Vop Osili: Indianapolis’ strength lies in diversity of its people

As we step beyond the spotlight of All-Star Weekend, momentum for the future of Indianapolis must continue.

Thanks in part to the work of individuals, from leaders of industry to boots-on-the-ground volunteers, our city meets the moment time and time again. As we continue to set the bar for hosting major events, the idea of involving and engaging people with a common goal, a common vision, is important. The intentionality in making this monumental event inclusive of varying communities should be applauded but also serve as a blueprint for how we move forward.

Indianapolis is more than bricks and mortar; it is a collective endeavor, a symphony of voices and a shared dream of opportunity. Our journey forward demands a commitment to inclusivity, a recognition that the strength of our city lies in the diversity of its people and a dedication to a common purpose that propels us beyond the challenges we face.

Looking forward, we must have an essential focus on public safety and infrastructure. We must continue to commit to directing investments toward residents’ safety, develop equitable road-servicing mechanisms and ensure adequate staffing across all city government roles. Simultaneously, we must recognize and invest time and thought into three other areas that are critical for the future of our city.

First, housing and neighborhoods. The foundation of a thriving city lies in secure, affordable and attainable homes for all residents, including viable rental options. Indianapolis should continue to spearhead initiatives to increase affordable housing stock, using tax incentives to encourage developers to invest and thoughtfully engage in historically disinvested communities.

We must also emphasize the importance of addressing homelessness with compassion and implement policies that promote homeownership, ultimately building a foundation for a resilient and equitable housing landscape in Indianapolis. Simultaneously, a comprehensive review of zoning regulations will enable us to foster mixed-use developments, promoting both economic growth and community cohesion.

By collaborating with local not-for-profits and leveraging federal and state grants, we can reinvigorate neighborhoods and provide access to resources, ensuring that every resident, whether owning or renting, has a stake in the city’s progress.

Second, in Indianapolis, the future unfolds with entrepreneurship as the catalyst for a thriving creative economy and strategic investments in technology. As a former small-business owner, I’ve seen firsthand how Indianapolis is a great place for entrepreneurs. Tech hubs and collaborative spaces will shape an ecosystem where creativity flourishes, attracting diverse talents and fostering groundbreaking developments. Through inclusive economic initiatives, we can empower entrepreneurs from all walks of life, ensuring that Indianapolis becomes the intersection of creativity and technology sparking economic growth.

Attracting and retaining entrepreneurs becomes possible with every measure we take to enhance our culture and identity as a city. My commitment is to cultivate an environment where entrepreneurial endeavors continue to shape Indianapolis’ economic landscape.

Third, building the bench. The strength of our city lies in its people. Nurturing the doers and thinkers of tomorrow is an investment in our shared future. Through strategic education and mentorship programs, we can thoughtfully engage and empower people, providing avenues for personal and professional development. Civic engagement, the foundational leg of our bench, lies at the heart of cultivating our collective future.

We must continue to encourage civic participation from an early age to instill a profound sense of responsibility and community connection. Investments in leadership development initiatives, forged in collaboration with local organizations, will continue to establish programs identifying and nurturing talent within our community.

Together, these areas form the foundation for a future where leadership flourishes, representation is inclusive and civic engagement is second nature—ensuring Indianapolis thrives with a greater sense of unity and shared prosperity.•

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Osili, a Democrat, is president of the Indianapolis City-County Council.