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Indianapolis brings back proposal for downtown taxing district

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Indianapolis brings back proposal for downtown taxing district


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis city government is trying again to pass an ordinance creating a Downtown Economic Enhancement District.

The city tabled its original plan crafted in 2023, and the state legislature modified the law authorizing the district to exempt multifamily properties including apartment buildings.

Under the revised plan, commercial property owners, excluding nonprofits, would pay into district.

Taylor Schaffer, president and chief executive officer of Downtown Indy Inc., said Tuesday the revenue would help the city keep the sprawling downtown area clean and safe, and address homelessness. “It would also work to prioritize cleanliness, beautification, how downtown feels, what the experience of downtown is, how downtown feels cared for, that’s things like graffiti-removal power washing, picking up trash.”

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The new proposal creates a larger footprint than the previous plan. The taxing district would expand from I-70 south to South Street, the combined I-65/I-70 route as the eastern boundary, and Blackford Street to the west.

“The fee is based on the assessed value of each property. The City-County Council wants to ensure that there is a cap on that rate, and that rate will reflect the assessed value,” Schaffer said.

Rob Strong’s Whistle Stop Inn, a bar and restaurant, falls within the boundaries of the proposed Economic Enhancement District. He said he’s not pleased at the idea of paying another fee on top of the taxes he already pays, “especially when you are doing construction that is lasting three years and starting another project.

“As you see right now, there is construction all on my street. Illinois Street is shut down. I lose revenue over that.”

Strong said he’s not sure why more tax money is needed to keep downtown clean and safe. “I’m don’t know the solution, but I don’t think taxing business owners is the way to go.”

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Supporters say if Indianapolis wants to keep hosting large-scale events such as this year’s U.S. Olympics Team Trials for swimming and the NBA All-Star Game, then the city is going to need help with keeping downtown a hospitable place.

Schaffer said, “These would be services that are above and beyond what the city is able to offer on their own, and I think indicative of the unique nature of downtown. Downtown hosts bigger events. Downtown has far greater foot traffic.”

The council’s Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee will hold a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. July 15 at the City-County Building. The full council could hear the proposal in August.

Schaffer said, if passed, the tax would take effect in the spring.

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Indianapolis, IN

Shooting in Downtown Indianapolis Leaves 1 Critically Injured – Indianapolis Today

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Shooting in Downtown Indianapolis Leaves 1 Critically Injured – Indianapolis Today


A single spent bullet casing left behind after a downtown Indianapolis shooting highlights the city’s ongoing struggle with gun violence.Indianapolis Today

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers responded to a shooting in the 900 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street in downtown Indianapolis around 10:30 PM on April 11, 2026. One person was found suffering from gunshot wounds and was reported to be in critical condition. No further details have been released by the police at this time.

Why it matters

Downtown Indianapolis has seen an increase in violent crime in recent years, raising concerns about public safety in the area near major university campuses. This incident is the latest in a string of shootings that have occurred in the city’s urban core.

The details

According to IMPD, officers were called to the 900 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street, near 10th Street and North West Street, on a report of a person shot. When they arrived, they found one person suffering from gunshot wounds who was reported to be in critical condition. No other details about the victim or the circumstances of the shooting have been released by the police at this time.

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  • The shooting occurred around 10:30 PM on April 11, 2026.

The players

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD)

The law enforcement agency responsible for investigating the shooting incident in downtown Indianapolis.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

IMPD is continuing to investigate the shooting and is asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana.

The takeaway

This latest incident of gun violence in downtown Indianapolis underscores the ongoing challenges the city faces in ensuring public safety, particularly in areas near major university campuses where students and faculty congregate.





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New exhibit at Indiana Historical Society celebrates U.S. 250th anniversary

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New exhibit at Indiana Historical Society celebrates U.S. 250th anniversary


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indiana Historical Society new exhibit, Freedom’s Framework, is opening Saturday which celebrates the United States’ 250th anniversary at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center.

The Historical Society says the exhibit explores how the ideals set forth at the country’s founding influenced its expansion and development, particularly in the Old Northwest Territory.

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 is the main feature of the exhibit which is a piece of legislation that established a blueprint for governing new territories and admitting states to the Union.

“Freedom’s Framework is an opportunity to connect people to the ideas that built this country and to better understand how those ideas were tested, challenged and carried forward. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, this exhibit invites visitors to reflect not just on where we’ve been, but on how those foundational principles continue to shape our future,” said Jody Blankenship, President and CEO of the Indiana Historical Society.

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Freedom’s Framework will feature a range of historical materials, including rare documents, artifacts and images from the Indiana Historical Society’s and other institution’s collections.

The exhibit will remain on view through August 7, 2027.



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NCAA Final Four in Indianapolis breaks attendance records

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NCAA Final Four in Indianapolis breaks attendance records


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The NCAA has released Final Four attendance numbers.

More than 86,000 people attended the Fan Fest at the Indianapolis Convention Center during the Final Four Weekend.

It broke the overall attendance record and single-day records for Friday, Saturday, and Monday.

The NCAA says more than 142,000 people attended the semifinals and the national championship—
not to mention the thousands who showed up for fan activities.

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For downtown businesses, that turnout translated into a major boost.

At 16-Bit Barcade in the heart of downtown Indy, things have slowed down compared to last week.
Staff say the Final Four more than doubled their usual customer traffic. Host Trinity Surbrook said, “We got to the point where we were telling people to stop and wait we’re not letting people in at that moment, and we’re waiting for other people to leave. It was a whole lot. We made bunch of good money and it was a lot of fun.”

The NCAA reports fans came from 49 of 50 states and 12 countries. “It was so interesting to see people passionate about the Final Four not even from this country.” Surbrook recalled customers from Australia. “It was really awesome, it was interesting.”

The weekend also featured a music festival with Post Malone and Twenty One Pilots, drawing more than 73,000 fans which was just steps away from the bar.

“There were thousands of people out. Just seeing the sidewalk traffic and seeing everyone on their feet. The festival was great for the city,” said general manager Janelle Miller. “When that festival ended, we saw hundreds of people hit the street and go in all different directions.” Miller said it didn’t just benefit pockets of the downtown but everywhere.

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Miller said Saturday was their busiest day because there were a lot of activities to do. The employees served more than 6,000 drinks over the weekend. “I would say, we had numbers that I haven’t seen in probably 2 years on a Friday and Saturday. Which is refreshing to see.”

Now that the Final Four is over, the staff at 16-Bit said they are looking forward to what’s next: the Indianapolis 500.



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