Latest news with #Michael-PaulHart
Axios
4 days ago
- Politics
- Axios
Council GOP pushes to remove residency requirement for city employees
City-County Council Republicans want to remove a decades-old residency requirement for city employees. Why it matters: The removal of the requirement could open up new recruitment opportunities for departments that have struggled to hire, but also dispenses with the long-held notion that the tax dollars paying for public employees should stay in the city. Catch up quick: Since 1977, anyone who accepts full- or part-time employment with the city or county must live within Marion County within six months of accepting the job. Yes, but: The rule doesn't apply to interns, firefighters, IMPD, 911 operators or "persons who have specialized skills or training if there is no suitable applicant for the position residing within the limits of Marion County." What they're saying: Minority Leader Michael-Paul Hart said the proposal came from a roundtable conversation with the county's public safety leaders. "We said to them, 'How can the City Council address the shortages of employees that you are seeing in your organizations?'" Hart said during a press conference Wednesday. "And they unanimously told us: remove residency requirements." Hart said they want to expand the talent pool and retain more employees who may leave city employment when they want to move for more affordable housing or better schools — two issues he said he's heard about from city workers. What's next: The proposal will be introduced to the council Monday, which is also when the next year's city budget will be presented.
Axios
10-06-2025
- Business
- Axios
City-County Council to consider forest preservation
The City-County Council will consider $27 million in spending Monday night, and the Republican minority wants to see a chunk of that go toward protecting Indianapolis' urban forests. Why it matters: Marion County was once covered almost entirely by forest, but less than 15% remains today. Only a small fraction of that is protected as park and preserve space. Several environmentally sensitive properties — including the last flatwood forest — are at risk for development if not soon purchased by someone willing to protect them. Between the lines: This aligns environmental advocates and pro-economy conservatives. What they're saying:"Indianapolis' forests aren't just green spaces — they're economic assets that enhance our quality of life and support the local economy," said Minority Leader Michael-Paul Hart. Hart told Axios that nature amenities attract more residents, in turn attracting more business development. What they're proposing: Council Republicans have three amendments to the majority's plan for spending $27 million in supplemental income tax revenue. They're suggesting an additional $6.5 million to the Department of Public Works for strip patching to repair potholes. They also want to add $1.5 million to the $1 million allocated for stormwater management, which would be used to purchase and preserve urban forest land. Republicans have called for a pause on money going to the Office of Public Health and Safety for grants until it presents more details on their projects. Flashback: Last year, the Indiana Forest Alliance asked the city to allocate $6 million to buy urban forest land. The city budget included $1 million.
