Michael-Paul Hart: State should set clear guardrails for developments
We need higher standards, better coordination and deals that work for residents.
Local Government
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Some local governments are slowing spending as lawmakers debate property tax cuts
The bill would reduce property taxes—and therefore reduce local government revenue—by about $1.4 billion over three years, according to the bill’s fiscal plan.
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Opposition brings likely end to Indiana utility siting bill, but the issue isn’t going away
A key lawmaker called the bill a response to ongoing resistance of local governments to greenlight solar, wind and other renewables projects that are necessary to support the state’s growing energy demands.
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Senate lawmakers scale back Braun’s ambitious property tax proposal in heavily amended bill
The 93-page amendment to Senate Bill 1 introduced Tuesday scrapped an expanded homestead deduction and tax bill caps, which offered the bulk of the plan’s homeowner relief but threatened local government funding.
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Sheridan aims to manage growth with reorganization, but questions remain
The town of Sheridan and Adams Township are looking to merge—a move that would give Sheridan planning and zoning control over an area that is currently unincorporated and is the jurisdiction of county planners.
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Articles
3 counties put moratoriums on data center projects
The potential conflict between the state’s data infrastructure goals and local reluctance to house data centers is the newest chapter in the debate between municipalities and the Statehouse about home-rule matters.
Municipal advocacy group requests tax fixes ahead of 2026 session
Diminished budgets, staffing reductions and postponed projects were the focus Wednesday as more than a dozen Hoosier mayors and town managers gathered to discuss the effects of Indiana’s new property tax system.
Avon voters approve school tax renewal despite Beckwith opposition
The decision came as communities in four other Indiana districts also approved school tax questions in special elections.
Tax changes could force shift in local priorities
Budget-writing season has been especially difficult this year in many Indiana cities, towns and counties as elected officials grapple with the effects of a new law that overhauled the tax systems that fund local governments.
Carmel City Council unanimously approves 2026 budget after weeks of debate
City leaders had to manage a $10 million shortfall in revenue as they worked to craft next year’s budget due to the state’s new property tax reform law.
Google to withdraw rezoning request for data center in Franklin Township
The proposed data center has faced widespread criticism from neighbors and local officials who have expressed concerns about the project’s environmental impact.
Councilors, advocates want Marion County sheriff to stop housing ICE detainees
Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestal says he has to maintain the inflow of ICE detainees—about 700 so far this year—as part of required cooperation with the federal government.
Indianapolis Local Education Alliance to host more public meetings
The nine-member group established by the state legislature must recommend how to improve efficiencies across both Indianapolis Public Schools and the many charters in its borders.
Hamilton County plans $65M government center addition
Now, the upcoming work will add another 130,000 square feet to the building and include an expanded lower level and three total stories.
Local part-time elected officials can lose health insurance, state high court rules
The Supreme Court found that local elected officials may be designated as part-time employees per Indiana code and the county has permission to exclude all part-time employees from group health insurance.
Indianapolis homeless count hits highest mark since 2021
The 2025 point-in-time count was the second-highest recorded in Indianapolis over the past 10 years, trailing only the 2021 high of 1,928.
As new tax bill takes effect, local officials fret
Municipal government leaders across Indiana are going pale in the face while they review budget forecasts for the next few years as a sweeping property tax relief law takes effect.
As calls mount for Hogsett’s resignation, here’s what Indiana law says about impeaching mayors
IBJ asked experts about Indiana’s rarely-used mayoral impeachment process and how Indianapolis would go about choosing another mayor.
Governments face state deadline to start livestreaming meetings
The law, passed in 2023, covers public meetings held by state boards and commissions; elected school boards; county commissions; and county, city and town councils.
Council Democrat calls on Hogsett to resign amid fallout from harassment investigation
In its report, law firm Fisher Phillips said the city acted in compliance with state law, but raised red flags regarding a workplace culture that was “more of a fraternity or sorority … than emblematic of a business setting.”
Marion County election board to investigate Morales campaign ad
The nearly five-minute ad shows Secretary of State Diego Morales visiting Marion County election sites in 2024 and includes footage of public employees and volunteers.
Indy City-County Council considers $27.2M spring spending package
Officials have slated $19.7 million for the Department of Public Works, mostly for capital projects, snow removal and road safety.
Fire departments paying more for trucks that take longer to get
Cities and their fire departments are feeling the strain as post-pandemic wait times and costs for new fire trucks have shot up—due in part to industry consolidation.
Residents, activists respond to Hogsett director pick with concerns about Indy’s winter shelter program
Guests who stayed in the city’s temporary winter shelter have spoken against Andrew Merkley’s nomination to head the Office of Public Health and Safety, arguing the shelter was unfit for families.