Indy faces infrastructure challenges amid population boom and budget surpluses 

As Indianapolis thrives with a rising population and balanced budgets, residents are increasingly frustrated by deteriorating roadways, unmaintained bridge sidewalks and pedestrian safety issues. The 2025 Indianapolis budget is the largest one the city-county council has considered to date, totaling $1.6 billion in spending. The signed proposal allocates funds for pedestrian safety, pay raises for first responders and a fully funded IMPD.“The state had a net inflow of nearly 22,500 residents last year, which is the third consecutive year this measure topped the 20,000-residents mark,” said Matt Kinghorn, senior demographer at the Indiana Business Research Center. pedestrians vulnerable. Many city streets lack adequate sidewalks, crosswalks and lighting, creating unsafe conditions for residents navigating increasingly congested areas.According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, Indiana ranks below the national average of roads in ‘good’ condition, with 37% reportedly in need of repair in 2021. In the report, nearly 6% of Indiana’s bridges were reported ‘structurally deficient.’Shari Himes, Indy resident and biker, has encountered several areas in the city where bridges are neglected, sidewalks are impassable and biking is dangerous, namely the East 38th St. Bridge between Fall Creek Parkway and Sutherland on the city’s northeast side.“There’s some parts of the bridge...