3 takeaways from Indianapolis mayor's 2020 state of the city address

It's been a tumultuous year for Indianapolis. 

Mayor Joe Hogsett alluded to that much in his state of the city address on Monday night, eight months into a year that has featured ongoing protests for racial equality, a rising number of homicides and a global pandemic that has killed hundreds in Marion County alone.

Hogsett — who has taken criticism from communities of color for failing to address core issues surrounding racism —  focused heavily on racial and economic equity as he introduced city councilors to the proposed 2021 budget. 

"In this moment, Indianapolis stands at a crossroads," Hogsett said. "The challenges are new, but the choice is not. Either choose the path of bold unity and mutual understanding, or we must turn away from that which has allowed our city to overcome every obstacle in its path for two centuries." 

Here are three takeaways from Hogsett's annual address.

Criminal justice reform

Hogsett highlighted the initiatives the city has taken to respond to widespread anger over the killings of Black residents by Indianapolis police — including Dreasjon Reed and McHale Rose.

Those initiatives include a new use-of-force policy and use-of-force review board for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, a partnership with New York University to "reimagine" public safety and body cameras for police officers. 

"It's not enough to acknowledge systemic racism," Hogsett said. "You don't get a participation ribbon in the fight against injustice. What we need in Indianapolis is a process of healing that is not implemented, but lived."

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Hogsett also threw support behind a pending council proposal to restructure IMPD's General Orders Committee, which approves department policy, to include more civilian voices. 

Economic equity

The city will formally join the Government Alliance on Race and Equity, which will work with city-county agencies to address racial inequities through policies, planning and service delivery, Hogsett said. 

Following a study in city contracts that found substantial disparities in bids awarded to businesses owned by women and minorities, Hogsett said he also introduced changes to city policy on Monday night that promotes greater use of minority-owned businesses in city contracts. 

The change will also require the city to conduct a disparity study every five years. 

Hogsett also highlighted the Indy Chamber's "rapid response" loans for small business survival during the pandemic, noting that 64% of the $3.5 million dispersed went to businesses owned by women or minorities.

Unity 

While racial tensions flare in downtown Indianapolis and residents protest mask orders, Hogsett stressed the need for unity.

"Every day we see that unique Indianapolis spirit on display in ways big and small," he said. "Neighbors checking on neighbors, small business retooling to make masks or sanitizers, philanthropic and corporate leaders stepping forward. And above all, residents masking up for one another."

"But as individuals, we are not strong enough to stand alone in this storm," he added. "We need one another, one city, without exception, if we are to prosper."

Call IndyStar reporter Amelia Pak-Harvey at 317-444-6175 or email her at apakharvey@indystar.com. Follow her on Twitter @AmeliaPakHarvey.