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Peter Blanchard

@peterblanchard.bsky.social
534 followers 145 following 85 posts

Local gov't reporter at Mirror Indy | 📧:peter.blanchard@mirrorindy.org | 📲 317-605-4836 | mirrorindy.org/author/peter-blancha…

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Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Emily Hopkins reporting for Mirror Indy @emilyhopkins.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
"They pay their taxes. You get a Pacers suite." Hogsett promised to 'renounce all perks of the office.' He's used them to entertain donors who fuel his campaign machine www.indystar.com/story/news/i...
indystar.com
'Dreamy' suite views and a Corvette: Here's how Hogsett uses mayoral perks
Hogsett promised to 'renounce all perks of the office.' He's used them to entertain donors who fuel his campaign machine.
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Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Mirror Indy @mirrorindy.org · 28/07/2026
An unusual political situation is playing out in Indy over $56 million in tax breaks for a proposed data center. A top city official disagrees with the tax break while a development group created by Mayor Joe Hogsett recommends it. bit.ly/4x0qmEW
bit.ly
City leaders spar over $56M in tax breaks for data center
In a surprise move, a member of Hogsett’s cabinet spoke against the tax breaks.
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Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Mirror Indy @mirrorindy.org · 08/07/2026
Mirror Indy reporters Peter Blanchard and Emily Hopkins will join IndyStar reporter Hayleigh Colombo to answer questions during a Reddit AMA (ask me anything) at 3 p.m. July 9 on the r/Indiana subreddit. bit.ly/4wCJKI9
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Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Emily Hopkins reporting for Mirror Indy @emilyhopkins.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
To report this story, we digitized more than 10 years of Hogsett’s campaign finance records. We’re making that data available to the public. Find something interesting or have questions? Email me: emily.hopkins@mirrorindy.org. www.datawrapper.de/_/nvKd9/?v=5
datawrapper.de
Hogsett Campaign Donations | Created with Datawrapper
Search a donor to see who is donating money to Hogsett's campaign. You can also sort by donation amount or date.
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Peter Blanchard @peterblanchard.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
The state agency that audits local governments is taking a closer look at the Indianapolis Office of Public Health and Safety for potential financial improprieties mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
mirrorindy.org
State agency probes city’s Office of Public Health and Safety
The Indianapolis Office of Public Health and Safety is the subject of ongoing scrutiny.
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Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Mirror Indy @mirrorindy.org · 01/05/2026
Kelvis Williams, who is running for Marion County sheriff, sent out a flyer that encouraged residents to vote for him and five other Democrats in the May 5 primary.” Critics say the ad falsely implies that the candidates have the support of the Marion County Democratic Party. bit.ly/4tdzCTU
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Peter Blanchard @peterblanchard.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
One of the two Democratic candidates for Marion County sheriff is taking heat for a campaign mailer that critics say is misleading mirrorindy.org/kelvis-willi...
mirrorindy.org
Marion County sheriff’s candidate accused of ‘shady tactics’
Kelvis Williams is taking heat for a campaign mailer that critics say is ‘misleading’ and ‘a last-minute trick.’
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Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Mirror Indy @mirrorindy.org · 27/04/2026
An internal audit of the city’s Office of Public Health and Safety is prompting calls for funding freezes to the agency. The review found that several contracts were awarded to companies with significant connections to current OPHS employees: bit.ly/420aNQb bit.ly/420aNQb
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Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Mirror Indy @mirrorindy.org · 14/04/2026
Sen. Andrea Hunley, one of the most outspoken Democrats in the Indiana Senate, will not be running for a second term. That leaves her seat up for grabs. As of right now, there are three candidates running – Allissa Impink, Clif Marsiglio and Sam Glynn: bit.ly/3O3aUav
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Peter Blanchard @peterblanchard.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
Today is Local News Day. This is a national day of action with a simple ask: Find your local news, subscribe, and help the people around you do the same. Make sure you’re connected to Indianapolis news by signing up for our free newsletters and texts mirrorindy.org/sign-up/
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Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Mirror Indy @mirrorindy.org · 11/03/2026
15 acres of green space, an extended walking trail and a “river theater.” These were the promises of the White River State Park expansion — an expansion that state officials have now scrapped due to lack of “available funding.” bit.ly/4bphtf5
mirrorindy.org
State quietly scraps plans for expanded White River State Park
‘We kind of got the wrong end of the stick over here,’ said a westside resident.
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Peter Blanchard @peterblanchard.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
State officials are abandoning plans to expand White River State Park. Reporting w/ @enriquesaenz.bsky.social
mirrorindy.org
State quietly scraps plans for expanded White River State Park
‘We kind of got the wrong end of the stick over here,’ said a westside resident.
