The Sunday Post - November 9, 2025 | Volume 1, Issue 1
- Michael-Paul Hart
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
A weekly report from Councilor Michael-Paul Hart — Building the Smartest City in America.
Welcome to a refreshed edition of what was once Update on Indy — now officially The Sunday Post.
The change came after a reader wrote to me and said, “I love your Sunday Post — it’s part of my weekend reading.” Those words stuck with me. This newsletter has grown into something more than quick updates, it’s become a weekly snapshot of what’s happening across Indianapolis, District 20, and the people driving progress in our city.
With the new format, you’ll see dedicated sections like Signals and Update on Indy to make it easier to follow what’s happening at the Council and around our community. Sections may shift from week to week depending on Council schedules and city activity.
As always, I’ll keep sharing what I’m working on and what I’m hearing. I hope you’ll keep reading, sharing your questions, and helping shape this ongoing conversation about how we build the Smartest City in America.
These are the developments I’m tracking closely this week — the stories that will help shape Indy’s next chapter.
Council Proposals Several measures before the Council this month deserve attention — from downtown funding to public-safety staffing. These decisions determine how we allocate resources, measure success, and plan for 2026.
Downtown Economic Enhancement District (Prop 333) A $5.5 million proposal for Mile Square improvements. I’m watching how we define measurable results for safety, cleanliness, and activation downtown.
Public-Safety Staffing (Props 341-343) The Prosecutor’s Office is requesting new funding for additional personnel after previously stating that no new positions were needed. I’ll be asking what has changed and how this new request connects to measurable outcomes.
Meanwhile, the Public Defender’s Office is seeking to formally unionize after more than a year of discussion. This change will impact how the office manages workloads and employee structure moving forward, it will also lock in another bargaining agreement that dedicates funding in future budgets.
Open-Container Proposal (Prop 352)Allowing open-street drinking in select zones could reshape nightlife. We must balance activation with neighborhood safety and enforcement.
These are the issues that matter most for accountability, safety, and smart growth — and I’ll keep pushing for clarity and measurable outcomes.
🎙️ Hammer & Nigel
I joined Hammer & Nigel this week for our monthly conversation — you can listen to the shortened clip here: (I have it cued up to start where I am interviewed)
If you enjoy these discussions, share them with a neighbor. An informed city is a stronger city.
🏗️ Mall Updates — Washington Square
This week I met with leaders from Target to discuss the ongoing work around Washington Here’s a short update from Facebook
Square Mall. My goal was to bring them up to speed on the progress we’ve made and to explore how they can play a role in shaping the site’s future.
Target shared that they’ve participated in several “de-malling” projects across the country — transforming former malls into modern, mixed-use developments. They were open to sharing contacts and connecting me with teams that have led successful redevelopments. That kind of collaboration is precisely what we need on Indy’s East Side.
I also reconnected with the attorney representing Durga Properties, maintaining steady communication as I continue working to bring legitimate partners and a viable proposal forward. The conversation was constructive, and the relationship remains strong — a good sign for what’s ahead.
🤝 Meeting with Senator Cyndi Carrasco
I met with Senator Cyndi Carrasco this week to advance several local-state priorities:
Indy's General Orders Board — continued discussion on strengthening the Chief of Police’s authority over internal policy to improve performance.
Homelessness Solutions — connecting state leaders with local outreach and housing partners to build a unified, measurable plan.
Council HR Policy & Inspector General Role — ensuring City Hall has clear, fair standards for ethics and oversight.
This kind of collaboration is how SmartIndy moves forward — aligning state and local efforts for real results.
💡 SmartIndy Fundraiser with Former Mayor Greg Ballard
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the recent SmartIndy fundraiser featuring former
Mayor Greg Ballard. For those who couldn’t attend, I will make photos are available here: smartindy.org
Mayor Ballard reminded us that leadership starts with listening to residents, to data, and to one another. That’s the heart of SmartIndy’s mission: connecting experts, community leaders, and everyday residents to deliver smarter solutions for Indianapolis.
If you’d like to be part of that effort:
Join a SmartIndy committee
Host a neighborhood listening session
Support our work at smartindy.org
Together, we can make Indianapolis the Smartest City in America.
✅ Follow Council updates and share your feedback
✅ Send me topics you’d like to see featured in The Sunday Post
✅ Invite a friend to subscribe at michaelpaulhart.com/blog
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.
