Residents of Indianapolis are raising questions regarding the allocation of taxpayer dollars as the city embarks on several road and park projects. Each City-County Councilor received $1 million in the 2025 budget to fund a project of their choosing, with most opting for road improvements. This decision has led to scrutiny over the criteria used to select specific roadways for resurfacing.
Michael-Paul Hart, the councilor for District 20, addressed the issue of fairness in project selection. “I’m trying to do it in the most fair way possible,” he stated, explaining that his constituents would not have been pleased if he had prioritized parks over roads. Hart has chosen to focus on resurfacing roads in the Forest Creek neighborhood, which includes a section bordering his own residence. “There were just a lot of variables involved in this one particular case,” he noted.
When asked about the decision-making process, Hart explained he utilized data to determine the locations for roadwork. “Here’s the PCI rating, here’s how old the road is, here’s where the projects already are… and then this is the place that makes the most logical sense,” Hart said. His approach reflects an effort to balance community needs with the available resources.
Councilor Carlos W. Perkins, who represents District 6, echoed similar sentiments regarding his project in the Quail Ridge neighborhood. “In walking through that community, I noticed, through my own observation, that the roads were in terrible condition,” Perkins remarked. He emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of his constituents, stating that communication with residents has been ongoing for two years, reinforcing their right to this investment.
Another councilor, Jared Evans, is working on a project in the Avon Creeks Estates neighborhood. Interestingly, his home is also situated on one of the roads slated for resurfacing. Councilor Brian Mowery plans to refurbish a half-mile section of Sunset Ridge Parkway, which leads into his Franklin Township neighborhood. While Mowery did not respond to inquiries by the time this article was published, his project has drawn attention for its proximity to his residence.
As construction is set to begin as early as next month, with completion anticipated by summer 2026, the community remains engaged in discussions regarding the fairness of the funding process. The decisions made by councilors reflect a balancing act between individual community needs and broader city planning strategies.
The ongoing dialogue among residents, councilors, and community leaders highlights the complexities of municipal budgeting and project prioritization. As these road projects progress, the question of equitable distribution of resources continues to resonate among constituents in Indianapolis.
