© 2025 Lakeshore Public Media
8625 Indiana Place
Merrillville, IN 46410
(219)756-5656
Public Broadcasting for Northwest Indiana & Chicagoland since 1987
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Regionally Speaking: May 26, 2025

City of Gary

Today: Earlier this week, the city of Gary won a $100 million proposal to build the new Lake County Convention Center. With investments in economic development, public transit, and public schools, the Steel City is moving forward. We revisit our conversation with Mayor Eddie Melton.

In our new series, "Meet the Mayor," Lakeshore Public Media takes an up-close look at municipal leaders, starting with Mayor Eddie D. Melton of Gary, Indiana.

Founded in 1906 and named after manufacturing giant Elbert H. Gary, the city has faced significant economic decline since the 1960s. However, community leaders are working on plans to revitalize downtown and create a “Greater Gary, Indiana.”

With a population of nearly 70,000, Gary is the 11th largest city in Indiana. Located at the southern tip of Lake Michigan, it offers public beaches, a growing business community, and entertainment options, including the Hard Rock Casino and the Gary RailCats baseball stadium. It’s also the birthplace of the Jackson family, including Michael Jackson.

Mayor Eddie Melton joins Lakeshore Public Media host Dee Dotson to discuss infrastructure, the local economy, and the need for housing. Today, we hear from Mayor Melton about the City of Gary, in his own words.

For the full video version of the interview visit: https://youtu.be/AUP_p-pa4EQ?si=f96bkSHigPUxnLKS

Dee Dotson is the host and producer of our radio show/podcast, Regionally Speaking. Dee is responsible for connecting with the northwest Indiana community to share their stories with the Lakeshore Public Media listening audience.