Control of City-County Council at stake in upcoming election
Low turnout for the mayor’s race and redrawn district maps could make a big difference in the most competitive council races in Districts 2, 3, 6, 16, 19 and 21.
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Hamilton County cities pay for elections with virtually no ballot choices
Republicans dominate Hamilton County politics and Democrats barely bother to participate.
$60M mixed-use project planned for Rangeline
The ex-Party Time Rental warehouse has been an eyesore for years, but Carmel officials finally seem ready to OK a plan to transform the 6.5-acre site.
Northern suburbs investing in new websites
City, town and county officials are investing tens of thousands of dollars to revamp their dated municipal websites and make information easier for residents to obtain.
Auditor sues city, BlueIndy over car-sharing contract
Marion County Auditor Julie Voorhies has sued the city of Indianapolis over its contract with BlueIndy, saying the city illegally paid $6 million to the electric car-sharing service. Mayor’s spokeswoman calls lawsuit a “stunt.”
Zionsville eyes $600K for nature center, temporary town hall
Mayor Jeff Papa says the town could address two potential needs with one building as officials weigh what to do with the current town hall.
Hogsett’s claim about spending cuts isn’t quite accurate
The Democrat has said repeatedly that he spent less year after year while serving as secretary of state and U.S. attorney. But while his spending was generally lower than the amounts appropriated to the office, they weren’t always less than the year before.
Pacers go into new season with revenue streams headed in right direction
Sales of season tickets, merchandise and sponsorships are all up. Attendance is expected to match—or even exceed—the 2013-2014 season. And the stadium deal the Pacers struck with the city’s Capital Improvement Board last year has freed the franchise to make investments it hopes will pay dividends long term.
Mayoral foes: City must draw residents to bolster tax revenue
Attracting higher-wage residents is key to future growth as city revenues have stagnated and local governments have become increasingly reliant on income taxes. Republican Chuck Brewer and Democrat Joe Hogsett are proposing ways to bolster Indy neighborhoods.
Hogsett solidifies fundraising advantage over Brewer
Democrat Joe Hogsett bolstered his cash advantage in the Indianapolis mayoral race against Republican Chuck Brewer, reporting donations of more than $1.56 million in his most recent campaign finance filing.
City billboard suit spooks Montage on Mass developers
A federal suit filed by a local billboard firm claiming a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision makes the city’s sign ordinance unconstitutional has pushed discussion of another project’s electronic-mesh art display to next year.
Early voting off to slow start in Indianapolis election
In a possible precursor to another low-turnout election, fewer than 3,000 people had already voted or requested absentee ballots by early this week for the Nov. 3 municipal contest.
Embassy Suites, restaurants part of $35M Noblesville project
A seven- to eight-story hotel and 20,000-square-foot conference center are in the works for a $35 million mixed-use development just off exit 210 of Interstate 69 in Noblesville.
Indianapolis officials approve $1.1B budget for 2016
The Indianapolis City-County Council signed off on Mayor Greg Ballard's final budget Monday. The 2016 budget is nearly 7 percent larger than last year's and focuses on public safety.
BlueIndy counts 500 members, 1,500 rides in first month
The controversial BlueIndy electric car-sharing service is touting that it has about 500 members in Indianapolis who have taken 1,500 rides in its first month. It’s still far from profitability.
Plant closure spurs call to step back from Indy’s Covanta deal
A recycling plant in Montgomery, Alabama, that Indianapolis officials once touted as a successful model of “one-bin” combined waste and recycling has at least temporarily shut down, citing a drop in the commodities market.
Leaders, candidates grapple with city savings balance
Many are looking to mayoral candidates Chuck Brewer and Joe Hogsett to craft a long-term savings strategy as Indianapolis’ reserves continue on a downward trend.
Billboard company suing city over digital sign ban
The federal suit filed by GEFT Outdoor LLC challenges the constitutionality of the ordinance. It comes in the wake of a U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding regulations for different kinds of sign content.
Cleveland appeals ‘jock tax’ ruling to U.S. Supreme Court
The case has widespread implications for pro athletes and cities with sports franchises that tax visiting players’ incomes. It’s rooted in part in a challenge brought by former Indianapolis Colt Jeff Saturday.
Carmel City Council passes anti-discrimination ordinance
The Carmel City Council approved a human rights ordinance with a 4-3 vote Monday night after hearing about two hours of divided public testimony.