Each year as I work alongside my colleagues reviewing budget recommendations that will ensure our families receive the services and support they deserve, I find myself feeling optimistic.
This is because planning our annual budget offers a chance for my colleagues and me to pause and reflect on the progress our city has made over the past year. It also provides us with a chance to prepare for our future by building upon that progress and identifying new opportunities that will transform and benefit future generations.
Planning the budget always presents a new set of challenges, and this year is no different. With our city budget operating at a deficit, my colleagues and I will be working alongside the administration to identify paths to close the budget gaps we are facing.
In fact, the budget recently proposed by Mayor Hogsett cuts our structural deficit nearly in half, spends less than the year before and reduces our dependence on using city reserves.
But as we work to reduce this deficit, you can rest assured that as the proposed budget is reviewed, both line by line and as a whole, the council will keep priorities — such as public safety, neighborhood development, streets and sidewalks and the education of our children — at the forefront.
We’ve heard what you have to say, and we will craft a budget that aligns spending with the critical needs of residents living all across Indianapolis while working to protect you, the taxpayer.
Developing the budget also presents a new set of opportunities. In many parts of our country, government gridlock is the norm, but not in Indianapolis. Time and again this year, Mayor Hogsett’s administration and the City-County Council have come together to get things done.
Our city has the unique combination of an experienced City-County Council and the excitement of a new administration working side-by-side. The historical knowledge of the council will provide a strong foundation, while the energy of a new administration will open the door to innovative thinking and new ideas.
This is a winning combination for our city and will help us as we move through the budget planning process.
The mayor and City-County Council are committed to being transparent and open about all spending plans and making our priorities clear. I encourage you to attend our upcoming committee meetings and share your thoughts about the proposed budget.
Maggie A. Lewis is president of the Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council.
