Hogsett Delivers State Of The City And 2021 Indianapolis Budget Proposal

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett delivered the State of the City speech in conjunction with the introduction of his proposed 2021 budget.

Mayor Hogsett gave the virtual speech during the City-County Council’s meeting. He said the $1.29 billion budget plan will be balanced for the fourth consecutive year. 

Hogsett said a special emphasis will be placed correcting years of inequity.

"What we need in Indianapolis is a process of healing that is not implemented but lived but in public and in private," Hogsett said, "lived especially by white residents in positions of power like myself."

The budget is $22 million more than last year, but will continue to focus on public safety, criminal justice reform, infrastructure and neighborhood investment. 

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department still makes up the largest chunk of the budget. 

Hogsett highlighted recent policing changes including new use of force policies and body cameras for all IMPD officers. He said the city will continue to invest in additional programs to improve public safety.

"It underscores our commitment to a holistic approach to public safety that includes meaningful investments in housing, education and economic opportunity," Hogsett said. 

The city officials expect property tax revenue to remain steady, but there is concern about reduced income tax because of the COVID-19pandemic.

Indianapolis City Controller Ken Clark said infrastructure is well supported in this budget.

"There’s more than $158 million for roads, resurfacing, bridges, sidewalks and trails," Clark said. 

The council also appropriated more than $16 million in federal coronavirus funding at the meeting.  Deputy Mayor Thomas Cook says there will be another $7 million allocated for rental assistance in Marion County.

"One of the largest city run programs in the county, unfortunately demand for that program was what we expected," Cook said.  

A statewide eviction moratorium is set to be lifted this week.

The final budget passage is expected in October.