Proposed 2022 Indianapolis Budget Includes Federal Funding Boost

The 2022 Indianapolis Budget was introduced to the City-County Council Monday night. The proposed $1.3 billion operational budget is on par with last year's spending.

The city will also receive $419 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan. Mayor Joe Hogsett said special emphasis will be placed on public safety.

“Across the city residents are justifiably angry at a culture of death that has been fueled by an oversupply of guns and a deficit of hope,” Hogsett said.

More than $150 million is budgeted for law enforcement and community based prevention.  That includes an increase in crime prevention grants for grassroots groups and dozens more peacemakers. 

In the proposal, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department receives a record level $295 million in spending. Investments include new technology and officers for community patrols.

Hogsett said the city will continue to invest in addressing the root causes of violence.

“So public safety, housing, violence reduction, hunger.  Each of these investments are at their core anti-crime initiatives,” Hogsett said.

The budget also includes $12 million for Indianapolis’s first low barrier shelter for people experiencing homelessness.

More than $125 million in new investments for the Department of Public Works includes infrastructure and greenways. 

The operating budget also includes investments for the coroner’s office and a new program providing court advocates for children.

While income tax revenue is down, property taxes are strong allowing the city to keep the budget balanced.  Budget hearings will begin this week and the final budget will be approved in October.