Indianapolis City-County Council Meeting: 2026 Budget Hearings & Rezoning Withdrawal – September 23, 2025

The Indianapolis City-County Council held a public hearing on proposed budgets for 2026, including the city-county combined budget (Proposals 256–259) and budgets for five municipal corporations (Proposals 282–286). The meeting also included a rezoning proposal for a data center campus that was withdrawn by the petitioner, and final adoption of several resolutions and bond ordinances. The meeting was originally scheduled for September 22, 2025, per the agenda, but the council convened on September 23, 2025, as provided in the system prompt.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Urban forest preservation — A large majority of speakers (approximately 20 individuals) urged the council to allocate $3 million in the 2026 budget for urban forest acquisition. They cited the loss of canopy cover from 32% to an estimated 27% in Marion County, the benefits of stormwater control, heat reduction, air/water quality, and property values. Specific forests at risk mentioned include the Eastside Flatwoods, I-70 Woods, Goose Creek Woods, and Havers tick Creek. Speakers noted that last year $3 million was allocated but not made permanent, and they requested a non-reverting fund. Several speakers expressed frustration that city leaders cite budget constraints while funding other priorities. (Speakers included Larry Kane, Jonathan Munro, Elliot Berger, Elizabeth Mahoney, Jeff Stant, Sarah Bowers, Barbara Smith, Eric Manweiler, Brian, Marguerite Topping, Dan Foley, John Fisher, Deborah Bonte, Jocelyn Mapis, Marie Hitsey, Kelly Trimble, Ryan Zeller, an indigenous speaker, Mary Boopwall, Colleen Donahoe, and others.)
• Traffic violence — Connie Zabel Schmucker, advocacy director for Bicycle Garage Indy, stated that no money was allocated in the 2026 budget to implement the Vision Zero action plan, despite a 2024 ordinance. She called for $35 million annually, including $8 million for quick-build changes, $25 million for high-crash areas, and $2 million for plan implementation. She reported that in the past week, motorists hit 23 people riding bikes or walking.
• Street sweeping — Carrie Steiner requested a one-quarter mile extension of the street sweeping route in zone 9 along Southeastern Avenue, citing frequent flat tires from debris (four flats in five years, $1,000 in repairs). She provided photos and a map, noting 8,000 vehicles travel the road daily.
• Police budget — Marie Hitsey criticized the allocation of 23.5% of the city budget to IMPD, noting recruit starting salaries of $75,000, training costs of $43,000–$52,000 per recruit, and only 30% retention after five years. She suggested redirecting funds to study retention issues.
• Fair wage — A speaker (Antoine Finch) stated that the council passed a fair wage of $19/hour in 2019, but current city union employees earn $14/hour, a 24% decrease in purchasing power. He asked for a commitment to a fair wage in the 2026 budget.
• Public transit — Antoine Finch also advocated for free public transit, claiming it would cost $4 million, a fraction of the budget. He criticized the city for manufacturing consent through poorly advertised public meetings.
• Health and Hospital Corporation — Mike Olness expressed concern about lawsuits against the corporation (citing Linard, Forset, Pennell, Penny, Godri, Wilder cases) and urged accountability. Another speaker (unidentified) described a personal experience where a family member was discharged from a nursing home despite needing care, alleging the board lacks oversight.
• Capital Improvement Board — David Craig Starkey (Indianapolis Opera) spoke in support of arts funding, arguing that opera elevates the city’s cultural profile and attracts conventions.
• Other comments — One speaker (Bill) delivered a poem about urban forests and data centers. Another (Rye Steinhart) noted health benefits of forests and suggested partnering with community groups. Several speakers also mentioned the withdrawal of the data center rezoning (Proposal 306) and criticized corporate incentives.

Discussion Items

• Withdrawal of Rezoning Proposal 306 (Data Center Campus) — Joe Calderon, attorney for the petitioner, announced the intention to withdraw the rezoning for 467.66 acres in Franklin Township (Council District 20) for a data center campus. Council President Osili and Councilor Pierce discussed next steps: the withdrawal would be submitted to the Metropolitan Development Commission, and the public hearing would be postponed until October 6, 2025, pending confirmation.
• Final Adoption of Proposals — The council took up items under special orders final adoption:
  • Proposal 276: A resolution directing the Office of Public Health and Safety to report on Elevation Grant program appropriations to the Indianapolis Foundation. Chairman Robinson noted the report was received with no vote, so no further action needed. The report was accepted as submitted.
  • Proposals 280 & 281: Bond ordinances for Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library, authorizing up to $15 million in general obligation bonds for multi-facility capital maintenance and equipment updates (including West Indianapolis Library Branch). Both passed committee 11-0 and received final approval.
  • Proposal 275: An ordinance of the Marion County Local Income Tax Council to modify the local income tax rate and allocation. This proposal had not yet been through committee, so council consent was given to continue the public hearing until October 6, 2025.

Key Outcomes

• Urban forest funding — No formal vote was taken on the requested $3 million; the public hearing was for comment only. The council took the testimony under advisement.
• Rezoning 306 — The hearing was postponed to October 6, 2025, pending formal withdrawal documentation from the Metropolitan Development Commission.
• Proposal 276 — The report was accepted; no further action required.
• Proposals 280 & 281 — Final adoption approved (unanimous consent, no recorded vote).
• Proposal 275 — Public hearing continued to October 6, 2025.
• Adjournment — The council voted to adjourn in memory of Glorina Lewis, Jean Bruck, Joseph Worden, Anthony Loy-Howell, Ben Solomon, and Myra Grisley Perrin, with letters to their families.