Mayor Joe Hogsett announced a significant shift in his administration’s leadership on Jan. 8, appointing Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Chief Chris Bailey as the city’s next Chief Deputy Mayor and Chief of Staff.
“Chris Bailey is a proven leader with a longstanding career defined by service, accountability, and meaningful results,” Mayor Hogsett said. “His appointment as Chief Deputy Mayor and Chief of Staff underscores our administration’s continued commitment to public safety and stronger neighborhoods.”
The transition, effective Feb. 2, 2026, places a veteran law enforcement official at the helm of city operations during a pivotal year of infrastructure investment and urban development. Bailey, who has led the IMPD since January 2024, will succeed Dan Parker, who concluded his tenure as Chief Deputy Mayor on Dec. 31, 2025.
A career defined by public service
Bailey’s ascent to the Mayor’s Office follows a 26-year career within the IMPD, during which he advanced through every level of the organization. As a lifelong resident of Indianapolis, Bailey’s deep roots in the community have informed his approach to policing and municipal governance.
During his tenure as Chief of Police, Bailey oversaw a period marked by measurable shifts in the city’s safety landscape. Under his leadership, Indianapolis reported double-digit percentage decreases in violent crime, including homicides and non-fatal shootings. His administration also saw reductions in property crime and overall criminal activity.
Beyond statistics, Bailey’s leadership was characterized by a push for modernization and transparency. He initiated a long-term strategic planning process to define the future roadmap of the IMPD and launched a public transparency portal. This digital tool was designed to provide residents with real-time access to public safety data, fostering a culture of accountability within the department.
Strategic management
The transition comes as Indianapolis navigates a period of robust economic growth and high-profile development. The city has recently garnered national recognition from prominent outlets such as LinkedIn, CNBC, and Zillow for its thriving job market and economic potential.
In his new role, Bailey will be responsible for managing complex city departments and streamlining decision-making processes to sustain this momentum. Mayor Hogsett emphasized Bailey’s ability to align resources with strategic priorities, particularly in high-pressure environments.
“His unique background positions him to manage large and complex city departments, streamline decision-making, and keep our administration focused on delivering progress for Indianapolis,” Hogsett added.
Bailey’s prior experience includes extensive collaboration with elected officials and community stakeholders. Since joining the IMPD leadership team in 2014, he has worked across various city departments to address quality-of-life concerns and coordinate resources for neighborhood stabilization.
The 2026 agenda
As Bailey steps into the Mayor’s Office, he will inherit a dense 2026 agenda focused on the city’s physical and social infrastructure. The administration is currently executing a $1.2 billion, five-year capital improvement plan, which includes $10 million in new funding explicitly dedicated to road improvements this year.
The city’s skyline is also set for a transformation with the progression of significant development projects. Key initiatives include the construction of the Signia by Hilton Hotel and the Henry Street Bridge. Furthermore, the city is prioritizing its green spaces, with roughly 20% of the 218 Indy Parks slated for enhancements in 2026.
Housing remains another cornerstone of the administration’s strategy. Indianapolis is currently expanding its “housing ecosystem” through public-private partnerships and initiatives such as “Vacant to Vibrant” and “Master Leasing,” aimed at supporting all residents.
Next steps
Bailey replaces Dan Parker, who served in the dual role of Chief Deputy Mayor and Chief of Staff starting in August 2022. Parker was a key figure in advocating for state road funding reforms that secured additional revenue for Indianapolis and was instrumental in coordinating the economic development projects that Bailey will now oversee.
With Bailey moving to the Mayor’s Office, a leadership vacuum opens at the top of the city’s police force. Mayor Hogsett indicated that a new appointment for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department leadership will be announced in the coming weeks.
Bailey begins his tenure as the city’s highest-ranking deputy on Feb. 2.
Contact Multi-Media Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or at noralp@indyrecorder.com. For more news, click here.
