The Sunday Post - Jan 18, 2026: Indy Mayor 2027 Watch, Downtown Vacancy, and the Smart Pipeline
- Michael-Paul Hart
- Jan 18
- 4 min read
A weekly report from Councilor Michael-Paul Hart — Building the Smartest City in America.
Volume 2, Issue 3
Local Political Update: Committee Power, Early Mayor Movement, and What to Watch
This week came with new committee assignments, and I want residents to understand what that means in plain English.
Committee assignments
The majority has made moves that increase their voting strength on major committees, including public safety and metropolitan economic development. When the majority expands its numbers on the committees where decisions get shaped, it reduces the minority caucus’ ability to amend, block, or rebalance proposals early in the process.
The 2027 mayor conversation has started early
We have a long way to go before this race fully develops, but I will say this clearly as someone in my seventh year on the Council:
My advice to voters now
Do not let this become a “downtown-only” leadership conversation again.
When you look at candidates, ask direct questions:
What is your plan for township corridors and neighborhood commercial decline, not just downtown?
How will you measure progress on homelessness, violent crime, housing supply, and affordability?
What will you do differently to improve the basics: roads, safety, permitting, and accountability?
How will you ensure every part of Marion County has a voice in city decisions?
Indy needs to run on data, outcomes, and trust. The best leader will be the one who can deliver measurable improvements across the whole county, not just the core.
Indy Chamber Meeting: Addressing Vacancy, Not Just Talking About It
This week I sat down with the Indy Chamber because downtown vacancy is no longer an abstract “market trend”. It is a real problem you can feel when you walk the core. Recent market reporting shows downtown (CBD) office vacancy at 26%. That is a red flag for small businesses, street activity, public safety, and long-term tax base.
The Chamber shared an idea that is gaining traction nationally: convert the right vacant buildings into housing. I appreciate that direction. A downtown that is active after 5:00 p.m. is a safer, stronger downtown.
My feedback from the Council perspective
As a member of the Council’s economic development work and as a city leader, I want to see a plan that is serious about outcomes, not headlines:
Occupy as much space as possible. Conversions matter, but we also need a strategy to re-lease office and commercial space that cannot realistically convert.
Use incentives strategically. Tools like TIF and abatements can work, but only if they are tied to performance: real occupancy, real jobs, real investment, real timelines.
Do not default to the same small list of “usual partners.” If we want the smartest city in America, we need competition, new builders, and fresh problem-solvers.
Look beyond downtown. Vacant space is not only a core issue. We have major sites across Marion County too, including aging strip centers and large vacancies along key corridors. Washington Square is an obvious example, but it is not the only one.
Why this matters
A “smart” city is not just tech. It is basic math and basic management: vacant space is lost momentum. Occupied space creates eyes on the street, economic activity, and opportunity.
What I am pushing for next
A two-track plan:
conversions where they are feasible and strengthen downtown living
an aggressive business attraction and retention strategy for the space that cannot convert
Elevate Ventures: A Missing Link Between Startups and City Strategy
I met with Elevate Ventures this week to understand how closely they work with the City of Indianapolis.
Elevate’s job is straightforward: back high-growth companies and help attract them to Indiana. They are active across the state and have meaningful presence in Marion County, but what stood out is this: there is not a strong, routine connection point with city strategy.
That is a gap we should close.
The big opportunity
If we want Indianapolis to become the Smartest City in America, we have to be intentional about the pipeline:
attract entrepreneurs
help them scale
keep them here
connect them to local talent, universities, and capital
That means aligning the major players:
Elevate Ventures
Indy Economic Development (IEDI)
the Indy Chamber
universities and workforce partners
the City’s economic development priorities
A practical next step
Create a consistent “front door” for growth companies that want to land or expand in Indy, not just at the state level but here in Marion County. Cities compete for talent and companies the same way great businesses compete for customers: clear messaging, clear process, fast execution.
ASAP Veterans: A Strong Organization I Want Indy to Support Better
This week I met with ASAP (Armed Services Arts Partnership), and I walked away impressed.
Their mission is about connection and restoration through the arts. They use comedy, storytelling, and artistic expression to reduce isolation and build community for veterans and military families.
Why I care about this
I will always make time for veterans organizations. Indianapolis should be a city where service is respected not just with words, but with opportunities, networks, and real support systems.
My goal coming out of this meeting
Help ASAP grow their Indy footprint by making introductions that lead to:
stronger local partnerships
more venues and hosts for performances
more awareness for veteran participation
more connections to philanthropic and civic leaders
If you are connected to veteran networks, arts organizations, corporate partners, or community spaces that want to host meaningful programs, this is the kind of organization worth knowing.
MLK Day: Sharing the Dream Open House at Indianapolis World Sports Park
On Monday, January 19 (MLK Day) I plan to attend the Sharing the Dream Open House at Indianapolis World Sports Park.
Each year, Citizens Energy Group partners to improve an Indy Parks facility as part of its annual “Sharing the Dream” effort honoring Dr. King’s legacy.
The park has posted that an open house is happening January 19 at 10:00 a.m.
Why you should consider going
This is one of the best versions of MLK Day: show up, see the investment, meet neighbors, and engage with what is happening on the ground.
Thank you for reading Indianapolis City Council Updates 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.