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Peter Blanchard @peterblanchard.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Several tech companies want to build data centers in Indianapolis. Mayor Joe Hogsett has taken a neutral position on data centers, but a letter from his economic development organization in support of a proposed data center in Indianapolis sends a different signal 📡
mirrorindy.org
Hogsett’s economic development org supports Metrobloks data center
The mayor chairs the board of the organization backing a proposed data center in Martindale Brightwood.
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Peter Blanchard @peterblanchard.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Gov. Mike Braun will have greater influence in the process for picking Marion County judges under a Republican-backed bill that is set to become law. Critics say the move will weaken the independence and diversity that helps define Marion County's justice system mirrorindy.org/indiana-gove...
mirrorindy.org
Bill gives governor greater influence over Marion County judge selection
House Bill 1033 also removes a requirement to consider diversity.
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Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Emily Hopkins reporting for Mirror Indy @emilyhopkins.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
"Many of the candidates, some of whom worked for Democratic politicians or remained active in party politics for decades, unsuccessfully appealed their cases to the election board." by @peterblanchard.bsky.social mirrorindy.org/marion-count...
mirrorindy.org
‘Rules are rules’: Indy Democratic leader rejects dozens of candidates
Among those rejected: the Marion County Young Democrats’ leader, a U.S. Army soldier, a former Democratic governor’s spokesman.
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Peter Blanchard @peterblanchard.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
Dozens of Indy residents who applied to run for Democratic Party positions are having their candidacies challenged by the Marion County Democratic Party because of their voting history. Some pulled Republican ballots in the '24 primary to vote against Mike Braun mirrorindy.org/marion-count...
mirrorindy.org
Indy Democrats leader files challenges to Democratic candidates
Critics say the practice discourages everyday people from getting involved in politics.
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Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Emily Hopkins reporting for Mirror Indy @emilyhopkins.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Westfield, where the median income is more that 2x Warren Township’s, got a new YMCA. Meanwhile, Ransburg is closing, shortly after the closure of the Athenaeum. We sought answers from Y leaders. They declined to provide them. Here’s what we asked: mirrorindy.org/ransburg-ymc...
mirrorindy.org
Westfield just got a new YMCA. So why is Ransburg closing?
We sent the YMCA questions about finances. The organization didn’t answer them.
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Peter Blanchard @peterblanchard.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
City-county councilors could lose the ability to handpick projects that benefit their districts after a state lawmaker criticized the process. It comes after I reported last year that some councilors used taxpayer dollars to fix roads in front of their homes mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
mirrorindy.org
State could close ‘loophole’ that lets councilors pick projects
The practice is under scrutiny after reporting from Mirror Indy.
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Reposted by Peter Blanchard
John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
This is beautiful journalism. The mayor of Indianapolis failed on his promise to deliver a "one-stop shop" for public records such as ethics filings, campaign finance reports and city contracts. So journalists with IndyStar and @mirrorindy.org built their own. A link is in comments. Just wow.
A screenshot of a story you can find on IndyStar.com with the headline, "Hogsett hasn't delivered a 'Disclose Indy' ethics portal. So we built one."
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Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Emily Hopkins reporting for Mirror Indy @emilyhopkins.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
We made a one-stop shop for city transparency after the Hogsett administration failed to. While reporting, we noticed years worth of missing reports. Since we contacted the city, they've updated their website. Updates to ours coming shortly. mirrorindy.org/disclose-ind...
mirrorindy.org
Hogsett hasn’t delivered a ‘Disclose Indy’ ethics portal. So we built one.
We also obtained records not previously made public as promised.
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Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Emily Hopkins reporting for Mirror Indy @emilyhopkins.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
We've compiled our Mr. Clean series with our previous investigations into the Hogsett administration. You can read it all here: mirrorindy.org/mr-clean/
mirrorindy.org
Mr. Clean
Mirror Indy investigates ethical concerns within Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration.
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Peter Blanchard @peterblanchard.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
"There is a wealth of knowledge, ideas and passion in public service. But a maze of self-instituted processes and an engrained culture of deflection has led to an inability to make simple, incremental improvements for the betterment of our city" www.indystar.com/story/opinio...
indystar.com
Vision Zero? Indy residents forced to fix streets ourselves. | Opinion
People are dying on Indianapolis streets while DPW drowns in analysis paralysis.
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Peter Blanchard @peterblanchard.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Have you thought about how you can get involved in local politics, but aren't sure where to start? Have you ever, like me, wondered what a precinct committee member is? I put together a guide for Mirror Indy on how to get started mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
mirrorindy.org
How to get involved in local politics this year
It may be easier than you think to get civically engaged.
