Indy’s $1.7 billion budget for 2026 set a new record as the largest ever. | Photo by WTHR
On Monday night, the City Council approved a new record budget for 2026. Here’s your quick guide to the major numbers and what they might mean for you.
What are the big numbers?
Budget total: $1.7 billion
New taxes: None *raises hands*
Largest increase in funding: $257 million allocated to the Department of Public Works, which is triple what the department got in 2016. Pothole repairs and snow removal, anyone?
Largest total investment: ~$358 million allocated to IMPD, a 4% increase over last year
What’s IMPD doing with all that money?
The budget will fund 1,743 police officers and three recruitment classes.
It will also go towards license plate readers and city cameras.
What other big updates should I know about?
Permitting fees for building or adding onto homes and businesses will increase for the first time since 2010 — by more than 200%.
$4.5 million will support gun violence prevention efforts, like the Indy Peace Fellowship.
Streets to Home Indy, a new initiative that seeks to end chronic homelessness, will receive $10.2 million in funding.
Have free time — and hands — this weekend? Fountain Square is hosting its biannual cleanup on Saturday, Oct. 11. Register to weed, clear sidewalks, or plant trees. (Mirror Indy)
Active
Lace up your running shoes. Registration is now open for the 500 Festival Miler Series, which offers three different timed races to help runners train for the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Sign up. (WTHR)
Announced
"Dancing with the Stars: Live” will be coming to the Murat on Wednesday, Feb. 25. Tickets go on sale today at 10 a.m. All we can say is, after seeing his salsa routine, we hope Robert Irwin makes an appearance... (WTHR)
Open
Popular Westfield barbecue spot Big Hoffa’s has added a speakeasy bar next to its restaurant. Stop by specialty cocktails and late-night menu options, such as crispy wings and flavorful flautas. (Indianapolis Monthly)
Number
$578.9 million. That’s how much Indiana’s independent venues contributed directly to the GDP last year, according to a study by The National Independent Venue Association. Get the rest of the numbers — and grab tickets to a show at a local venue while you’re at it.
Feel Good
Someone call James Blunt. Indianapolis Women’s Chorus is celebrating the unique things that make us all beautiful at its fall concert on Saturday, Nov. 22 and Sunday, Nov. 23. Get early bird tickets to save $10.
Sports
Can the Colts secure another dominant victory against the Cardinals this weekend? Explore the odds with Locked On.
Featured Deal
Hair loss deserves more than guesswork. That’s why we’ve partnered with Happy Head. Use code 6AM to get 45% off a dermatologist-developed, customizable treatment plan for hair loss.*
Post of the Day
We wonder if Caitlin Clark, a known golf lover, got any tips from Happy Gilmore himself. | Photo by @indianafever
We present to you the definition of “legends only.” No notes.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
I’ve always preferred cake to pie — but I’ll make an exception for Pots & Pans’ new pumpkin cream pie. But if you prefer the pumpkin caramel variation, don’t worry; the shop assured patrons that it will return in November.
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