Mayor previews projects, budgets and public-safety gains in condensed State of the City
Loading...
Summary
Mayor Angie Nelson Deitch reviewed 2024 accomplishments and priorities — workforce development, infrastructure spending, housing projects and public-safety improvements — and highlighted challenges including illegal dumping and homelessness.
Mayor Angie Nelson Deitch delivered a condensed State of the City report at the March 4 Michigan City Common Council meeting, outlining accomplishments from the past year and priorities for 2025.
Mayor Deitch said the municipal focus has included workforce development, visible department leadership and internal process improvements. “We had a theme for today and it was celebrating progress, confronting challenges, and committing to the future,” she told the council and public.
The mayor listed capital and development activity and statistics: the city spent about $4.7 million on roadwork last year; it completed two CCMG cycles and repaired or installed roughly 1,487 square yards of sidewalks in over 65 locations, and added 5,371 square yards of sidewalk work on 15 streets through CCMG. The city is awaiting notice on a $1.5 million CCMG award expected in April and the mayor said the city budgeted $300,000 for sidewalks this year.
Economic development highlights included a planned $20 million expansion by D Martin Enterprises and a business park project on the annex property; the mayor said the annex project’s estimated cost has come down from $7.5 million to about $4 million. She also credited the Franklin Street two-way conversion and transit development district for unlocking federal funding and enabling mixed-use development near the station.
On housing and grants, the mayor said Michigan City was part of two successful Unity Foundation proposals; she said the region was awarded $4 million from the Unity Foundation and Michigan City’s share is targeted to workforce housing, infill and planning-software support. The mayor also noted local CDBG funds and other programs supporting weatherization, rental assistance and emergency shelter.
Public safety and city services were a major focus. The fire department recorded 3,928 rescue and EMS calls in 2024 and the police department reported a 17.46% decrease in overall crime — 741 fewer reported offenses — amid an increase in call volume. Police Chief Marty Corley told the council the department answered 41,533 calls for service in 2024 and said Narcan administration data indicate ongoing overdose responses in the community.
The mayor said illegal dumping and refuse remain pressing challenges; the city is increasing education with water-bill inserts and planning targeted outreach and citations, and the mayor noted the possibility of moving to a monthly trash fee if dumping continues. Council members praised department staff and highlighted the arrival of additional garbage trucks (1 received in December, 2 more due in August) to improve service.
Mayor Deitch also highlighted internships and workforce pipeline efforts: a municipal leadership internship program with students from multiple universities; partnerships with WorkOne and Ivy Tech to retain interns; and visibility efforts for department staff through community engagement.
Council members responded positively to the address. Councilmember Dr. Cora called the amount of private investment “close to $500 million” in projects coming to the area and said budget reductions were handled carefully. Other council members thanked department heads, noted crime reductions and applauded recent infrastructure investments.
