Indianapolis puts call out for cultural equity plan consultants

The city of Indianapolis is making moves to develop with more cultural relevance and significance through the Department of Metropolitan Development Cultural Equity Plan.

The plan aims to influence important planning  decisions with more equity. The city has put out a request for consultants to develop the guidelines to better align land use and heritage.

DMD Deputy Director of Planning, Preservation, and Urban Design Lourenzo Giple said Indianapolis’ identity is rich in history and diversity.

“We have to look at and take into account the culture of space but also the importance of culturally significant spaces and buildings within the city,” Giple said.

Primary goals include better cultural land use, a people-centered approach and overall economic benefits.

Consultants are also sought for updates to regional design guidelines and the Marion County Land Use Plan. The three plans should align with the cultural equity in mind.

Giple said the plans can be a tool to help develop more culturally significant places.

“Just like we have zoning, this becomes another layer to that whereas a developer would have to review all of these plans,” Giple said.

The Cultural Equity Plan will also identify culture nodes, artistic services and gaps throughout Marion County.

Submissions are due in June.