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The most telling thing about this series is the fact it exists at all. There would have been no need to have these discussions just 6-8 years ago because no problem, or perception of a problem existed. Unfortunately, in that period we have a mayor and prosecutor bent on showcasing their liberal credentials. And please stop it with “Covid Caused It”, Trump Caused It”.
Donald, this is superficial politicized ranting that makes little sense. Of course covid had a large part to play in this as our downtown (and city as whole) has been built in sprawled fashion to depend on office commuting and tourism for large conventions to support downtown core. When a once in a century pandemic led to changes (or very much rapidly sped them) in remote work, less tourism/conventions, less events, less indoor shopping, of course our downtown core would take a hit. In addition, during pandemic homelessness, substance abuse disorders, mental health struggles all increased while funding for and availability of meeting needs for these individuals greatly decreased. These are complex issues and require nuanced responses to help counter. From a political sense, it seems like one side of isle wants to simply sequester or jail these folks without doing anything to counter the root causes or problems as a whole. As someone who does not like trump, of course trump did not cause downtown indianapolis to have safety perception issues. I will say, however, that the trump mentality of spread fear and hate while offering no substantive policies, ideas to improve issues seems to contribute to these perceptions. This is why I extend invitation to you Donald to come downtown and see our downtown neighborhoods for yourself!
all are welcome 
Well written. I enjoyed the series that IBJ published focusing on downtown. As a downtown resident for past 8 or so years, I have to say downtown as a WHOLE feels much safer than when I first moved downtown, however, the mile square-specifically circle center area (where many visitors or residents for that matter of metro perceive downtown to be) does feel less safe. With that being said, the “less” safe is still not an unsafe perception, but it is simply more desolate without as much foot traffic which leads to that. “Easy” fix would be renovating circle center mall. The downtown as a whole, as above, feels exponentially safer. The surrounding neighborhoods such as mass ave, fountain square, near North side (Kennedy king, old Northside, Herron morton, bottle works), near east side (holy cross, now elevator hill), 16 tech have revamped indy into feeling like “actual” large urban area. More businesses, more housing, less deserted lots, less overgrowth, improved infrastructure with trails, lighting, roads, sidewalks have led to all of these areas to feel so much safer and vibrant. Mile square, specifically old US40 in Washington Street were decimated by covid lack of conventions, tourism and remote work (and too much reliance on indoor mall) have gone other direction for sure but this is only a sliver of downtown.
So in conclusion, in trying not to reflexively jump on suburbanites for being fearful and in bubbles, out of touch, this is my way of seeing where u all are coming from while also encouraging u all to come back and visit ALL of downtown and am confident these perceptions will evolve significantly towards feeling safe.