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.”

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.”

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.

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.

Stamps are getting more expensive this month when the U.S. Postal Service increases prices across its services.

The price of first-class Forever stamps will increase from 68 cents to 73 cents on July 14, an increase of more than 7%. Prices for all services will rise more than 7.5%.

The price hikes are part of the USPS 10-year “Delivering for America” plan intended to financially stabilize the Postal Service. Forever stamps cost 55 cents when the plan was introduced in 2021.

First class mail accounted for more than 30% of postal revenue in 2023 and the plan is expected to generate $44 billion in additional revenue by 2031.

Where to get stamps in Indianapolis

There are roughly 20 Post Office locations around the Indianapolis area where you can buy stamps, not including big box stores such as Walmart, Walgreens, Office Depot and Kroger. You can also purchase stamps online at USPS.com.

USPS changing prices on more than stamps

The additional-ounce price for single-piece letters will rise to 28 cents from 24 cents.

Post office box rental fees will not change. The cost of postal insurance would decrease by 10%.

The price of international postcards and international 1-ounce letters will increase by 10 cents each, from $1.55 to $1.65.