Circle City Civics
True or False: Indiana became a state in 1816.
True
Indiana became the 19 state in 1816.
What do we call people or groups affected by a community issue?
Stakeholders.
Stakeholders influence policy conversations, especially during city budget hearings where public input is encouraged.
True or False: The Soldiers & Sailors Monument is 284 feet tall.
True
It is one of the tallest monuments in the U.S. and central to many city festivals supported by the Mayor’s Office.
True or False: A motion is a formal proposal for a group to take action.
True
Motions are used during city meetings and council hearings to move policy discussions forward.
True or False: Budget hearings help decide funding for maintaining major Indy landmarks like the City Market, monuments, and cultural districts.
True
City Budget Hearings determine how departments like DPW, Indy Parks, and DMD allocate resources to preserve historic spaces.
How many townships are in Marion County?
A) 5 B) 7 C) 9 D) 12
Nine
The nine townships play a role in local governance, fire services, and property assessments.
When did MCCOY (Marion County Commission on Youth) become an organization?
1993
MCCOY leads youth-focused policy and supports programs including civic engagement opportunities.
Which teams call Gainbridge Fieldhouse home?
Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever
The Fever’s WNBA success has driven major city-supported investments in youth sports programming.
When running an official public meeting or legislative session, what set of standard parliamentary guidelines is most commonly used to maintain order and vote on motions?
Robert’s Rules of Order.
What does BRT stand for?
Bus Rapid Transit
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a fixed route mass transit system designed to emulate the service features of light rail, but in a more cost-effective way. IndyGo’s BRT expansions (including the Purple Line) are part of the city’s infrastructure strategy.
Before Indianapolis became the capital, what town served as the first state capital of Indiana?
Corydon
Corydon was the capital until 1825, when the seat moved to Indianapolis for its central location.
What do we call a structured group of young people who advise a city department on youth-related decisions?
Youth Advisory Council.
Programs like the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council allow young people to influence city initiatives and policy.
What giant, full-scale pre-historic animal appears to be breaking out of the side of the Children's Museum building onto 30th Street?
A Brachiosaurus
Indianapolis is home to the world’s largest children’s museum. The Brachiosaurus is named "Georgia" and her baby "Rigby"
Active listening is crucial for effective community advocates. What is the practice of rephrasing what a community member told you in your own words to ensure you understood their concern correctly?
Paraphrasing (or Reflective Listening).
What city project expanded shaded pathways, bike access, and walkable routes around historic landmarks to support safer transit?
Cultural Trail Expansion
The Cultural Trail’s improvements align with Vision Zero goals by giving pedestrians safer mobility options.
What is the official name of the 29-member legislative body that passes local laws, approves the city budget, and represents citizens across Marion County alongside the Mayor?
The City-County Council (Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council).
The council approves budgets, ordinances, and city policies—working closely with the Mayor’s Office.
What Indiana teenager became a famous national figure and advocate for HIV/AIDS public education after fighting a lengthy legal battle just to be allowed to attend middle school?
Ryan White
His bravery changed national perceptions, leading to the federal Ryan White CARE Act passed shortly after his death.
Indianapolis has the second-highest concentration of what type of city structures in the United States, second only to Washington, D.C.?
War monuments / Veterans monuments
When setting goals, leaders use the SMART framework to keep themselves accountable. What does each letter in the acronym SMART stand for?
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound
Which city initiative brings arts, recreation, and pop-up activities into multiple neighborhoods during warm months to support youth engagement?
Summer in the City
Programs include pools, movies, sports, and arts opportunities coordinated with Indy Parks and community organizations. It’s part of the Mayor’s strategy to build stronger neighborhoods by increasing access to safe, fun public spaces.
What city department is responsible for streets, infrastructure, trash collection, snow removal, and traffic services?
Department of Public Works (DPW)
DPW partners with the Mayor’s Office on Vision Zero initiatives to reduce traffic fatalities through safer streets.
What civil rights icon and youth advocate became the first African American judge in Marion County and worked tirelessly for youth mentorship and educational access in Indianapolis?
Mercer Mance
Mercer Mance was the first elected African American judge in Indiana/Marion County in 1958.
What is the oldest surviving residential neighborhood in Indianapolis?
Lockerbie Square
Lockerbie preserves historic architecture from the 1800s and is a highlight of local preservation work.
Effective leaders learn to manage their time and prioritize carefully. What classic decision-making framework categorizes tasks into four quadrants based on whether they are Urgent vs. Not Urgent and Important vs. Not Important?
The Eisenhower Matrix (or Urgent-Important Matrix).
What 1970 landmark city-county government consolidation merged the government of Indianapolis with Marion County, vastly expanding the city's boundaries and influence?
Unigov