As 2024 nears, Gary residents are buzzing with hopes and resolutions. From seasoned leaders to spirited teens, everyone’s got a dream for their city and themselves.
Capital B Gary reached out to four Gary residents to hear what they’re looking forward to in the new year — and how they want to see their city progress.
Here’s what they had to say.
A vision for business and community growth
Charles “Chuck” Hughes, president and CEO of the Gary Chamber of Commerce, speaks with a resolve born of years in service to the city’s primary business organization. Or, as he puts it, “My resolution has always been the same.”
“Our job is to try to help retain those businesses that are here. And our job is to promote them the best we can, support them, and encourage others to invest in our community. My resolve is to continue attracting businesses to the city, keep businesses here, and encourage others to support those businesses.”
A youthful perspective on city improvements
Kaimya Elders’ response was swift when we asked her what she hoped to see for Gary next year. The 15-year-old emphasized the need for practical improvements — tackling abandoned houses, repairing roads (especially potholes!) and creating more engaging spaces for teens to go in town.
“We should have something in our community that we could go to and actually have fun,” Elders said.
She also wants to see improvements to the local education system and would like a place to swim. As far as personal resolutions go, the high-schooler’s list included getting a driver’s permit, achieving a higher GPA, and taking more college-level courses to help toward her dream of becoming a psychologist.
Education as a catalyst for change
Rayven Anderson, on the cusp of graduating from high school, emphasizes the critical role of education in shaping Gary’s future. To Anderson, who is looking forward to attending college next year, education is “the most important thing in the world.” With education, she said, comes innovation and that’s how she believes communities grow.
Next year, she hopes to see more community involvement within schools, specifically parents helping their students. She pointed toward making sure children have eaten before attending school and that they’re on time.
“I feel like if we all come together [and] we all throw our ideas into this big ol’ melting pot … we can make Gary much more greater than what it previously was, and we can make it the best,” she said.
A call for civic improvement and community spirit
Alta Allen is tired of seeing trash around Gary. In the new year, the 85-year-old wants the city to implement a more efficient garbage collection system to help curb littering and guide residents on where to better dispose of unwanted items.
Other than that, Allen wants prosperity and health for residents, because with that comes a better opportunity to help each other. Helping others whenever possible has been something she takes pride in and plans to carry into the new year.
“The Lord’s blessing me to take care of myself at this age, so I think it’s wonderful to do my part,” she said.
Capital B Gary Editor Javonte Anderson contributed to this report.