advised various private clients on leveraging incentive opportunities.   



Sebastian’s work on economic development projects of varying magnitudes includes analysis of project delivery methods and site selection with regional development authorities, port authorities, fiber optic and broadband opportunities, and public utilities on energy policy initiatives. He worked on the largest commuter rail expansion in Indiana’s history in the West Lake Corridor and the double tracking of the South Shore Line in northwest Indiana. Furthermore, he drafted and ushered the first Indiana legislation to encourage transit-oriented development through the statehouse.