City-County Council approves new TIF funding for 16 Tech and Stutz projects

The Indianapolis City-County Council held a full meeting Monday night.  The meeting started with a resolution to honor the life of Maurice Young who became homeless and then dedicated his life to helping others in the same situation. Councilor Keith Graves (D-13) spoke of his memory.

“Young often spoke up when traditional social services and the system were not meeting the needs of his homeless neighbors,” Graves said.

Councilors gave final approval for two new TIF funded projects at 16 Tech and the Stutz factory. More than $24 million in funding will help establish the redevelopment projects in downtown Indianapolis.

Republican councilors voted against the Stutz TIF. Councilor Michael-Paul Hart (R-18) said the developer didn’t meet TIF designation standards because they could still develop without it.

“From my understanding of the code and the ‘but, for’ clause, that disqualified them for the TIF,” Hart said.

One new proposal appropriates and transfers more than $86 million in COVID-19 relief funds for continued response efforts.

Councilors also gave final approval to a proposal that aims to add accountability reporting on the more than $400 million in American Rescue Plan funding.

Another special resolution condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Councilor Keith Potts (D-2) said the council stands in solidarity.

“The council joins the U.S. government and the leaders and civilians of democratic societies around the globe in demanding that the Russian Federation immediately cease it’s unlawful force against Ukraine,” Potts said.

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