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Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Emily Hopkins reporting for Mirror Indy @emilyhopkins.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
There are so many ways you can get involved in the political process. @peterblanchard.bsky.social lays out what's coming this year. Deadline to file is Feb. 6. mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
mirrorindy.org
How to get involved in local politics this year
It may be easier than you think to get civically engaged.
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Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Mirror Indy @mirrorindy.org · 15/01/2026
Vop Osili is running for mayor of Indianapolis. He has effectively fired the first shot in what is expected to be a highly contested and expensive Democratic primary election. Osili will have a head start in fundraising, having reported over $300,000 in cash on hand at the beginning of 2025.
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Peter Blanchard @peterblanchard.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
A barista at my local Starbucks is wearing an Amelia's Bakery hat and I am here for it
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Peter Blanchard @peterblanchard.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
Standing in front of Monument Circle with an “Abolish ICE” banner behind him, Johnny Hall called on Indianapolis leaders to loudly and publicly oppose the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown: “You do not get to sit on the fence" mirrorindy.org/ice-protest-...
mirrorindy.org
Protesters demand Indy leaders take stronger stance against ICE
His comments come as protesters demand Indy leaders take a stronger position against ICE.
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Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Mirror Indy @mirrorindy.org · 09/01/2026
Mayor Joe Hogsett has named IMPD Police Chief Chris Bailey as his new chief of staff. Bailey has led IMPD since January 2024: bit.ly/4pzS2fM
bit.ly
Hogsett taps Indy police chief as top adviser
Chris Bailey has led the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department since early 2024.
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Peter Blanchard @peterblanchard.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
Nearly 18 months since the city committed to eliminating traffic deaths by 2035, there are few concrete details on how the city will get to Vision Zero. Advocates say it’s possible — if Mayor Joe Hogsett and city-county councilors live up to their promises mirrorindy.org/vision-zero-...
mirrorindy.org
Vision Zero is possible. Advocates say Indy lacks ‘political will.’
Supporters of the plan to eliminate traffic deaths worry leaders aren’t invested enough.
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Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Mirror Indy @mirrorindy.org · 22/12/2025
The City-County Council will have different leadership in 2026. The Democratic caucus said they plan to elect Maggie Lewis as council president. This would be her second time in the role: bit.ly/4sakqYh
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Democrats plan to elect Maggie Lewis next Indy council leader
Lewis, a Democrat who represents parts of the northwest side, previously served as council president from 2012 to 2017.
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Peter Blanchard @peterblanchard.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
Just call me "the reporter in a suit" from now on
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Peter Blanchard @peterblanchard.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
About 100 immigrants showed up to a naturalization ceremony at Union Station expecting to leave as a U.S. citizen. But 38 of them left empty-handed. The applicants were denied citizenship because they were from countries listed as “high risk” by the Trump administration.
mirrorindy.org
Dozens of immigrants denied citizenship at naturalization ceremony
They were denied citizenship despite completing the naturalization process.
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Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Mirror Indy @mirrorindy.org · 10/12/2025
The past few months have been difficult for a lot of people. We wanted to give some tips on how to stretch the dollars you have to feed yourself and your family: bit.ly/3XNtmoF
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Coupons and beans: Stretch your dollars with these tips from Mirror staff
We’ve got recipes and some advice that helped us through tough times.
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Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Mirror Indy @mirrorindy.org · 10/12/2025
As Indiana lawmakers consider mid-decade redistricting, people continue to show up at the Statehouse. Most showed up to protest the bill. Fewer people showed up in support. Here is what Brett Phelps saw through his lens: bit.ly/4rUQGPi
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Peter Blanchard @peterblanchard.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
City-County Council President Vop Osili has announced he won't seek reelection to his leadership post, fueling speculation that he will run for mayor in 2027.
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Peter Blanchard @peterblanchard.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
Eliminating traffic-related deaths and serious injuries by 2035, in one of the largest cities in the country, is no easy task. But a commission formed by the city to achieve that lofty goal just took a major step forward mirrorindy.org/vision-zero-...
mirrorindy.org
Indy councilors adopt Vision Zero action plan
A task force released its plan for making Indy’s streets safer.
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Peter Blanchard @peterblanchard.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
Indiana House Republicans have released a draft congressional map for redistricting. It would split Indianapolis into four different districts. Indiana Democrats say the new maps “put Trump’s demands ahead of Hoosiers”
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Peter Blanchard @peterblanchard.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
Some shots from the talented Doug McSchooler of the Safe Streets Protest at College Ave/Mass Ave intersection where pedestrian Brandon Breedlove was killed by a drunk driver in March 2024 #indianapolis #visionzero mirrorindy.org/photos-peopl...
