Legislative roundup: Here’s what IBJ is tracking as session picks back up
From utility rates to tenderloin sandwiches, here are some bills IBJ is following this legislative session.
Local Government
Articles
Hogsett optimistic on pro soccer in Indy, but legislative leader says plans ‘not feasible’ so far
While Mayor Joe Hogsett remains optimistic at the prospect of bringing a professional soccer team to Indy, Senate Appropriations Committee chair Ryan Mishler told IBJ he’s less certain of a team’s long-term viability.
Municipal groups welcome newly filed bills to adjust local income tax structures
After months of asking for relief from the new tax structure imposed by the General Assembly in 2025, local units of government could see some relief under proposed changes to the state’s income tax code this session.
Grand jury probe aligns with alleged misconduct of former Hogsett deputy
A Marion County grand jury is investigating a case that appears to be related to conflict-of-interest and harassment allegations made against former members of the Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration.
Indianapolis City-County Council elects Maggie Lewis as president
Lewis, who previously served as council president from 2012 through 2017, succeeds Vop Osili, who announced his decision to step down from leadership in early December.
Senator seeks more policing, criminal prosecution from state in downtown Indianapolis
State Sen. Michael Young has introduced legislation that could lead to a state takeover of policing and criminal prosecution in downtown Indianapolis.
Hammond mayor: Illinois ‘can’t afford the Bears anymore’
Gov. Mike Braun has also said that the Bears “recognize Indiana’s pro-business climate,” and he is ready to work with the team to build a new stadium in the Hoosier State.
The last holdout: Why Vernon is Indiana’s only town still governed by an 1851 charter
The charter serves as a local constitution, spelling out everything from elections and offices to fines, taxes and the powers of town leaders.
UPDATE: Democrats announce plans to elect Maggie Lewis, John Barth as new council leaders
Lewis previously served as president from 2012 to 2017. The council—which Democrats control 19-6—will make the decision official at the Jan. 5 council meeting.
Michael-Paul Hart: State should set clear guardrails for developments
We need higher standards, better coordination and deals that work for residents.
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.