Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis City-Council proposal to re-establish Economic Enhancement District
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis City-County Council plans to introduce a proposal next week to revise the Downtown Economic Enhancement District to accommodate recent legislative changes made during the last general assembly.
On July 8, the district aims to address safety, cleanliness, and homelessness with consistent, targeted funding and high-quality service for fee payers, according to a release.
“As Indianapolis proudly hosted the swimming Olympic trials, it highlighted our city’s dedication to showcasing world-class events and fostering community spirit right here in downtown Indianapolis,” said Indianapolis City-County Council President Vop Osili. “An Economic Enhancement District is pivotal in keeping that momentum moving forward every day of the year. This initiative strengthens downtown’s appeal and reinforces our ongoing commitment to maintaining its safety, vibrancy, and cleanliness for residents, visitors, and businesses.”
Last year, the Indiana General Assembly granted the Indianapolis City-County Council the authority to establish an Economic Enhancement District. The Council approved the initial establishment of the EED in December.
The Indiana Governor Assembly enacted changes to the EED this year. Those changes include:
- Removes the Mile Square boundary requirement but requires any newly drawn district to remain an equal square on all sides.
- Multi-family property/apartment buildings would be exempt from paying an EED fee but allow for an opt-in for these properties to pay into, and receive services of, the EED.
- Single-family homes (who previously would pay a flat $250) are also exempt from the EED.
- The Governor would receive one more appointee making it a 5-4 state-local board and 6 votes are required for any action.
- Codifies in state code the $5.5 million EED budget that was passed by the City-County Council.
- Removes “activating and promoting public events”, “creating innovative approaches to attracting new businesses”, and “planning improvement activities” from the list of permitted uses of EED dollars.
- The EED cannot be renewed after a 10-year lifecycle and any bonding or other agreements cannot extend past the 10-year window.
According to a release, the new boundaries for the proposed Economic Enhancement District are:
“North border and the East border are I-65. The South border is primarily South Street, and the West border is primarily Blackford Street. The rate a property owner can be assessed within the district will be capped at .168%, remaining consistent with the district fee structure passed last year.”
Funds collected by the district would fund the following projects:
- 7-day-a-week cleaning crew to perform tasks like power washing, graffiti removal, litter abatement, etc.
- Beautification initiatives include plantings, painting, and mulching.
- Off-duty foot and bike patrols to supplement police presence and provide direct outreach resources to property owners.
- Safety ambassadors for additional street-level presence.
- Homeless Street Outreach team members are dedicated to connecting individuals to services, addressing issues, and coordinating with public safety agencies.
- Investments in downtown crime-fighting public safety technology.
- Last dollar in funding for a low-barrier shelter.
The projects are focused on the cleanliness, safety, and experience of downtown Indianapolis.
“Building on the tremendous momentum downtown Indianapolis has gained in recent years, the re-establishment of the Economic Enhancement District will further enhance our city’s vibrancy and appeal,” said Taylor Hughes, Vice President of Policy & Strategy at Indy Chamber, in a release. “Working together with local businesses, community organizations, and government entities represents the collaborative effort to strengthen the heart of our city and allows us to ensure that every stakeholder has a voice in shaping the future of Indianapolis.”
A public hearing for the proposal is scheduled for July 15 at 5:30 p.m. in the Public Assembly Room.
Indianapolis, IN
That trail you walk downtown? It’s generated $3 billion for Indianapolis, study finds
See the 10th Street Cultural Trail Expansion ribbon cutting ceremon
Highlights: Indiana Ave. and 10th Street Cultural Trail Expansion ribbon cutting on Indiana Ave. on Thursday, June 20, 2024, in Indianapolis.
Since its creation, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail in the heart of Circle City has drawn millions of residents and visitors to its distinctive paved path. But according to a new report, the trail isn’t just beneficial for those looking to get out on an urban stroll or bike ride — it’s a driver for the city’s economy and quality of life.
The report, “Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick at 20: Connecting People, Places, and Possibility,” was based on analysis by James Lima Planning + Development, a group of real estate, planning and economic development advisors. Here’s what to know about the report.
How has the Cultural Trail affected the city’s growth, development?
According to the report from 2026, the 10-mile trail has generated $3 billion in assessed property value around its path — money that supports the city and its governmental services.
The population along the trail has grown five times the city average and retail space near the trail has increased 39%, the report shows. Nearby food and beverage sales are almost twice the average per square foot in Indianapolis.
