Council approves transfer of $20M in COVID-19 emergency response funds in final full meeting of 2021

The Indianapolis City-County Council held its last full meeting of 2021 Monday night.

The council approved the transfer of $20 million in COVID-19 emergency response funds.   And nearly $400,000 in additional funding was approved for the coroner’s office because of the increased number of death investigations.

A final vote approving bonds to fund public transportation projects, including those for IndyGo, passed the council along party lines. Republican councillors, including Michael-Paul Hart, voted against the measure.

“I don’t believe it’s a wise investment for our city, especially when they said they’re going to come back next year and ask for an additional $60 million,” said Hart. 

Another proposal approved will create a new plan and funding structure to support affordable housing options in Martindale-Brightwood. The historically Black community is undergoing change, which can often lead to gentrification. The proposal includes a Housing Tax Increment Finance district to provide affordable housing opportunities.

City-County Council President Vop Osili made final comments.

“No matter the challenges 2021 placed in our path, as we spend time with our own families over the next few weeks I know that each of us will be praying for the peace and health of our entire Indianapolis family,” said Osili.

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