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Government of Indianapolis facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Indianapolis has a special kind of government that combines the city and county into one. This is called a 'mayor-council' system. It's also known as Unigov because Indianapolis and Marion County work together. The main leader is the Mayor. The mayor is in charge of the executive branch. A group of 25 people called the City-County Council makes the laws. Many government offices are in the City-County Building.

The Mayor and Executive Branch

The Mayor of Indianapolis is the top leader for both the city and the county. People in Marion County vote for the mayor. The mayor serves for four years. There is no limit to how many times a mayor can be elected. The current mayor is Democrat Joe Hogsett.

The mayor leads many city departments and agencies. These groups help run the city every day. The mayor chooses the people who lead these departments.

City Departments

  • Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS) - This department helps businesses get licenses and permits. They also check buildings and properties to make sure they are safe. They make sure building rules are followed.
  • Department of Metropolitan Development - This group plans how the city grows and develops. They decide where buildings can be built and what land can be used for. They also help improve areas that need fixing up.
  • Department of Parks and Recreation (Indy Parks) - This department takes care of all the public parks and fun places in the city. They make sure there are places for everyone to play and relax. You can find a list of parks here: List of parks in Indianapolis.
  • Department of Public Safety - This department keeps everyone safe. It includes animal control, emergency planning, the Indianapolis Fire Department, and Indianapolis EMS (Emergency Medical Services). The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department also works closely with the mayor to keep the city safe.
  • Department of Public Works - This group takes care of the city's roads and drainage systems. They also pick up trash from homes. In winter, they clear snow from city streets.

Citizens Energy Group manages the city's water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. These systems used to be run by the city. But in 2011, they were transferred to Citizens Energy Group. This change was approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.

Executive Offices

  • City Controller - This person manages all the city's money. They handle how city agencies buy things. They also manage human resources and create the yearly budget. Fady Qaddoura became the City Controller in January 2016.
  • Corporation Counsel - This office provides legal help to city agencies. They also represent the city in court. They make sure city rules are followed.

Images for kids

  • JoeHogsett-USAttorney (cropped)

    Mayor Joe Hogsett

  • Indianapolis City-County Council Beurt R. Servaas Public Assembly Room

    Beurt R. Servaas Public Assembly Room in the City-County Building

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Government of Indianapolis Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.