Additionally, the report shows, undeveloped land along the trail has the potential to add $1.4 billion of value in the near future. Since an initial study in 2015, the trail’s economic impact has grown from $1 billion to $3 billion.
“For nearly 20 years, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail has helped transform Downtown Indianapolis into a more vibrant, connected and economically competitive city,” Mayor Joe Hogsett said in a June 3 news release. “It is more than a trail. It is a nationally recognized public asset that drives investment, supports local businesses, connects neighborhoods and improves quality of life for the people who live, work, play and stay in our city.”
According to the report, over 1 million people use the trail each year, and almost half of downtown Indianapolis residents live within a three-minute walk of the path.
What other features does the Cultural Trail offer?
Users of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail aren’t limited to walking — the Pacers Bikeshare program, operated by the trail, has 57 bike stations throughout the city that are accessible 24/7.
The trail also features nearly six acres of plants and greenspace, offering locals and visitors an urban getaway. City planners from across the world have visited the trail to study its design, according to the report.
What is the future of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail?
Focus on the Indianapolis Cultural Trail has shifted from construction and maintenance to long-term operations and expanded resources for the public.
Kären Haley, executive director of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Inc. — the trail’s nonprofit — said it has grown into the “crown jewel” of the city with the growth and development it has created over two decades.
“The Cultural Trail is driving billions in investment and making surrounding neighborhoods thriving destinations,” she said in a June 3 news release. “As we enter the next phase for the Trail, we look forward to building upon our initial 20 years of impact.”
Mia Thurow is the breaking news and criminal justice reporting intern for the Indianapolis Star. She can be reached at mthurow@gannett.com.
ICYMI: Top 5 IndyStar business stories in May 2026
A busy month at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway reignited debates about hotels and the downtown heliport. Plus, Eli Lilly celebrated 150 years.
May came and went, and with it, we saw the closest Indianapolis 500 finish in history, the 150th anniversary of Eli Lilly and a contested primary election day.
There’s also been some movement in retail news ahead of the summer shopping season. On the north side, a new women’s clothing store opened while a piercing studio set up shop in Speedway. Meanwhile, an indoor children’s play place opened on the near north side.
Read on for four spots that recently opened and one in Broad Ripple that said farewell.
Openings
Monkee’s
8659 River Crossing Blvd., monkeesofindianapolis.com, opened in March
Monkee’s of Indianapolis, a high-end women’s clothing store, opened recently on the north side in the Shops at River Crossing near the Fashion Mall. The brand Monkee’s started in the South three decades ago and has since grown to nearly 70 locations. In Indianapolis, Missy Llewellyn and Whitney Schmitt started the franchise to bring the clothing brand to the Circle City.
The Nest Play Cafe
515 E 22nd St Suite 101, indynestplaycafe.com, opened early May
The Nest Play Cafe opened at the corner of Central Avenue and 22nd Street, offering an indoor space for parents and caregivers to bring their children to play. Caregivers can book 90-minute play sessions for $15 per child over the age of one. Tickets for additional siblings run $10. The cafe sells coffee and snacks, too.
Open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to noon. Closed Tuesdays.
Forget Me Not Piercing Studio
5324 W. 16th St., jessflowerspiercings.square.site, opened May 27
A new piercing studio opened in Speedway at the end of May just days after the Indianapolis 500. Forget Me Not Piercing offers traditional lobe, helix and conch piercings along with nostril and septum piercings. Artist Jess Flowers opened the one-woman shop on 16th Street.
Open Sunday and Thursday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Black Orchid Barbers Fountain Square
1201 Prospect St. Suite 100, blackorchidbarbers.com, opened in May
Black Orchid, a local barbershop known for its sharp haircuts with a side of humor, opened its Fountain Square spot, marking the company’s seventh brick-and-mortar location. Walk-ins are welcome but Black Orchid recommends grabbing a time slot online for your preferred service.
Open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Closures
Vitality IV Bar
6302 Guilford Ave., vitalityivbar.com
An IV-wellness spot in Broad Ripple shut its doors last month. Vitality IV Bar was located next to the Thieves cocktail lounge, formerly the Broad Ripple Starbucks location, before it went out of business.
Vitality IV still operates an Indianapolis-area location on Mass Ave downtown at 749 Massachusetts Ave where customers can book a variety of infusions with vitamins.
See a store opening or closing near you? Contact IndyStar reporter Alysa Guffey at alysa.guffey@indystar.com.
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