City-County Council meeting addresses City Market, racial equity and library board

The Indianapolis City-County Council held its monthly meeting Monday night. The agenda included final adoption for a series of proposals that move development forward on City Market projects.

Independent councilor Ethan Evans voted for the proposals, but urged future expansion of affordable housing options that are required through TIF agreements.

“Even though it is more than we had, it’s still not enough, so hopefully in the future we can see a higher amount,” Evans said.

A new proposal nominated Eugene G. White, former Indianapolis Public Schools superintendent, to serve as the council’s representative on the Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees. The council weighed in on library leadership last month, urging the board to appoint former interim CEO Nichelle Hayes.

Numerous proposals also made official appointments to Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration, including three new Deputy Mayor positions. Evans was a lone no vote to reappoint Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Police Chief Randal Taylor, and said there had been a recent lack of transparency in the department.

The council also adopted a special resolution that recognizes the Indianapolis Government Alliance for Racial Equity’s pledge to address racial inequities.

Indianapolis’ first Chief Diversity Officer Ben Tapper said it’s an honor to work on the project.

“I look forward to working with all city leaders and every council member to make sure that Indianapolis continues to be a city that’s on a path of transformational change rooted and centered around diversity, equity and inclusion,” Tapper said.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.