The City-County Council voted in favor of a halt on approval of new data centers through 2027.
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 inGovernment
Indy councilors override Hogsett’s veto, pass vehicle tax increase
Drivers will pay more to register their vehicles starting next year in order to pay for roadwork.
Posted inGovernment
Governor taps Indy councilor for state utility commission
Josh Bain, a southside Republican, resigned his seat to join the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.
Posted inGovernment
Council Democrats lack votes needed to override Hogsett veto
Mayor Joe Hogsett vetoed a proposal to raise Indy’s vehicle taxes that would go toward road repairs.
Posted inGovernment
Hogsett administration signals support for data center tax breaks
But a member of his cabinet recently objected to a tax abatement for an eastside data center.
Posted inGovernment
Councilors consider ethics changes following ‘Mr. Clean’ investigation
The city-county council’s ethics committee recently held just its second meeting in nearly two years.
Posted inGovernment
Who controls Indy’s economic development organization?
Mayor Joe Hogsett started Indy Economic Development, Inc., which is recommending tax breaks for a data center.
Posted inGovernment
City leaders spar over $56M in tax breaks for data center
In a surprise move, a member of Hogsett’s cabinet spoke against the tax breaks.
Posted inGovernment
The city has an ethics watchdog. It hasn’t met in years under Hogsett.
The commission has met only once during Hogsett’s decade in power. One member didn’t even know he was on it.
Posted inGovernment
Hogsett vetoes vehicle tax increase
At least two Democrats would likely need to change their stance to override the veto.
