The Sunday Post - March 15, 2026: Far East Side Momentum, SmartIndy Engagement, and City Accountability
- Michael-Paul Hart
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
A weekly report from Councilor Michael-Paul Hart — Building the Smartest City in America.
Volume 2, Issue 11
Far East Side Quality of Life Plan
The Far East Side Quality of Life Plan is moving forward.
LISC and the Far Eastside Community Council have been leading this work over the past few months. The goal is to create a plan that can help guide future investment and development on our side of the county.
This week, I had the chance to give feedback on what I believe would help most.
My main point was simple: we need to remove the stigma from the East Side.
If we want more jobs, more business, and more investment, we need to do a better job marketing our strengths. That includes our workforce, development opportunities, school options, trails, and room for growth.
I also suggested a site directory for housing, commercial, and industrial opportunities, along with stronger promotional materials that better tell the story of the Far East Side.
I also raised the idea of a façade improvement program to help small businesses improve the appearance of their properties.
The plan is expected to wrap up around June, and open houses are continuing. I encourage residents to take part.
If we want to build the Smartest City in America, smart growth on the Far East Side has to be part of that work.
SmartIndy Education Event + Housing Committee
We had two SmartIndy events this week, both focused on building a smarter Indianapolis.
First was our education event.
We brought together Dr. Tim Hanson from Warren Township, Brandon Brown from The Mind Trust, and Keeanna Warren from Purdue Polytechnic High School. The goal was not to argue. It was to listen, learn, and give people a chance to hear directly from leaders in education.
It was a strong conversation, and the room was engaged.
That is what SmartIndy is about. If we want to become the Smartest City in America, we need more real dialogue and more civic engagement.
We also held our monthly Housing and Homelessness Committee meeting.
That group is focused on housing cost, homelessness prevention, and better long-term outcomes. The committee continues to work through data, targets, and opportunities for improvement.
I also want to bring forward a future roundtable on housing policy and zoning changes, including the local impact of House Bill 1001.
Also, SmartIndy will be volunteering at Gleaners on April 9th.
We are looking for 20 volunteers, and spots are filling up. I would love to have you join us.
HOA Meeting - Springs of Hampton
I attended the Springs of Hampton HOA meeting this week.
As expected, one of the biggest concerns in the room was Potholes. Residents want updates, and they want action.
A large part of the conversation also focused on Washington Square Mall. I encouraged residents to stay involved and continue following the updates. I am working very diligently on that effort, and public engagement matters.
We also discussed several nearby business questions, including Hardee’s, Panda Express, and what may happen with the Kroger site. I am following up on those items to get better clarity.
It was a strong meeting, and I appreciated the opportunity to speak directly with residents.
If we want the Smartest City in America, neighborhoods have to feel heard, informed, and connected to what is happening around them.
Audit Committee
This week we held the first quarterly meeting of the Indianapolis Audit Committee.
I have served on this committee for five years, and its role is important: review how taxpayer dollars were spent and help ensure city government is being held accountable.
The audit of the prior year’s city-county budget starts now, and we will receive that report in July.
I am also closely watching the audit of the Office of Public Health and Safety. Auditors acknowledged substantial material weaknesses, but the final report is not ready yet. It is expected in the next couple of weeks, and I plan to share it when it is released.
I also raised concerns this week about the city’s healthcare spending.
As contract negotiations continue, we need to make sure the city is not paying for duplicative services and that we are getting the most value possible from both direct primary care and insurance offerings.
This is not flashy work, but it matters.
If we want Indianapolis to be the Smartest City in America, accountability has to be part of it.
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Accountability, Transparency and Local Leadership
See you next week with more updates from the Neighborhood.
