Gary leaders share big wins and next big challenges

Gary’s mayor pulled back the curtain on the city’s latest progress during his annual speech, but not everyone agrees on what counts as real improvement. While crime numbers look better than they have in decades—homicides dropped 30% from 2024 to 2025 and gun deaths fell by 24%—critics say those wins don’t erase years of underfunding and neglected neighborhoods. Behind the numbers, the fire department reports zero drownings at Miller Beach during patrol hours, yet city records still show eight fire-related deaths overall. Even the shiny new animal shelter planned with $1. 4 million and $500, 000 from Hard Rock Casino might feel like a small fix in a city where blight stretches for blocks. Work on tearing down abandoned buildings has picked up speed, with $24. 7 million set aside to remove dangerous structures like old schools and boarded-up homes. The city isn’t just bulldozing blindly—it’s working with Notre Dame’s architecture school to find new uses for old spaces. But some historic gems like City Methodist Church and the Mecca building won’t be saved, despite their past importance. Leaders call them safety hazards now, trading memory for future development. At Roosevelt High School, the community is still figuring out whether to restore, repurpose, or raze, proving progress isn’t always simple.New construction is moving ahead too. A $25 million public safety building downtown could break ground soon, with state money still being discussed. The Hudson Campbell gym is getting a $5 million facelift to become the new health department. Even the Lake County Convention Center deal with Hard Rock Casino promises jobs and visitors once it opens in 2029. But not everyone sees growth as good news—some worry about rising rents or displacement as developers eye empty lots. Still, the mayor keeps pointing to teamwork as the real win. Local reps and council members talk about shared goals, yet budgets and decisions often prioritize big projects over daily needs. The police and fire chiefs celebrate their stats, but neighbors still debate whether safer streets mean safer homes. One thing everyone can agree on: Gary has a long way to go before the “safest and cleanest” label sticks.