City of Gary Administration Unveils Collaborative 2026 Budget: A Major Investment in Public Works and Core Services

GARY, IN — The City of Gary Administration is thrilled to announce the successful adoption of the 2026 Budget, a strategic financial blueprint passed at the final October meeting of the Gary Common Council. This plan prioritizes essential civil city services and makes significant investments in infrastructure and community quality of life.

The City Administration presented a comprehensive budget, which the Gary Common Council unanimously approved (with the exception of the Airport budget), securing a path forward for strategic spending in the face of evolving state fiscal landscapes, including the impact of Senate Bill 1 (SB 1).

"Every decision in this budget was made with our residents and our city's comeback story in mind," said Mayor Eddie Melton. "This is a responsible, forward-looking plan that will directly fuel our redevelopment momentum and enhance the basic services our citizens deserve. We are charting a new course forward, together."

"This budget represents our commitment to investing in basic city services that directly impact our residents.  By adding 20 new outdoor maintenance workers to our Public Works Department to work on our streets and in our parks will help us respond faster, maintain a cleaner city, and restore pride in Gary's neighborhoods,” Mayor Melton added.

"At the same time, we must be honest about the challenges ahead. Indiana Senate Bill 1 poses significant risks to our municipal budgets, potentially undermining the progress we’re making today. These hires are an investment not just in our workforce, but in our residents — and we’ll continue fighting to ensure Gary’s local government has the resources it needs to deliver essential services,” stated Council President & First District Councilwoman, Lori Lathem.

Transformative Investments in Core Municipal Services

• The 2026 budget reflects the Administration's commitment to improving Gary's physical environment and enhancing services that directly impact citizens daily.

• 20 New Public Works Positions: The budget includes landmark investment funding for 20 new outdoor maintenance worker positions in the Public Works Department. This crucial expansion will immediately enhance the city's ability to maintain public spaces, address blight, and rapidly respond to infrastructure needs across all neighborhoods.

• Strengthening Civil City Operations: City Controller Celita Green confirmed that the total 2026 budget for the city's tax-based funds is approximately $1.25 million, a manageable increase from 2025. This allows for targeted investments in municipal functions that ensure better business service delivery and core city operations.

• Prioritizing Redevelopment: The administration secured an increase in funding for the Redevelopment Department, a direct signal of the city's aggressive focus on development.

• Ensuring Essential Services: The budget maintains strong support for departments like the Parks system and Gary Public Transportation Corporation, ensuring that vital public services continue to operate effectively for all residents.

• Fiscal Prudence and Staff Protection: The City ensured that the 2026 budget maintains proposed stable salary levels for administrative staff and Common Council members, while also upholding the commitment to protecting city employees through diligent management of insurance benefits.

This collaborative effort has delivered a budget that is both prudent and focused on realizing the City Administration’s vision for a thriving Gary.

Media Contact:
Steve Segura,  
Chief Communications Officer  
ofc: 219-293-0101
cell: 219-670-8072
em: Stsegura@gary.gov  

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