Report updates efforts to close gaps in services in Indianapolis

A new City-County Council committee report focused on gaps and disparities in Indianapolis highlights recent work. 

The Commission on Services Gaps and Disparities was established in 2018 to examine ways in which people were being left behind.

The new look examines what measures Indianapolis has taken to address issues. Council Vice President Zach Adamson said he’ll add the report to his briefcase.

“To go with me to neighborhood meetings, to go to community events, to go to just about anywhere where anybody wants to know what the city of Indianapolis is doing,” Adamson said.

Socio-economic factors like race, income and geographic location impact people's well-being.  The report seeks to better understand the gaps and recommend policies to improve at the local level.

Chris Brown with council staff said the barriers are systemic.

“Disparities are not simply natural results of personal preferences or cultural values – rather, inequities and institutions contribute to these divergent outcomes by limiting the resources and assistance necessary to live stable healthy lives,” Brown said.

Five focus areas – including housing, food access, mental health, reentry and transportation – are covered in the analysis. 

Federal relief funding of more than $500 million for Indianapolis has helped address numerous issues. More than $175 million in rental assistance was provided, and the city created a non-congregate hotel shelter for people experiencing homelessness during the pandemic.

The city has also used the money to create more than 3,000 newly planned affordable housing units.

The city still needs more providers for a mental health response, but has been able to create more wraparound service programs through efforts like the Assessment and Intervention Center.

There has been slow progress in the food access area. Most food deserts have not shrunk, and new stores are opening in areas that already have access.

The report also highlights work in mass transportation. IndyGo’s Purple Line is under construction, and the city has made a focus on more transit-oriented development.

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