This brief is adapted from notes taken by Documenters Randy Wyrick and Deb Stansell, who covered the October Indianapolis City-County Council meeting. Read more about what happened.
The Indianapolis City-County Council approved the 2025 budget at the October full council meeting. It was a 16-9 vote, but many councilors who approved the budget did so while voicing concerns about community issues.
What’s in the budget?
The $1.6 billion budget is an increase of $90 million from the 2024 budget of $1.5 billion.
Some of the budget breakdown includes $338 million to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, $246 million to public works projects including pothole repair, $119 million to traffic safety of which 30% is dedicated to bicycle safety, and $8 million each to parks and Animal Care Services.
With this budget increase, councilors want to focus on homelessness and gun violence reduction.
What’s not in the budget?
Many councilors shared concerns about the budget before it was approved.
Councilor Josh Bain said that if other councilors don’t agree with the budget, they shouldn’t vote to approve it. “It’s time to try something new,” he said.
Councilor Jesse Brown said the 2025 budget kicks the can down the road.
Councilor Dan Boots said the budget doesn’t include funds for early childhood education like Pre-K, climate change, roads, and infrastructure.
Councilor Carlos Perkins said the budget isn’t investing in climate change, public education or universal childcare in Marion County.
“We know that investment in these areas creates safer and healthier communities,” he said. “Instead, the proposed budget prioritizes excess allocations based on aspirations and not on reality.”
What’s next?
The next Indianapolis City-County Council meeting is at 7 p.m., Nov. 4 at the City-County Building, 200 East Washington St.
Want to help us cover future meetings?
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