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Peter Blanchard @peterblanchard.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
"Do more good for the world without permission." That's the philosophy of Anderson York, an Indianapolis resident who is making benches and placing them in spaces where they're needed most mirrorindy.org/indy-benches...
mirrorindy.org
Meet the man making benches for Indianapolis
Anderson York’s benches are popping up at parks and bus stops across the city.
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Peter Blanchard @peterblanchard.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
City-county councilors want to create a safer work environment for city employees. The changes being considered come in response to Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett’s handling of sexual harassment allegations against Thomas Cook, his former chief of staff and campaign manager.
mirrorindy.org
Indy councilors seek changes to city’s human resources department
The proposals being considered face legal obstacles.
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Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Paul Lite @paulite.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
Some great journalism from Mirror Indy's @peterblanchard.bsky.social
mirrorindy.org
Indy councilors use part of $1 million fund to pave their own street
Some councilors are using taxpayer dollars from a one-time fund to fix streets in their own neighborhoods.
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Peter Blanchard @peterblanchard.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
Last year, each member of Indianapolis City-County Council got $1 million to spend on a park or road project. Two of them are using their share to repave the street in front of their house, @mirrorindy.org has learned mirrorindy.org/city-county-...
mirrorindy.org
Indy councilors use part of $1 million fund to pave their own street
Some councilors are using taxpayer dollars from a one-time fund to fix streets in their own neighborhoods.
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Peter Blanchard @peterblanchard.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
The Irvington Community Council, which puts on the Irvington Halloween Festival, is asking Mayor Joe Hogsett not to attend this year's event, according to a letter obtained by Mirror Indy. "At best, it would be a distraction; at worst, it would be re-traumatizing for members of our community"
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Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Mirror Indy @mirrorindy.org · 15/10/2025
What do the city-county councilors think about Mayor Joe Hogsett ignoring conflicts of interests involving millions of dollars in city incentives? Many ignored requests for comment, some want more info and others want changes to city policy: bit.ly/46ShNlv
bit.ly
Indy councilors troubled by deals tied to Hogsett aide’s secret relationship
Most councilors did not respond to reporters, but a few said they are concerned.
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Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Mirror Indy @mirrorindy.org · 13/10/2025
Mayor Joe Hogsett was once named “Mr. Clean” by a watchdog organization for his tough stance on government corruption as U.S. attorney. A Mirror Indy/IndyStar investigation finds that the mayor ignored conflicts of interest involving millions of dollars in city incentives. bit.ly/3L8OOBe
bit.ly
Hogsett ignored conflicts of interest as city incentives flowed to developers
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett ran on ethics reform, but an investigation found that he ignored conflicts of interest.
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Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Mirror Indy @mirrorindy.org · 03/10/2025
Elanco Animal Health opened its $200 million headquarters on the west side. Residents living near the site wonder if they will benefit from all the progress they can see from their front porch: bit.ly/46Bk844
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Residents hope new Elanco HQ doesn’t leave neighborhood behind
Elanco Animal Health had a grand opening for its new westside headquarters Oct. 1, but neighbors hope they’re not left behind.
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Peter Blanchard @peterblanchard.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
Google’s decision to withdraw its application for a $1 billion data center represents an early defeat for Mayor Joe Hogsett’s new economic development organization. Reporting w/ Elizabeth Gabriel @mirrorindy.org mirrorindy.org/google-data-...
mirrorindy.org
Data center is first test for Hogsett’s new economic development organization
Indy residents and councilors have been pushing back.
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Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Mirror Indy @mirrorindy.org · 26/09/2025
After initially proposing a $100,000 budget cut to Indy’s immigrant legal services fund, Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration decided to restore the funding. Mirror Indy’s @mcmolloy.bsky.social first reported the proposed budget cut in August: bit.ly/4pEfcmB
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Funding cut to Indy’s immigrant legal defense fund is reversed
Plus: Despite ICE concerns, the sheriff’s budget also passed out of committee.
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Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Emily Hopkins reporting for Mirror Indy @emilyhopkins.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
Forests for Indy asks city to acquire urban forests. These folks have been a regular presence at council meetings for more than a year. by @peterblanchard.bsky.social Photos by Brett Phelps / @mirrorindy.org mirrorindy.org/forests-for-...
mirrorindy.org
Forests for Indy asks city to acquire urban forests
The group is asking for $3 million to be included in the city’s 2026 budget for urban forest acquisition.
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Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Mirror Indy @mirrorindy.org · 24/09/2025
Councilors in Lawrence are calling out Mayor Deb Whitfield’s administration over concerns that the 2026 budget process has not been transparent. They’re also concerned they won’t have enough time to review it. Plus, the financial advisor helping them has backed out. bit.ly/4mzQYXM
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The Lawrence mayor and councilors are arguing over the budget again
The conflict has grown so much that a financial advisor backed out.
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