What are the big numbers?

• Budget total: $1.6 billion, about $90 million more than 2024
• New taxes: None *raises hands*
• Largest increase in funding: $246 million allocated to the Department of Public Works — pothole repairs, anyone?
• Largest total investment: $338 million allocated to IMPD, which is about a 4% increase over last year

What’s IMPD doing with all that money?

• The budget will fully fund 1,743 officers and three recruitment classes.
• It will also go towards new technology, a strategic wellness center, professional staff support positions, the expedition of DNA casework, and vehicle replacement every six years.

What new programs + improvements should I know about?

• Vision Zero, a new pedestrian safety program.
• Indianapolis Animal Care Services will break off from the Department of Businesses and Neighborhood Services to become an independent agency with a first-year budget of $8.2 million. ICYMI, it’s working on completing its new shelter in 2026.
• The Indianapolis Fire Department will receive $258 million.

• Indianapolis Symphonic Band Summer Concert | Wednesday, Aug. 14 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Warren Performing Arts Center | Free | Listen to a “Star Wars” medley, the music of classic rock band Chicago, and more performed live.

• 2024 Indiana State Fair Championship Rodeo | Thursday, Aug. 15-Friday, Aug. 16 | 7:30 p.m. | Hoosier Lottery Grandstand | $7 | Giddy up — it’s rodeo time as the fair wraps up its last week.

• Vintage Movie Night - “The Death Kiss” (1932) | Friday, Aug. 16 | 8-10 p.m. | Garfield Park Arts Center | $5 | Solve the murder mystery at the heart of this classic picture.

• Johnson Ave. Market (J.A.M.) | Saturday, Aug. 17 | 12-5 p.m. | Market Vintage | Free | Explore this treasure trove for vintage enthusiasts, art lovers, and craft aficionados alike.
• WAMMfest 2024 | Saturday, Aug. 17 | 12-9 p.m. | Craig Park, Greenwood | $20-$75 | Savor local wines + craft beer and shop the juried art fair of 40+ artists as you enjoy live music.
• Summer Fun with Sony at the Tent Sale | Saturday, Aug. 17 | 2-3:30 p.m. | Roberts Camera | Free | What happens when cameras, tennis rackets, and water balloons intersect? Find out in this fun interactive class.

Come for the menu

• Lemon chicken with creamy ricotta cheese, and herb sauce
• Lasagna with seasonal ingredients like mushrooms, goat cheese, tomatoes, and pesto
• Salmon with squash puree, garbanzo hash, and citrus salad

Stay for the aesthetics

• The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum plans to auction off 11 valuable cars from its collection. It hopes to bring in $100 million in profit to bolster the organization’s future goals + financial stability. (IBJ)

• The USPS could consolidate some local facilities into a new 1.2 million-sqft distribution hub opening later this year. Complete details have not been released, but USPS said that “all options are being reviewed” for possible consolidation + closure. (IBJ)

• Still a fan of “girl dinner?” You’re in luck. This Thursday, Aug. 15, The Garage is hosting “Savor The Garage.” During the event, restaurants will be offering $5 small plates — but for those with a big appetite, full-sized options will be available as well. (WTHR)

• Dollar General announced that its store at 3724 N. Keystone Ave. is now selling produce. Available fresh fruits + vegetables include tomatoes, onions, apples, strawberries, potatoes, lemons, limes, salad mixes, and more. (WTHR)

• Raise... err, open the roof. After failing to open for the Colts’ preseason opener Sunday, the retractable roof at Lucas Oil Stadium has reportedly been repaired. (IBJ)

• Who will the next Pacers Olympians be when the 2028 Los Angeles Games roll around? Locked On’s Tony East predicts the future.

• Good news: Rates are expected to go down soon. Compare fixed-rate loans and HELOCs to find your best way to borrow — calculate your payment.*

• These THC gummies tap into the body’s endocannabinoid system and get you feeling right within five minutes. Get 20% off with code FIRST20.*^†

• “I would like to add Larry Bird to the list. He graduated from ISU in 1979; he is an All-American, three time NBA champion + MVP, former coach for the Pacers, and a member of the 1992 Olympic basketball team.” — Jerry B.
• “One of my favorite IU grads is Suzanne Collins, the author of The Hunger Games trilogy. She graduated from IU in 1985 with bachelor’s degrees in telecommunications and in theater and drama. She comes out with a new book this coming March 2025 and I’m so excited to read it!” — Rachel D.
• “Ball State University grads: Jim Davis, creator of the animated character Garfield, and Joyce DeWitt, star of television sitcom ‘Three’s Company.’” — Brenda C.
• “Orville Redenbacher graduated from Purdue.” — J.J. H.
• “David Letterman graduated from Broad Ripple High School and went to Ball State.” — Dana C.