Term limits None President Maggie Lewis (D) Majority Leader Monroe Gray (D) | New session started January 1, 2016 Vice-President Zach Adamson (D) | |
 | ||
Founded January 1, 1970 (1970-01-01) | ||
The Indianapolis City-County Council is the legislative body of the combined government, known as Unigov, of the city of Indianapolis and the county of Marion in the state of Indiana. It was formally established in 1970 upon the merger of the city government with the county government. Both the Council and Mayor's office are located within the Indianapolis City-County Building. The council passes ordinances for the city and county, and also makes appointments to certain boards and commissions.
Contents
Composition of the Council
The Council consists of 25 seats, corresponding to 25 districts apportioned by population throughout Marion County. Although all cities in Marion County, apart from Indianapolis, retained their status after the merger, their residents are represented on the Council and vote alongside other county residents. Every seat is up for reelection every four years. The head of council is the Council President who is elected by the majority party at the Council's first meeting in January. Following the 2015 elections, Democrats held control of the council with a 13–12 majority. On February 1, 2017, long–time councilwoman, Christine Scales decided to switch from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party. This switch increased Democratic control to 14–11. Republicans have generally been stronger in the southern and northeastern parts of the county (Decatur, Franklin, Lawrence, and Perry townships) while Democrats have been stronger in the central and northwestern parts (Center, Pike, and Warren townships). Republican and Democratic strength is split in Washington and Wayne townships.
In April 2013, the Indiana General Assembly removed the four at-large seats for the Council, starting with the term after the 2015 elections, part of a larger overhaul of Marion County government. Democrats had held control of all four seats when this measure passed the Republican controlled Indiana Legislature.
Members of the Council
Committee chairs shown in bold.
The Clerk of the Council is NaTrina DeBow.
Salary
As of January 2016, members of the council earn $16,400 a year, an increase from $11,400 during the previous year. This pay increase placed Indianapolis in the number 23 rank among the nation's 25 largest cities.