Statement from 12 Democratic Indianapolis City Councilors Supporting Urban Forest Acquisition

We regret that Councilor Paul-Hart's amendment did not pass this evening and want to thank him for his strong commitment to protecting Indianapolis's urban forests. We share his concern for preserving the Eastside Flatwoods in District 20 and agree that every effort must be made to safeguard this important natural resource.

 Our decision to vote NO on the amendment was made reluctantly. The proposal would have significantly affected the Elevation Grant Program, a critical tool for violence prevention and neighborhood investment.

 Over the past five months, the Council and the Administration have worked through long and often difficult negotiations to shape a balanced 2026 budget. That process was built on trust, and maintaining that trust is essential to continuing our shared progress for Indianapolis residents.

 We remain deeply committed to protecting and expanding our city’s tree canopy. Despite financial challenges caused by recent state legislation, we are working with the Mayor’s Office to identify new funding sources for forest preservation and land acquisition. This includes targeting future funds from the city’s 2025 year-end balance and 2026 spring allocations, in addition to $4 million already set aside by the Department of Public Works for land purchases and stormwater mitigation.

 By year’s end, we plan to introduce an ordinance creating the city’s first dedicated, non-reverting fund for tree and forest preservation, an important step toward protecting one of Indianapolis’s most valuable natural assets for generations to come.

Signed by:

Councilor Jared Evans, Councilor Dan Boots, Councilor Brienne Delaney, Councilor Kristin Jones, Councilor Ron Gibson, Councilor Andy Nielsen, Councilor Frank Mascari, Councilor Ali Brown, Councilor Carlos Perkins, Councilor Nick Roberts, Councilor Renee Allen, Councilor Jessica McCormick