Mayor Tom Dermody said La Porte will respond to recent state property-tax changes by pursuing growth in industry, housing and quality of life while tightening city operations to keep budgets balanced.

"Senate bill 1 — the property tax reform bill — has shaken up local government as we know it," Dermody said, arguing the city must "grow, grow, grow" to sustain services. He credited city staff for identifying efficiencies and said La Porte is on track for a balanced 2026 budget.

Dermody highlighted infrastructure work on Indiana Avenue — new roadways, sidewalks, upgraded water and wastewater systems and lighting — and said the city secured $1 million in federal support in 2024 to help fund that project. He described the project as an example of intergovernmental cooperation delivering results for residents.

The mayor reported recent pavement work and equipment upgrades to extend road life, saying the city cracked-sealed just under 6 miles in the prior 30 days, or about 5% of La Porte’s streets. He also previewed two new water towers and additional developments tied to water and wastewater investments.

Dermody reviewed public safety responses and technology, citing a multi‑day response to a compost fire on Ziegler Road that he said consumed some 10 million gallons of water and required mutual aid from townships, county and neighboring communities. He emphasized officer safety and described use of infrared drones and other tools, and he said the drug task force made "over 83 drug related arrests this year," while noting the city will continue efforts to add police staff.

On housing, Dermody announced the city received a $1 million Ready grant for the Advantix affordable housing project, which he said will bring 42 single‑family and townhome units across three sites. He also named several planned and ongoing projects, including a tentative Ivy Flats redevelopment (19 affordable apartments) and other market‑rate and subsidized developments aimed at expanding housing options.

The mayor used recognition the city received — La Porte placed No. 2 in USA Today’s small‑town Midwest competition — to underscore his theme of growth, and he closed by emphasizing the partnership between city government and the school system in maintaining La Porte’s competitiveness.

Dermody introduced La Porte Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Sandra Wood to deliver the State of the Schools update and said both would remain after the program for additional questions from attendees.