Hart Update on Indy – August 3, 2025: Indianapolis Budget Shortfall: From $27M to $5M, But Not Over Yet
- Michael-Paul Hart
- Aug 3
- 3 min read
By Minority Leader Michael-Paul Hart
Working to Make Indianapolis the Smartest City in America
Fountain Square “Streets to Home” Meeting
I joined neighbors in Fountain Square to hear the Mayor’s new “Streets to Home” plan. The city wants to spend $8.1 million to place about 350 unhoused residents into apartments across Marion County, with CHIP managing leases and support services.
My Observation
During the pandemic, Indianapolis used millions in federal funding to house hundreds in hotels and provide emergency shelter. But with homelessness still widespread, we must learn from past outcomes and focus on solutions that are sustainable and accountable.
Section 8 vouchers are part of the proposal, yet the Indianapolis Housing Agency is still under federal oversight. We cannot risk the same failure twice.
Real solutions require more than rent help. We need prevention programs that stop homelessness at the source.
Smart City Takeaway Data on outcomes must be public so residents can see if tax dollars are ending homelessness for good.
AI Commission Report Nears the Finish Line
Our second-to-last AI Commission meeting wrapped up this month. Commissioners submitted final recommendations, and I contributed a section focused on transparency, privacy, and workforce exceptionalism. The full report will be published in September and sent to the City-County Council.
Why It Matters
Clear AI policies and plans keep Indianapolis open for innovation and new jobs.
Republican leadership is guiding policy so advanced technology works for people, not against them.
Stay tuned: I will share the final report and invite your feedback before the Council vote.
Protecting Paratransit Riders
I met with IndyGo President Jennifer Pyrz to oppose proposed fare hikes on paratransit. Riders are often seniors or neighbors with disabilities who live on limited incomes.
Key Points I Raised
Social Security checks are already stretched by rising utility and food costs.
IndyGo’s own data shows some trips carry only one rider in a 30-seat bus. Switching to wheelchair-accessible vans would cut costs without cutting service.
Hospitals like IU Health benefit when patients keep appointments. They could help fund rides instead of shifting the burden to riders.
Next Steps: IndyGo will study new partnerships before any vote. I will keep pressing for solutions that keep every rider moving.
Indianapolis Budget Shortfall: Closing the Gap from $27M to $5M
The Indianapolis budget shortfall now stands at approximately $5 million, down significantly from the original $27 million gap. While that progress is welcome, the city still faces serious decisions about how to balance its books.
Council Office Impact
Our entire Council budget is $3.5 million — less than 2 percent of the city’s $2 billion budget.
A blanket 4 percent cut would slash $140 k that funds constituent services, budget analysis, and mailers that keep you informed.
I argued for investing in outreach tools and adding modern constituent-management software so we can serve you better.
We will not pass a deficit budget. Republican councilors will keep spending in check while investing in smarter government tools.
Breakfast with Congressman Shreve
Congressman Jefferson Shreve and I met to push District 20 priorities:
Washington Street TOD Overlay
Current rules block development. We need flexibility so good projects can move forward.
Washington Square Mall Revitalization
We discussed the struggling Washington Square mall. The Congressman shared a story about a mall turned Health Campus in Columbus, IN. I will visit the site and report back.
Federal Safety Funding
Our caucus supported the City's request for Federal funds for IMPD mobile command units and pedestrian road barriers. The request is in the current appropriations bill. Passage would boost two safety initiatives in Indianapolis.
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.
Comments