Date: September 21, 2026, 5:30 p.m.
The Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee of the Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council met to consider one appointment and hold budget hearings for the Marion County Recorder's Office and the Marion County Assessor's Office. All items were discussed with no public testimony.
Proposal No. 278, 2026 – Appointment of Cindy Kirchhofer to the Metropolitan Development Commission
Cindy Kirchhofer presented her background in public service, including service on the Beech Grove Redevelopment Commission, a road subcommittee, the police complaint board, and the Indiana House of Representatives. She expressed a desire to continue serving without campaigning. Multiple councilors (Mowrey, Hart, Brown, Evans) voiced support, citing her experience and willingness to serve. Councilor Brown asked about her stance on data centers and interactions with the council and public. Kirchhofer replied that the jury is still out on data centers, and she believes in weighing risks and benefits, adding that she is not afraid of difficult conversations, having faced them in the legislature. The committee voted unanimously to send the proposal to the full council with a do-pass recommendation.
Marion County Recorder’s Office – Budget Hearing
Faith Kimbrough, Marion County Recorder, and her chief deputy presented the office’s operations and budget. Key points included:
Councilor Cahill criticized the ads, stating that the Recorder’s photo takes up one-third of the space, making them look like political advertisements. He noted the campaign photo is the same as her official campaign photo. Kimbrough defended the ads as effective and the photo as building trust. Councilor Lewis echoed concerns about the photo size. Councilor Brown asked about the fraud alert mechanism and requested data on notifications sent. He also questioned the return on investment of increased advertising spending and suggested staff salary improvements instead. Councilor Delaney confirmed the advertising funds came from interest earnings. Councilor Gibson asked how to sign up for fraud alerts. No public comment was offered. The hearing concluded without a vote.
Marion County Assessor’s Office – Budget Hearing
Joseph O’Connor, Marion County Assessor, presented the agency’s budget and operations. Highlights:
Councilor Cahill asked about specific gentrification efforts. O’Connor explained that they don’t have a formal flag but carve out separate neighborhoods for review. Councilor Roberts noted 18 vacancies and asked about hiring difficulties; O’Connor said vacancies are mostly entry-level and that the city’s pay increases have helped retain staff. Councilor Brown praised the office for responsiveness and asked about revenue fluctuations (sales disclosure vs. endorsement fees), which O’Connor attributed to transaction volume. Councilor Gibson inquired about union membership; O’Connor stated that non-management staff are in the bargaining unit but exact membership numbers are unknown. No public comment was received.
Good evening and welcome to the Metropolitan Economic Development Committee for September 7. Sorry, September 21st, 2026. We will begin with introductions on the first row with counselors to my left. Thank you, Madam Chair. Derek Cahill, District 23. Thank you, Madam Chair, Michael Paul Hart, representing District 20. Thank you, Madam Chair. Brian Mowray, District 25. Thank you, Madam Chair. Jesse Brown, District 13. Thank you, Madam Chair, Brien Delini, District 2. Thank you, Madam Chair, Nick Roberts, District 4. Thank you, Madam Chair, Ron Gibson, District 8. Thank you, Chairwoman Jones, Andy Nielsen, District 14. Thank you, Madam Chair. John Barth representing Council of District 7. Thank you, Madam Chair. Councilor Jarrett Evans representing District 17. Thank you, Madam Chair. Leeroy Robinson, District 1. Thank you, Madam Whip. Maggie Lewis. Thank you. Good evening. And I am Kristen Jones representing District 18. We will begin tonight with proposal number 278, 2026, which appoints Cindy Kirkkoffer to the Metropolitan Development Commission. Are you here? Please come forward. Thank you so much for being with us this evening. Please tell us why you would like to be appointed this evening. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um thank you for the opportunity to address you and be considered for this um honorable position. Um I would say that I have a past history of volunteerism and public service and um known many of you here tonight and um have had the opportunity to serve alongside you in various roles. Um started many years ago as a township board member and government board member. Um also served on my local Beach Grove Redevelopment Commission. Um here I've had the opportunity to serve on um uh councillor Evans had a road subcommittee that we um had some great times serving deciding what we were going to do with roads. Um the police uh complaint board uh had the opportunity to serve uh the community there. So when this opportunity came up, um as some of you know I've served the my resume shows that I've served in the General Assembly and the House of Representatives and have been out of that life for six years, and so it was an opportunity to not have to campaign again um but yet still be involved in public service and uh work with you and my community. Thank you very much, and thank you for your service. We appreciate it very much. Um any of my colleagues wish to speak on this proposal. Uh Leader Maori. Thank you, Madam Chair. Cindy, I just want to say thank you for being willing to serve on this board. Um you know you've I think you know the ropes pretty well of local government and government as a whole and how it works, so I look forward to seeing your uh success in this board and commission. Thank you. Thank you, Councillor. Thank you. Leader Hart.