Current and Former Indy Mayors Meet to Discuss Poverty

Current Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and three former mayors met in a panel discussion Thursday morning to discuss non-partisan solutions to poverty.

CEO of the IndyChamber Michael Huber introduced the panel. He says there are two realities in Indianapolis. One is a growing economy, the second is a reality of economic limitations.

"One of the things that's very alarming to us is the low economic mobility of our neighbors born into poverty," Huber says. 

The four mayors Hogsett, Greg Ballard, Bart Peterson, and Stephen Goldsmith spoke about their work to tackle poverty during their terms. Hogsett says he’s struggling with the complexity of reforming Indianapolis’ criminal justice system but he’s hopeful.

"Frankly, we all know one thing is true above all else, and that is when Indy puts its head together we get things done," Hogsett says. "That’s why I’m passionately optimistic that we can turn the tide, and make a difference for the betterment of our community."

Prominent community leaders attended the panel; they were asked how they could impact the community from their positions.

United Way of Central Indiana, the IndyChamber and the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee hosted the panel.