Indianapolis Department of Public Works unveils 2026 budget, $1.087B capital plan and staffing, equipment priorities

On Aug. 14, 2025, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (DPW) presented its 2026 operating budget and a multi-year capital plan to the City-County Public Works Committee. Director Wilson and Sam Baras, DPW chief financial officer, reviewed revenue forecasts, staffing and operational priorities, planned equipment purchases and the department’s approach to a new state funding stream that would begin in 2027.

The introduced 2026 operating budget totals $257.4 million, a net increase of about $10.8 million versus the 2025 adopted budget, DPW staff said. The department described itself as a “dedicated fund agency” — meaning certain revenue sources are restricted by law or ordinance to specific funds and uses — and said available revenue growth constrained the operating increase to roughly $5.5 million in core funds (about $6.0 million when smaller sources are included). Chief revenue drivers discussed included MVH/LRS (gas-tax) distributions and departmental user fees such as the solid-waste user fee and the stormwater user fee.

Staff presented an updated transportation capital plan that totals approximately $1.087 billion over the plan period; that figure reflects the incorporation of a prospective state program that would provide $50 million a year to Indianapolis beginning in 2027, contingent on the city matching $50 million of new local revenue. Director Wilson said the department has begun planning how to use that new money and is preparing a capital program that emphasizes pavement…