INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett plans to bring more than 300 city employees back to working downtown at the City-County Building.
Right now, those workers are spread out at satellite locations across Marion County. They are often in privately-owned space that is leased by taxpayers.
With the new Criminal Justice Campus opening, there is room at the City-County Building to bring more of the city's employees under one roof.
“This announcement matches our commitment to saving taxpayer dollars with our commitment to a vibrant downtown,” Hogsett said. “We’re proud to lead by example in maintaining a robust downtown workforce. And in the process, we’re making local government as accessible as ever.”
It's a sign of the times for some in downtown Indianapolis. Office buildings are for lease and many people are still working from home.
"I feel nervous. We need people working and living downtown. That's what we need,” said Jeffrey Roberts, owner of English Ivy’s Eatery and Pub.
A recent study by the University of Toronto looked at how 62 American cities were recovering since the COVID-19 pandemic. Indianapolis is among the lowest on the list, ranking at 59th.
Roberts said any additional traffic is welcome.
“It'll help. It'll push them our way and every other way, off Mass Avenue over here. That'll be great,” Roberts said.
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And Downtown Indy, Inc. told 13News more people are returning to the office. According to the organization, the number of people working in-person this year is up 25% compared to last year. Roberts said whether people are in the office or working at home, they have to eat.
“It's an urban setting, so they stay in their apartments, their houses, and they want to come out and eat, so they do come out,” Roberts said.
The employee shift to the City-County Building will happen in phases. Hogsett said it will save taxpayers $450,000 annually, starting in 2024.
The first phase includes the engineering division of the Department of Public Works, planning division of Indy Parks and the entire Department of Business and Neighborhood Services. They all currently work out of space rented on Massachusetts Avenue.
The second phase will move Marion County Community Corrections from Jail 1. That will allow for the Jail 1 site to be redeveloped.
In a third phase, IMPD's Downtown District will be moved to the City-County Building. Right now, it is located in the historic Union Station. Once IMPD is moved out of it, the city will look at redevelopment options.
The city is already working on some renovations and looking at what future renovations might be needed to the City-County Building.