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.
Local Government
Articles
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.
New prize named for former Indy mayor challenges local leaders to innovate
The Sagamore Institute’s new Goldsmith Prize aims to recognize sustainable solutions that leverage technology and data, foster collaboration, empower public employees and innovate creatively.
State property tax plan might prompt local income tax hikes
Legislators determined to cut property tax bills for homeowners and businesses are set to leave local officials with difficult choices about whether to cut services or raise income taxes to make up for substantial funding gaps.
With after-midnight vote, Indiana Senate sends property tax bill to governor
The high-profile property tax legislation has been criticized both for not providing enough homeowner relief and for reducing revenue for local governments.
UPDATE: Indianapolis public defenders’ union rallies for arbitration in first contract
Arbitration, which would bring in a third party to settle labor disputes between a union and employer, isn’t an issue they’re willing to compromise on, workers said.
Latest tweaks to state road-funding bill impact grant program, township trustees
State senators on Tuesday heavily amended a bill that overhauls Indiana’s road-funding formula.
Report says townships fail to disperse emergency help taxpayers are funding
The January report by poverty- and homelessness-focused service providers, titled “Marion County Township Trustees: Opportunities Seized; Opportunities Missed,” is the result of a yearlong investigation.
Groundbreaking planned for $84M overhaul of former downtown jail properties
Thursday’s groundbreaking ceremony comes as interior work gets underway on the overhaul of the former jail and Cole Motor Car Co. building, as well as the Arrestee Processing Center immediately north.
Indiana House considers another property tax overhaul solution
Wednesday’s amendment to Senate Bill 1 marked the bill’s third major iteration this session, signaling that legislative leaders have not yet settled on the approach to lower property taxes.
Small town spirit: How Indiana’s rural communities are working to reverse population losses
More than 70% of Indiana’s counties, many of which are rural and also lost population in the 2020 census, are expected to lose residents over the next 30 years.
Bill to exclude Cumberland from UniGov advanced by Senate panel
Lawmakers on the Indiana Senate Local Government Committee voted unanimously Thursday in favor of legislation that would exempt the east-side town of Cumberland from Indianapolis-Marion County consolidated government.
‘I’m no stranger to hard work’: New CEO takes helm of Indianapolis Housing Agency
The troubled housing agency’s new chief executive is credited with leading two public housing agencies out of scandal and federal receivership.