Council passes Hogsett’s $1.09B spending plan
The budget, Mayor Joe Hogsett’s first in office, sailed relatively smoothly through the public process except for a debate from Republicans about road funding.
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Abandoned P.R. Mallory factory to get new life as Purdue high school
The east-side factory used to employ 1,500 dry-cell battery makers, but has been abandoned for decades.
Downtown TIF expansion in works
Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration is targeting the former General Motors stamping plant site on the west side, where development plans have stalled, and the upstart Market East District on the opposite end of downtown.
Council GOP seeks to spend tax reserves, criticizes Hogsett borrowing plan
Both Indianapolis Republicans and Democrats want to spend $20 million on infrastructure, but the question is about how to fund it.
The Interview Issue: Angela Smith-Jones
As the city’s deputy mayor of economic development, Angela Smith-Jones, 49, spends her days trying to create more jobs for Indianapolis. In the evenings, she unwinds by cooking at home or enjoying an intriguing meal at a restaurant.
City councilors seek restrictions on booze-cruising pedal pubs
Under rules to be proposed next week, operators of foot-powered trolleys on Indianapolis streets would need to be licensed and insured. City councilors also hope to address noise complaints.
Council committee approves BlueIndy franchise agreement
The deal, which still needs to be approved by the full council, would give the city $45,000 per year in franchise fees.
City considers issuing $75M in debt to pay for projects, purchases
The Hogsett administration’s proposal is to take big-ticket items out of the city’s operating budget to help resolve a persistent budget deficit. Republicans worry about taking on the debt.
After 2 tax hikes, Indianapolis still has fewer police officers
The city of Indianapolis has raised income taxes twice in the last nine years to raise money to hire more police but it still has fewer officers.
Developer of Pulliam project will be first to back new city art program
As the recipient of a $1.1 million city loan, TWG Development has agreed to include public art in its mammoth project on the site of the former Indianapolis Star headquarters.
Fishers City Council OKs wheel tax, gives itself pay raise
On the same night the Fishers City Council gave itself a 58 percent pay hike, members unanimously voted to charge residents and businesses a new tax for every registered vehicle they own starting in 2018.
Coroner’s office wants out of downtown building by January
The office will likely remain in the 25,000-square-foot, privately owned building at 521 W. McCarty St. the next two years while the city explores whether to move the office or have a building constructed.
Developers ironing out details on $20M housing project in Mapleton-Fall Creek
Mapleton-Fall Creek Development Corp. and Merchants Affordable Housing Corp. are closing in on a complex financing plan for the proposed low-income housing development.
FedEx planning $170 million in improvements at airport hub
According to a tax-abatement application with the city, FedEx plans to install $170 million in new package-sorting equipment, while adding 27 full-time jobs and 178 part-time jobs. It would also retain 728 full-time and about 3,200 part-time workers.
Indianapolis Section 8 program to open waiting list next week
The Indianapolis Housing Agency hopes more landlords will participate in the program.
Northern suburbs racing to be bike-friendly
For years, the cities and towns in Boone and Hamilton counties have invested in trail systems; now they are adding other bike-friendly elements, like dedicated bike lanes, bike routes and loops, and bike-share programs.
IPL targets 25 city locations for new streetlights
Indianapolis plans to install another 25 streetlights by the end of the year, continuing Mayor Joe Hogsett’s push to light up neighborhoods with higher accident and crime rates.
FBI probing for possible corruption in vaping law
A lawmaker and a representative of the vaping industry say they have spoken with federal agents about a controversial law that determines which companies can manufacturer e-liquid for sale in Indiana.
Capital Improvement Board passes budget with hefty deficit
CIB Executive Director Barney Levengood implored the board not to be overly concerned about the projected $46 million shortfall. The City-County Council is set consider the budget at its Sept. 25 meeting.
Hogsett’s first budget proposes small cut in spending
The city aims to spend $12.7 million less than it did last year in an effort to begin reducing the structural deficit.