The safety, vibrancy and health of Downtown are the focus of new investment

An investment in the health and safety of downtown Indianapolis is announced. 

City leaders said the $3.5 million dollar  investment will go to overtime for IMPD patrol, a DPW cleaning crew and outreach to homeless residents.

City-county Council President Vop Osili says the past two and a half years have been tough for downtown Indianapolis. 

"The virus upended where we work, live and play and confronted cities with rising crime, crisis level housing shortages and racial and class inequities," Osili said. 

With tourism bouncing back and downtown residency at more than 95 percent the city is investing the funds to build momentum.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett says the money comes from American Rescue Plan funding.  The city received about 420 million dollars and was able to set aside a portion for future use.

"That’s precisely why the United States Congress and the administration sent it to use and because of that hold back, we’re able to invest $3.5 million today in downtown," Hogsett said. 

This effort will continue through 2023.