“The time for taking your seat is now. We can no longer afford for anyone in our community to stand on the sidelines criticizing, waiting for someone else to do the work and talk about what ‘they’ need to do. The future of our city belongs to you. There is an open seat at the table of community progress, and we’re waiting on you.”
I penned those words nearly one year ago.
While some have remained on the sidelines with arms folded and faces etched with skepticism, many have been strong supporters of the Council. Because of your support and encouragement, we have left no stone unturned while identifying ordinances that improve the quality of life for all residents. While it’s only been a year since our city’s 12th City-County Council was sworn into office, I am so proud of what we have accomplished. In case you need a reminder, these are just a few of the laws enacted by your Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council during 2016:
Maintaining a focus on public safety
Public safety has been and will always remain a top priority for the Council. The Council not only took the necessary steps to ensure that there were additional officers on the streets in 2016, but we also worked alongside IMPD and law enforcement experts to provide dollars for recruitment of officers with an emphasis on diversity. Understanding the stress and pressure that our officers face, we also provided funding specifically for their mental health and suicide prevention programming.
Bringing art to our neighborhoods
For those who love the arts, you reminded us that beautification of our neighborhoods is important. Proposal 1 established direct funding for the implementation of public art and expansion of the arts in neighborhoods throughout our city. The funding for neighborhood art projects is provided through a partnership with developers who receive city incentives. Those developers are required to donate non-incentive funds to our newly established Public Art for Neighborhoods Fund.
Fair pay for all
Earning a livable wage and being paid what one deserves is critical for our families. The passing of Proposal 248 — Wage Enforcement ensures that all individuals working on city-supported projects are paid in compliance with all federal, state and local laws.
Protecting our city’s homeless
We have a responsibility to ensure that our homeless community is treated with dignity and respect; Proposal 12 does just that, protecting our homeless neighbors in the event of displacement. If a homeless person is displaced, the city must maintain and catalogue their personal items in a safe and secure place for a minimum of 60 days. Additionally, the city must now connect that individual or family with a social service provider and the faith-based community to ensure they receive complete wraparound services and access to transitional and permanent housing.
As we continue to identify methods to help our homeless, I believe we should all be proud of the newly created Reuben Engagement Center (REC). The REC places our city at the forefront of addressing issues affecting the homeless through the creation of a facility owned and operated by the City of Indianapolis. The Center provides 20 beds dedicated solely to wraparound support and providing social services to our homeless 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
As I have said, these are just a few of the local ordinances the Council passed this year. Is there more work to be done? Absolutely. Do we still to need to hear from you? Absolutely. Is there time for you to get involved and be engaged? ABSOLUTELY!
Remember, nothing is ever done by quarterbacking from your sofa. The choice to be involved and let us know what is on your mind is up to you. You can spend your days and nights talking about what your City-Council could have, would have, should have done, or you can make the decision to get on board and move our city forward.
So as the new year approaches, please make plans to join us. The clock is ticking, and with God’s grace and mercy I’ll see you in January and we will continue this race.
Peace!
Maggie A. Lewis is president of the Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council.
