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In order to provide a philosophical structure to the plan a series of value statements was adopted by the Indianapolis Insight Steering Committee. The values statements were developed based on public comment from the Town Hall Meetings.  The actions and polices recommended by the plan are expected to both reflect and respect these values.

The value statements are:

  • Development of our city and county should meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
  • We should strive to achieve a balance of land uses, including a diversity of housing options, throughout the various parts of the county and the region. Balanced land use is important not only for tax base equity, but also for livable communities where people can live, shop, recreate and earn a living throughout the different phases of their lives.
  • New developments should be well-planned, well-built and well-maintained so that they retain their value over the long haul. Established areas should be well-maintained to retain (or regain) their value and to preserve their unique identity.
  • Education programs of the highest quality are vital to the health and well being of this community. We should encourage all citizens, regardless of age, to participate in the learning process throughout their lives. We should offer educational programs to individuals with a wide range of talents and abilities, enabling all members of the community to develop to their fullest potential. We must ensure that educational opportunities are available to all citizens, regardless of race, sex, religion, national origin or handicapping condition. We must maintain a world class educational system, providing programs of the highest quality to all citizens.
  • We should strive to maintain a healthy environment and to make appropriate improvements to the current state of the environment. Of particular importance are clean air, ground and surface water, conservation of natural features including wooded areas, and adequate parks and open space.
  • We should continue to improve our transportation system so that it is well-connected, convenient, and safe. We should provide a variety of transportation choices so that all people regardless of age or ability can travel throughout the region. Both the transportation system and the infrastructure system should anticipate and guide growth of the metropolitan area.
  • We should maintain and further develop a strong, diverse economy and to make efforts to attract and retain highly skilled and educated workers. Forces of disinvestment and decline should be countered with a variety of redevelopment and reinvestment activities wherever needed to maintain the vitality of the community.
  • The regional center should continue as the focus of the larger scale cultural events and venues, however we should support a variety of cultural activities within all parts of the city. We should respect historic structures and neighborhoods as the physical embodiment of our history and cultural identity.
  • As the center of an increasingly regional metropolitan area, Indianapolis should be a leader in planning-related cooperation and communication.