Hogsett Announces CARES Funding Focus

City officials outlined proposals Monday morning for spending federal relief funds that will be taken up by the City-County Council.

Indianapolis will receive approximately $168 million in federal CARES Act funding to address the impact of COVID-19.  Proposals secure funding for testing, contact tracing, small businesses and food assistance.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett says it is a comprehensive package, but there are many needs.

"It is clear that these dollars will be helpful," says Hogsett, "but not sufficient."

The council will consider $76 million in appropriations during its meeting Monday night.

Of that, $15 million will be used for rent assistance. Deputy Mayor of Community Development Jeff Bennett says they’ll work with existing community service organizations for this effort.

"An area where we don’t have to reinvent the wheel because these organizations and many like them already have direct relief programs in existence," says Bennett. 

The council will also approve FEMA disaster funding.

A special resolution will be presented at the meeting to address racism as a public health crisis. Paul Babcock says the city is committed to this issue.

"Marion County has been and continues to focus on what are called the social determinants of health," says Babcock. 

Those are social factors that play into whether people receive the same opportunities for health and safety.

The Lilly Endowment is also granting the city $10 million for community organizations that provide basic needs.