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Committee backs mayor’s pick Shay Joyce as deputy mayor for operations and government affairs
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Summary
The Indianapolis City-County Council’s Admin Finance Committee voted to recommend approval of Shay Joyce’s appointment as deputy mayor for operations and government affairs after Joyce outlined priorities including cross-department coordination, preparing for increased road funding in 2027, and a curbside recycling rollout in 2028.
Shay Joyce, the mayor’s nominee for deputy mayor of operations and government affairs, told the Admin Finance Committee she plans to deepen coordination among the Department of Public Works, Business and Neighborhood Services, Animal Care, Indie Parks and the office of audit and performance to deliver faster permitting, safer infrastructure and better city services.
"I stand ready to ensure that we seize that opportunity," Joyce said, pointing to a projected increase in road funding beginning in 2027 and the rollout of curbside recycling for all residents in 2028 as immediate priorities.
Joyce described Streamline Indy, a cross-department permitting effort, as a step to reduce delays and improve communication among departments and external partners. "When a builder or developer comes and would like a permit ... they’re meeting with all three of those departments before they’re even submitting their first paperwork," Joyce said, describing the goal of identifying problems with traffic or site design earlier in the process.
Councilors asked for staffing and organizational details. Councilor John Barth requested an org chart showing which deputy-mayor FTEs are filled; Joyce said the city will share an org chart and that she and Chief Deputy Mayor Chris Bailey are currently handling the office’s responsibilities while a third deputy mayor position is being recruited. "We do have an org chart that we can share," Joyce said.
Several councilors, including Councilor Dan Boots, praised Joyce’s work and asked to be added as sponsors. Council President Maggie Lewis said she had worked with Joyce at the statehouse and endorsed the appointment: "You did an amazing job, and I do believe that you're the right person for this position," Lewis said.
After brief discussion, the committee moved and seconded a "do pass" recommendation on Proposal 71 and approved it by voice vote, with no opposition recorded on the record. The appointment will be forwarded to the full council for consideration.
The committee’s discussion focused on coordination, staffing and how the new office will work with state and regional partners; councilors asked staff to provide an organizational chart and additional details about roles and responsibilities as the appointment moves forward.
