There's a lot happening in Indianapolis — and we know it can be hard to keep up with everything.

We're sharing some top civic and development news making headlines today to help you stay in the loop.

City-County Council advances jail demolition + building improvements

On Tuesday, a City-County Council committee voted to approve $37 million in bonds to demolish a former jail + renovate portions of the City-County Building.

The bond proposal will be considered by the full City-County Council at its Dec. 4 meeting, then by the bond bank on Dec. 18.

The IPS District contains the most schools by far. | Photo by INDYtoday team

IPS board approves new teacher contract

The Indianapolis Public Schools board voted to approve a new two-year labor contract that gives teachers an average of 3% in raises.

The contract bumps starting pay to $51,900 in 2023-24 + raises it again to $53,460 in 2024-25. Teachers will also receive two floating holidays each school year.

This expansion will bring the total number of hotel rooms connected via climate-controlled skywalks in Indianapolis to more than 5,500 — more than any other city in the country. | Rendering by RATIO Architects via Indiana Convention Center

City prepares for bond sales for Signia hotel, convention center projects

The redevelopment of Pan Am Plaza is now expected to be $751.6 million, and the city plans to sell $591.8 million in bonds for the project. Previous estimates put the total cost of the redevelopment at $710-800 million.

The city will be responsible for paying off the bonds with interest + it plans to use revenue generated by the hotel to pay off the debt.

If you’ve passed by Broad Ripple Park, you’ve seen the construction in progress since July of 2022. | Photo by INDYtoday team

Neighborhood groups oppose city’s plan to acquire Broad Ripple Park Family Center

Several neighborhood groups are planning to oppose the city’s plan to spend up to $26 million to acquire the new Broad Ripple Park Family Center, which opened in January after nearly two years of construction.

The city planned to purchase the building within a year of its opening. This week, City-County Council and the Metropolitan Development Commission are beginning the process of hearing a resolution to authorize bonds for the purchase.