LEADING QUESTIONS: Deputy mayor keeps thick skin
Michael Huber has learned not to take critics' barbs personally as he oversees some of the city's biggest deals.
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Touted Build America Bonds may not be available for utility deal
Citizens Energy previously said not using the bonds would add about $100 million to the cost of the deal over 30 years.
North of South financing clears first hurdle
The Metropolitan Development Commission has approved an $86 million city loan to help fund the $155 million mixed-used development near the downtown campus of Eli Lilly and Co. The project still needs approval from the City-County Council.
City looking for consultants to ramp up green programs
The Office of Sustainability in November put out two requests for consultants or teams to implement environmentally friendly initiatives.
Local parking vendor eyes contract with ACS
T2 Systems Inc., which makes software to manage the enforcement of parking violations and the collection of fines, is hopeful it can continue providing the service under a new parking-meter manager.
City-County Council OKs parking privatization
City-County Council members voted 15-14 Monday night to clear the way for Indianapolis to lease its parking meters to a private firm, a move proponents say will upgrade the system even as it generates revenue for infrastructure improvements.
Chicago’s experience causes other cities to redo parking deals
Indianapolis' City-County Council could vote Monday night on its proposed 50-year agreement with Xerox Co.’s Affiliated Computer Services, which was revised after public outcry over the original proposal.
Daniels appoints new social services chief
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels has accepted the resignation of Family and Social Services Administration Secretary Anne Murphy and has appointed the agency’s chief of staff, Michael Gargano, to replace her.
City names new controller, communications director
Jeff Spalding, a former financial administrator at the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, has been named controller for the city of Indianapolis.
Library cuts 37 employees in effort to reduce deficit
The Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library’s decision to reduce its work force is in response to expected revenue annual shortfalls of up to $4 million through 2013. The cuts follow a reduction in hours last month.
Democrats win prosecutor’s race, other Marion County seats
Democrat Terry Curry has been elected Marion County prosecutor, defeating Republican candidate Mark Massa in a close race. Democrats also won the sheriff’s race and other countywide seats.
In rough economy, state candidates tout biz skills
Candidates might brag about their business credentials in any campaign year, but in the lead-up to Tuesday’s election, some say it’s been particularly intense.
Mayor’s communications strategist leaving city post
Robert Vane, Ballard’s deputy chief of staff and communications director, plans to start his own firm specializing in crisis and strategic communications. His last day with the city is Nov. 5.
Downtown apartment developers take divergent paths to financing
J.C. Hart Co. spent more than a year securing a $5 million bank loan to expand an existing project; Buckingham Cos. turned to the city to finance its ambitious project just north of the Eli Lilly and Co. campus.
New parking meter plan could yield Indianapolis more cash
The revised plan calls for less money up front, more over the life of the contract and more flexibility to terminate the 50-year deal early.
City-County Council approves 2011 budget
The CIB’s $73.1 million budget, which included a $10 million payment to the Pacers for the operation of Conseco Fieldhouse, passed by a 15-14 vote.
Some council members still unsure about CIB budget
The Capital Improvement Board’s controversial spending plan will face its final trial Monday night as the City-County Council takes up the city’s $1.1 billion budget for next year.
Tax caps give township reform effort new life
A push to eliminate township government will return to the Statehouse next year—this time with a better shot at success. Township reforms, which have been vigorously debated but never passed, have been touted as a way to make government more cost-effective.
Prospects for City Market brightening at last
New tenants include fresh-item vendors such as a florist and produce shop, in addition to more healthful prepared foods such as juice, crepes and freshly prepared soup.
Demolition begins on vacant Speedway motel
The former Budget Inn property near Interstate 465 on the west side of Speedway has been the site of 40 police runs over the past six months.