Councilors chosen for city sexual harassment probe committee
The committee, which will have the power to subpoena witnesses including members of the Hogsett administration, is made up of five Democrats and two Republicans.
Taylor Wooten
Articles
UIndy announces $5.2M alumni donation, endowed scholarship
The estate of Jack “J.J.” and Mary Kaye Ott, who met as students at the school, donated the sum.
City-County Council OKs investigation into sexual harassment in Hogsett administration
The legislative body overwhelmingly approved the proposal, which authorizes an investigation by an independent human resources or law firm with no ties to city business, as well as the creation of a council investigative committee.
Indy receives $19.9M federal grant for safer street designs
Beginning next year, the Safe Streets and Roads for All funds will be used to study and redesign six road segments in Indianapolis.
Hogsett prepares to again seek changes to state road-funding formula
But some city-county councilors are so tired of waiting on the Legislature to act that they are suggesting exploring city-based solutions.
Indy councilors consider more accessible and expansive financial disclosures
For now, disclosure forms bearing councilor workplaces, board memberships and potential conflicts of interest are only available through a records request to the council office.
Hogsett staffer terminated as sexual harassment complaints rise at City-County Building
An administrator at the Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development was fired Wednesday after an internal investigation found “overwhelming evidence” of inappropriate sexual misconduct, according to documents released by the city’s attorneys.
City warns groups that deadlines are looming for using pandemic grants
Indianapolis began monitoring 46 grant recipients in March for American Rescue Plan Act spending plans that were behind schedule.
Indianapolis to begin work on $43M Henry Street Bridge project next week
The bridge is part of a state-local partnership to develop a major business park on the west side of the White River, an effort that has been complicated by the planned excavation of human remains from a historic cemetery on the east side.
Hogsett says he asked Cook to lead last campaign without knowing every allegation
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett spoke to the media about the sexual harassment allegations against former aide Thomas Cook for the first time Wednesday.
Indy receives $15M federal grant to install public EV chargers
The project will prioritize fair and equitable placement to fill gaps left in the Indiana Department of Transportation’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan, according to the city of Indianapolis and Congressman Andre Carson.
Mayor Joe Hogsett says he will veto pay-raise proposal if council passes it
City-County Council President Vop Osili has authored a proposal to elevate the Indianapolis mayor’s annual salary by 31%, as well as increase salaries for seven other elected positions.
What to know about the board that will run Indy’s downtown taxing district
Several people expressed hope that a common goal of maintaining and improving downtown will tamp down any partisan differences between the board’s city- and state-appointed members.
Hogsett mandates sexual harassment training for all employees
The Hogsett administration is currently under scrutiny after three former female employees made harassment accusations against former Chief of Staff Thomas Cook, who served as Hogsett’s close adviser for years despite concerns raised about his behavior.
Indianapolis Animal Care Services closer to becoming independent agency
A City-County Council committee on Monday voted in favor of removing Indianapolis Animal Care Services from the oversight the larger Department of Business and Neighborhood Services.
Mayor’s budget plan proposes $50M infrastructure TIF for downtown projects
The bonds could be used to help fund a list of downtown projects, including improvements to Georgia Street and multiple downtown underpass projects.
Hogsett apology doesn’t stop potential council probe of allegations against mayor’s ex-aide
The Democratic-controlled City-County Council allowed the immediate introduction of a measure that would potentially let a committee investigate Democratic Mayor Joe Hogsett’s response to three women’s sexual harassment allegations against Hogsett’s former top aide, Thomas Cook.
Indy council OKs task force to work toward goal of zero road deaths
The City-County Council also approved measures Monday that would require owners of Airbnb and VRBO rentals and dogs not spayed or neutered to register with the city.
City-County Council approves tax district for downtown enhancements
The taxing district is expected to generate about $4.65 million a year for downtown-focused efforts in Indianapolis, along with funding the operating costs of the low-barrier homeless shelter planned on the southeast side of downtown.
Hogsett’s $1.6B city-county budget proposal includes more support for police, transportation
Mayor Joe Hogsett’s staff stressed, however, that federal American Rescue Plan Act funds are running dry and union contracts are currently being renegotiated—two factors that constrain spending.