City says it has blown past goal of transforming 2,000 troubled homes
In the two years since the initiative started, the city of Indianapolis has spent $24.3 million—largely in federal funds—to demolish, build or rehab more than 2,500 homes.
Local Government
Articles
Democratic hopefuls for City-County Council face concerns over party affiliation
At issue is that counties determine party affiliation in municipal elections by using candidates’ past primary votes—and neither ever has voted in a primary election.
Hamilton County councilor to challenge Brainard in primary battle for Carmel mayor’s office
Republican Fred Glynn, who recently was re-elected to the Hamilton County Council, will run against six-term Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard in May's primary.
Senate OKs bill to allow food, beverage tax in three Indy suburbs
The tax would have the biggest impact in Greenwood, where it could generate $2.5 million in 2020 and $2.6 million in 2021.
Council leaders urge legislative hearing on Indy Eleven stadium bill
Republican and Democratic leaders of the City-County Council say they want the opportunity to fully debate a bill that would funnel state and local tax revenue to an 18,000-seat stadium that would be part of a larger mixed-use development.
CICF, Hogsett seek $4M fund to provide wraparound services to formerly homeless
The fund is designed to tackle “the significant lack of service provider capacity” that grew after Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett in 2017 launched an effort to provide 400 more housing units for the homeless.
Westfield sees advanced manufacturing as new growth engine
As Bastian Solutions, a Carmel-based subsidiary of Japan-based Toyota Industries Corp., prepares to open its Westfield facility along U.S. 31, city leaders are working to woo other companies like it.
City-County Council OKs $24M in additional public works spending
Some council members voted for the measure in spite of previously expressed frustration that the measure transfers $300,000 out of the city’s parking meter fund to eventually pay for initiatives that seek to curb homelessness and panhandling.
Embattled Indy Council Democrat Stephen Clay decides to skip reelection bid
Democrats were not planning to endorse him at their upcoming pre-primary convention as their preferred candidate for District 13, which is on the northeast side.
Greenwood exploits creek for ‘riverfront’ district
As part of its effort to add redevelop its downtown, Greenwood is putting an unusual asset to use: a meandering minor waterway that in spots is not much wider than a drainage ditch.
Mount Comfort Road has big development potential for Hancock County
Mount Comfort Road in Hancock County could see an additional half billion dollars in economic impact by 2030 if community leaders capitalize on a plan to develop the busy corridor.
Whitestown manager Dax Norton takes job as government consultant
Norton will be tasked at MS Consultants with helping counties, cities and towns develop systems for day-to-day management of all administrative and governance functions and to raise money for projects and economic development.
Political upstarts like Indiana’s Buttigieg getting serious look in age of Trump
South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg is barely old enough to run for president, but he and other young potential candidates are finding encouragement at a time when conventional election wisdom has been upended.
Indiana fiscal policy think tank finds new leader
The institute, which studies how Indiana collects and spends taxpayer money, has been without a president since late 2017.
Hogsett kicks off 2019 mayoral campaign with $3.2M war chest
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett has a huge fundraising advantage over his Republican challengers, who are starting their campaigns with bank accounts in the four-figure range.
Council panel postpones vote on controversial billboard plan to consider changes
Council Vice President Zach Adamson said “we all have received lots of calls” on the proposal and said postponing the matter would “allow additional conversation” on whether or not to amend the proposal or accept it as written.
UPDATE: Merritt, longtime state senator, running for Indianapolis mayor
Jim Merritt, who will formally announce his campaign Thursday afternoon, told IBJ he was running for mayor because he “loves my city,” and is concerned about the city’s high number of murders and “rampant homelessness.”
Indy Eleven proposes $550 million development that includes stadium
The professional soccer team is pushing for a 20,000-seat stadium as part of a real estate district featuring lodging, office and retail space, an underground parking structure and apartments.
City parking meter hours to be extended after council vote
The new ordinance is expected to generate an additional $800,000 in parking meter fees annually—about $200,000 less than council members initially sought in a more extensive proposal.
Business partner sought for proposed Broad Ripple Park event center
The Indianapolis Parks Department is proposing the creation of public-private partnership involving a health care provider to help pay for a new family event center at Broad Ripple Park.