Update on Indy – October 12, Indianapolis 2026 Budget Passed, Eastside Rising, and Homelessness in Focus
- Michael-Paul Hart
- 6 minutes ago
- 4 min read
By Councilor Michael-Paul Hart
Working to Make Indianapolis the Smartest City in America
Indianapolis 2026 Budget Passed: What I Pushed For and Why It Matters
On Monday, the Council passed the Indianapolis 2026 budget. I jumped on Hammer and Nigel for a recap on Tuesday. The short version: I supported parts of the plan, primarily our municipal corporations (Airport, Library, Capital Improvements Board, etc.), but I could not support items that raise the cost of housing. Home ownership in Indy is at a historic low. Housing costs also drive homelessness outcomes. If we want a smarter city, we must keep living here within range for working-class people.
You may have seen my amendment on the floor. It was the first time in six years that the Council brought an amendment to a Mayor’s budget. It did not pass, but it showed what your Councilors can do when we lead. As a City-County Councilor, I will continue to utilize innovative, transparent tools to shape more effective budgets over my next two years in office.
Explanation of Amendment
For five years I have authored ordinances that require efficacy reporting on what is now the Elevation Grant program. In that time we have spent about $37 million. Homicides have trended down in line with national patterns, but we have not seen improvement in the more common violent crime category that residents feel day to day, especially aggravated assaults. Here is the chart I have been using to track that trend:
My amendment does not eliminate Elevation Grants. It reduces the 2026 allocation from $6 million to $4 million. I do not have enough confidence in the program’s results to continue funding it at the same level year over year without clearer outcomes on aggravated assaults.
On the forest acquisition, I will be transparent that the Eastside Flatwoods is my top target for preservation. My long-term goal is to build real community amenities on the east side. A 100-acre nature preserve is a tangible, permanent asset that can improve the quality of life, attract private investment, and provide me with another tool to recruit the kind of quality housing and neighborhood retail that people are asking for. I view this as a more certain return on investment of $2 million than continuing the same expenditure without better results.
Watch the recap: What I will continue to press for: more community assets (urban forests), stronger accountability, and smarter investments that move Indy toward being the Smartest City in America.
Washington Square Mall: Next Court Date October 16
Many of you are closely following this. The next hearing is set for October 16. I also have a separate meeting this month about a possible Community Development Corporation path for Washington Square. I am exploring what that tool could mean for long term revitalization. First, we see what happens in court.
As I lead for the East Side, my focus is simple. Clean it up. Open it up. Bring it back. A smarter city invests in corridors that anchor neighborhoods. Washington St. is Main Street, Indianapolis.
🏘️ Knoll Ridge Apartments | Accountability in Action
Thank you to the neighbors who wrote in. I have been digging into Knoll Ridge with the County Health Department and with Adam Schumes at WRTV. Adam has been excellent at shining light on this. I am also setting time with the Town of Cumberland leadership. We are aligned on the goal. Out-of-state owners must meet our standards. Period.
We will continue to press until living conditions match the pride of the east side. Main Street Indianapolis should be reflected on Washington Street and on every residential block across the East Side.
🏡 Homelessness Panel: Join Us Wednesday
Through SmartIndy, I’m hosting a major community event focused on real solutions:
📅 October 15, 2025 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM📍 Southeast Community Services Center, 901 Shelby St, Indianapolis🎟️ Free Admission — All Are Welcome
Featured Speakers:
Andrew Neal, Outreach Indiana
Jay Height, Shepherd Community
James Taylor, Moorhead Community Resource Center
Rex Fisher, @Properties
I’ll be moderating the discussion, with the goal of giving community leaders who work in this space the opportunity to share firsthand insights and experiences from the neighborhoods they serve.
🔗 Register on Eventbrite📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer to submit your questions directly.
This is what SmartIndy stands for turning community ideas into real policy that makes Indy the Smartest City in America.
Indy Chamber Policy Survey: Your Voice Guides My Work
The Indy Chamber is running a policy survey that shapes what they advocate for with city leaders like me. When you fill it out, you help me point to real constituent input the next time I ask for support on a proposal. That makes it easier to win votes and deliver results.
If you care about streets, safety, small business growth, and smart housing policy, take five minutes and be heard.
My Commitment to Indy
Thank you for reading, writing back, and showing up. Every reply helps me steer resources to where they matter most. I am proud to serve the people of Indianapolis in a way that is practical, data driven, and focused on people. Together, we can make Indy the Smartest City in America.
Quick ways to help this week:
Share this newsletter with a friend.
RSVP for Wednesday’s panel.
Complete the Chamber survey.
Thank you for reading and for supporting common‑sense leadership. Together, and with the community driving accountability, we are turning bold ideas into real‑world results.
Accountability, Transparency and Local Leadership
See you next week with more updates from the Neighborhood.
