Safety Upgrades, School Budget Cuts, and a Busy Weekend in Indy
Indianapolis, IN – March 21, 2026 – City leaders add safety bollards on Mass Ave, IPS plans major budget cuts, and weekend events draw crowds downtown.
It has been a busy week across Indianapolis, with major updates on pedestrian safety, public school funding, and a packed calendar of downtown events.
New Safety Measures on Mass Ave
The city has installed new bollards at the busy intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and North College Avenue, a location long criticized by pedestrian safety advocates.
The move follows a fatal hit-and-run crash in March 2024 that killed a 27-year-old Indianapolis man and injured two others. Advocates have pushed for stronger protections at the six-way intersection, which sits along the Cultural Trail and sees heavy foot traffic.
City officials say the bollards are part of broader efforts to address pedestrian safety concerns and that additional upgrades could follow.
IPS Facing Significant Budget Cuts
Indianapolis Public Schools is preparing to cut 7 million dollars from school budgets next year as it works to close a projected funding gap of more than 40 million dollars.
District leaders warn that without adjustments, reserve funds could be depleted within a year. Administrators are weighing additional cost-saving measures, and discussions about staffing and programming impacts are expected in the coming weeks.
The financial outlook adds new pressure as families and educators plan for the 2026-27 school year.
Downtown Events Fill the Calendar
Despite the policy headlines, downtown Indianapolis is buzzing. This weekend features the International Women’s Gathering, the Indy Indie Book Crawl, and other community events drawing residents to local businesses and cultural venues.
Organizers say the events highlight collaboration, entrepreneurship, and neighborhood engagement, offering a boost to small shops and gathering spaces as spring begins.
Sources
https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/03/18/mass-ave-college-intersection-pedestrian-safety-upgrades
https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/03/18/indianapolis-public-schools-planning-budget-cuts
https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/03/20/your-weekend-plans-international-womens-gathering-indy-indie-book-crawl-bottleworks-bball-bash-and-more
