Ballard Releases Strategic Plan

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard is laying out his long term vision for the city.

His 44-page Live Indy Strategic Plan breaks down goals in education, public safety, economic growth, and building vibrant neighborhoods.

"We have to make - as a community - investments and decisions that make our city a better place to live in the long term," said Ballard spokesman Marc Lotter.

One recommendation is the creation of the Indianapolis Polytechnic School to help students obtain skills training for jobs in science, technology, engineering, and math fields. 

"You could actually go to high school, get your first two years of college completed at that facility and then either go on to complete a four-year degree or graduate with a certificate or an associate's degree in a skill that would lead to a technology related field," said Lotter

He thinks the school will help the city retain young professionals because there are 30,000 job openings in Central Indiana in STEM fields. 

"It's part of the broader need for us to be able to develop that high skilled work force right here in Indianapolis," said Lotter.  "If we can get these kids to stay here longer, we can help them get the skills needed to get jobs once they graduate then they have a better shot of starting their professional life and then their personal and family life here in Indianapolis."

The plan discusses goals for public safety, as well, including creating a Department of Public Safety Citizen’s Academy to equip residents with tools to make a safer community.

"You need to help (citizens) know what to look for  and also what to do with that information- where to call, who to contact," said Lotter.  "Also, just to have a better understanding of helping to organize others in their community.  There are a number of different aspects and things that a Citizen's Academy could do."

The plan also calls for redevelopment of facilities including the former Broad Ripple Shell gas station site, current IPS Bus Facility site, and Pan Am Plaza.

You can read the paln in its entirety here.