Welcome to our new series: What happened this month at City-County Council? At the end of each month, we'll compile the basics on the major civic decisions + discussions that took place, so you can stay informed without getting overwhelmed.

September 2026

City-County councilors voted to allow the city to borrow up to $12.5 million in property tax-backed bonds to build a new IMPD North District Headquarters. The project is separate from the department's proposed $400 million budget for 2027, which faces a final vote in October.
Most committees are still holding 2027 budget hearings. Psst... you can see the schedule here, and all meetings are public if you want to attend. The full budget package is expected to go before the council for a final vote on Monday, Oct. 19.

August 2026

2027 budget proposal | Mayor Hogsett unveiled a $1.89 billion budget package. It will be finalized in October, at which point we'll give you a full breakdown.
Data center moratorium | The pause on approval for new data centers was passed and is now active through the end of 2027. Three centers that have already been approved are unaffected: Metrobloks in Martindale Brightwood, Sabey Data Centers in Decatur Township, and DC Blox in Irvington.
Vehicle taxes | Councilors overrode Hogsett's veto on Proposal 192, which means passenger vehicle taxes will increase to $100 next year.

July 2026

Vehicle taxes | The council passed a plan to fund road improvements by increasing vehicle taxes. What that means for your wallet: The average driver currently paying $20 could see that number go up to $80. However, when it came to his desk, Mayor Joe Hogsett vetoed the proposal — so it has returned to the council, where they'll need 17 out of 25 members to vote to override the veto. A date for said vote hasn't been shared yet.
Data center moratorium | A committee gave a proposed moratorium (read: temporary pause) on new data centers a do-pass recommendation. This means the whole City-County Council will now vote on whether or not to pass the measure; that vote is expected to take place in August.
Emergency curfew | The council rejected a proposal to expand the emergency curfew for teens to include 17-year-olds. Here are the current curfew hours.

Have any questions about City-Council happenings that we can help to answer? Send them our way.