City staff briefs neighborhoods: 2026 budget vote, Vacant to Vibrance land program, Indigo fare change and AES rate hearings

A city staff member told the HOPE Team that the mayor introduced the 2026 budget and that city council committees are reviewing line items before a scheduled council adoption vote on Oct. 6.

"The city council is expected to vote to finally adopt that budget on October 6," the staff member said, urging residents to attend committee meetings if they want to comment on specific line items.

The Department of Metropolitan Development also unveiled a retooled land-bank program called Vacant to Vibrance, the staff member said, describing the program as a mechanism for the city to acquire blighted or tax-delinquent properties and return them to private ownership for housing and community projects. The staff member said the pilot acquired about 140 properties and that 113 of those have returned to the market.

The staff member reported changes proposed for Indigo fares: current base fare $1.75 will increase to $2.75, with the change scheduled to start in January 2026; discounted and other fare categories were said to remain in place. The staff member also noted AES (local electric utility) will hold public community office hours to discuss a proposed rate review after the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission held public hearings.

During Q&A, attendees asked about West Washington Street construction (a Blue Line corridor), Indigo outreach to neighborhoods, and how Vacant to Vibrance properties are listed and accessed. The staff member said Vacant to Vibrance properties are listed on the city's website and that many properties include a QR code on yard signs linking to property lists.

Ending: Staff urged HOPE Team members to watch committee calendars for budget hearings and to call or email city contacts with specific questions about Indy transit or vacant-property programs.