Indy residents and councilors have been pushing back.
Author Archives: Peter Blanchard
Alma Mater: Ithaca College
As Mirror Indy's local government reporter, I report on city policies that impact the lives of Indy residents.
Before arriving at Mirror Indy, I wrote about state politics and economic development for the Indianapolis Business Journal, where my work was honored by the Society of Professional Journalists and The Alliance of Area Business Publishers. Prior to moving to Indiana in 2021, I worked for newspapers, online publications and radio stations in upstate New York and my native state of Pennsylvania.
I joined the Mirror Indy team because I believe that local journalism is an essential public service that is vital to a functioning democracy. As local, for-profit newspapers continue to shutter or make cutbacks, non-profit newsrooms can help fill in gaps in coverage, ensuring that communities have access to information that shines a light on the truth and holds public officials accountable.
When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time outdoors, playing music and spending time with my wife and our cat at our home in Irvington.
My phone number is 317-605-4836 and my email address is peter.blanchard@mirrorindy.org.
Posted inResources
Indy to get more ToxDrop events
The proposed 2026 budget includes funding for 12 more events and an eastside drop-off site.
Posted inGovernment
Forests for Indy asks city to acquire urban forests
The group is asking for $3 million to be included in the city’s 2026 budget for urban forest acquisition.
Posted inGovernment
Indy’s new DPW director is ready to tackle Indy’s battered roads
Todd Wilson said he wants more than quick fixes.
Posted inGovernment
Center Township events happening in September
The Center Township Trustee’s Office is hosting community events this month.
Posted inGovernment
Workers describe ‘toxic’ culture in Mayor Joe Hogsett’s city hall
‘He would yell at me for small things. Him yelling was not rare,’ his former assistant said.
Posted inGovernment
Some planned bike lanes in Mapleton-Fall Creek scrapped over parking concerns
Some parts of the original plan, including two-way bike lanes, will still go forward.
Posted inGovernment
Indianapolis police chief talks curfew, ICE and state takeover
IMPD Chief Chris Bailey says downtown is safe and violence is trending downward.
Posted inGovernment
Highlights from Mayor Hogsett’s $1.7B Indy budget proposal
The mayor did not seek a tax increase as most departments faced modest cuts.
Posted inGovernment
Indy protesters push back against White House plan to give more power to Republicans
Vice President JD Vance met with top Indiana Republicans to discuss the effort.
