With the city’s proposed 2026 budget heading to a public hearing on Oct. 7 and a final adoption set for Oct. 21, residents will have a brief window to voice their priorities. This year’s process is under greater scrutiny as Gary faces tightening property tax revenues and less flexibility in American Rescue Plan Act-backed spending.
Check our recent explainer, where we break down the city budgeting process.
Gary’s comprehensive plan passed the Planning Commission unanimously and will be in front of the Common Council for approval later this month.
Regular governance continues as the Board of Public Works and Safety convenes at the start of each month, the Redevelopment Commission meets mid-month, and more accessible local gatherings, such as the First District community meeting and the mayor’s forum, provide additional opportunities for public engagement.
As the first grading period of the school year comes to a close, the Gary Community School Corporation is hosting a roundtable discussion with parents and students, with parent-teacher conferences scheduled to begin the following week.
While redistricting made headlines in recent weeks, local state officials are gearing up for the possibility of Gov. Mike Braun calling a special session sometime this fall. Members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus along with state Rep. Ed DeLaney will meet with Northwest Indiana residents in Munster on Oct 4.
Below is the scheduled meeting lineup for October — check agendas in advance for any additions or changes.
Gary Common Council
- Dates: Tuesday, Oct. 7; Tuesday, Oct. 21
- Location: Gary Public Library
- Time: 6 p.m. CST
- Contact: (219) 881-1315
Biweekly on the first and third Tuesdays of each month
First District Community Forum
- Date: Monday, Oct, 6
- Location: Beyond 4 Walls Christian Center
- Time: 5 p.m. CST
- Contact: (219) 881-1315
Parks and Recreation
- Dates: Tuesday, Oct. 14; Tuesday, Oct. 28
- Location: Hudson-Campbell Sports and Fitness Center, 455 Massachusetts St.
- Time: 10 a.m. CST
- Contact: (219) 886-7099 ext. 36900
Held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month
Board of Public Works and Safety
- Dates: Wednesday, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
- Location: City Hall, 401 Broadway, Cleo Wesson Lounge (2nd floor)
- Time: 2 p.m. CST
- Contact: (219) 881-1310
Weekly on Wednesdays
Board of Zoning Appeals
- Date: Thursday, Oct. 9
- Location: City Hall, 401 Broadway
- Time: 3 p.m. CST
- Contact: (219) 881-1300
Monthly on the second Thursday
GCSC School Board Roundtable w/ Families
- Date: Friday, Oct. 3
- Location: West Side Leadership Academy, 900 Gerry St.
- Time: 2:00 p.m. CST
- Contact: (219) 881-5466
Gary Redevelopment Commission
- Date: Wednesday, Oct. 22
- Location: City Hall, 401 Broadway
- Time: 4 p.m. CST
- Contact: (219) 886-1531
Monthly on the fourth Wednesday
Gary Plan Commission
- Date: Thursday, Oct. 16
- Location: City Hall, 401 Broadway
- Time: 3 p.m. CST
- Contact: (219) 886-1531
Gary Housing Authority
- Date: Thursday, Oct. 16
- Location: Gary Housing Authority Central Office, 2nd floor, 578 Broadway
- Time: 6 p.m. CST
- Contact: (219) 881-6400
Lake County Council Regular Meeting
- Date: Tuesday, Oct. 7
- Location: 2293 N. Main St., Commissioners’ Court Room/Council Chamber, 3rd Floor, Building A
- Time: 10 a.m.
- Contact: (219) 755-3280
Gary Sanitation District / Stormwater Management Meeting
- Date: Friday, Oct. 17
- Location: 3600 W. Third Ave.
- Time: Noon
- Contact: (219) 944-0595, x1816
Community Forum Hosted by Mayor Eddie Melton
- Date: Tuesday, Oct. 14
- Location: Indiana University Northwest Bergland Auditorium, 3400 Broadway
- Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. CST
- Contact: (219) 881-1300
Solving Problems, Not Redrawing Maps
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 4
- Location: Laborers’ Local 41, 550 Superior Ave., Munster
- Time: 11 a.m.