Justice center panel to work at fast clip
A board set up to review Mayor Greg Ballard’s criminal justice complex proposal is scheduled to vote April 8, and the five members will be asked to digest loads of information in a two-week span.
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Secretive ‘bill mill’ gets local foothold
An offshoot of the American Legislative Exchange Council that aims to influence local government is making inroads in Indiana. The American City County Exchange, which launched about a year ago, has 22 members from eight Indiana counties, including Marion and Hamilton.
Council President Maggie Lewis campaign reports thin on details
Indianapolis City-County Council President Maggie Lewis received more than $10,000 from her campaign over the past three years as reimbursement for various expenses. Her campaign reported almost all of the payments with no other description of purpose than a one-letter code, “O” for operations, as required by law.
Council approves funding for city preschool program
Indianapolis’ hotly debated preschool program cleared its final hurdle Monday when the City-County Council approved spending $4.2 million to send 1,000 poor children to high-quality preschools later this year.
Council again delays decision on Angie’s List incentives
The Indianapolis City-County Council on Monday night tabled a decision on whether to issue $18.5 million in bonds to support the expansion of Angie's List’s east-side headquarters.
Council members: Delay justice center decision until after election
The odds the Indianapolis City-County Council will approve plans for a new criminal justice center this year are tanking fast.
Justice complex decision could come at last minute
Delays by the City-County Council could push the closing of a $1.6 billion deal for a new criminal justice complex until mid-May, just under the wire to preserve prices in the preferred bid.
Q&A: Departing CIB prez looks back on crisis
Ann Lathrop explains why she’s stepping away from the city’s Capital Improvement Board after helping pilot its recovery and cutting a deal to heavily subsidize the Indiana Pacers’ operation of Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Council panel tables Angie’s List request until next month
A decision on whether to provide more than $18 million in city incentives to consumer review service Angie's List was delayed Monday night by a City-County Council committee.
Digital billboards vote delayed until April
After three hours of discussion, a controversial proposal to lift Marion County’s ban on digital billboards was postponed without a vote Monday night.
Section 8 proposal angers Indianapolis landlords
Advocates for low-income housing are clashing with Indianapolis landlords over a proposal that would make it illegal to reject tenants solely because they use government subsidies to pay their rent.
City plans new TIF to boost west side
Indianapolis planners say the city needs another $7.1 million to prepare the former Central State Hospital campus for redevelopment, but they’re out of resources. A proposal to raise those funds via a new tax-increment financing district around the 142-acre site is moving through the Indianapolis City-County Council with bipartisan support.
UPDATE: Council to put billboard proposal on hold after public outcry
The sponsor of a City-County Council resolution that would lift a ban on digital billboards plans to delay a vote scheduled for Monday and send the measure back to a council committee.
Digital billboards would bloom in Indy under council proposal
The City-County Council is scheduled Dec. 1 to weigh a resolution that lifts the city’s ban on digital billboards and allows as many 75 in the city over three years. Opponents are rallying against what they consider visual blight.
Council OKs $59 million bond issue for library
The Indianapolis City-County Council on Monday overwhelmingly voted to approve nearly $59 million in debt to pay for new and renovated library branches across the city.
Council leaders, mayor find $15M for pre-K scholarships
City-County Council Democrats and Republicans have agreed on alternative sources to fund a preschool program proposed by Mayor Greg Ballard, which also would include $20 million from private sources.
Grassroots group challenges jail plan, wants focus on jobs
A grassroots, church-based organization is trying to stir up voter interest in the city’s plan for a new criminal justice complex and questioning the need to expand jail capacity.
Rogue Democrat Mahern resigns from Indy council
Democrat Brian Mahern has left the Indianapolis City-County Council. Coming with more than a year left in the term, the resignation allows the party to appoint someone to the seat.
Library plans $59M in new branches, upgrades
Indianapolis Public Library officials are seeking approval from the city to borrow funds to renovate, relocate and build entirely new branches across the city. Despite growing emphasis on digital media, library visits are increasing, they say.
Council OKs $70m road bond
The borrowing plan will target streets and sidewalks across the city. Also on Monday night, City-County Councilors approved a $1 billion city budget.