Latest news with #JonCostas
Chicago Tribune
16-06-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Nearly $10 million in Valparaiso roads and projects planned for summer of improvements
Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas said $9.4 million in funds for 2025 for city infrastructure improvements ranks as the city's 'largest-ever road resurfacing program, including collector, arterial and neighborhood streets.' 'With more than 175 miles of roadways, plus sidewalks and pathways, along with water and sewer improvements, we're working smart to enhance and promote sustainability,' Costas said in a release. 'Prior to 2024, the city had been committed to about $3.5 million annually to road maintenance, which was a productive increase over the annual paving budget of just $300,000 when I first took office more than 20 years ago. Certainly, costs have increased, but this aggressive annual budget reflects a renewed priority on roadways.' The city has launched an aggressive schedule of infrastructure projects this season, working strategically to maximize the miles and lifespan for roadways and capital projects citywide, Costas said. The 2025 paving program has plans to improve 62 lane miles, plus 40 miles of crack sealing and more than a mile of sidewalks. As part of this year's efforts, the city will also test a new road preservation method called Rejuvenation on 3.5 lane miles of recently resurfaced streets to help extend their lifespan. Council member Barbara Domer, D-3rd who serves as the council liaison for the Valparaiso Board of Works, began updating the mayor, council and public about progress in the early spring. 'Last month in May the contract was awarded to Milestone for the local streets package for about $2.9 million with an engineering estimate that was $3.2 million, so that was a money savings,' Domer said. 'The 2025 Community Crossings bid went to Rieth Riley Construction for $3.3 million with an engineering estimate of $3.6, also amounting to extra money left over. But for the 2025 sidewalk package, the bid was approved to New Tech for $652,000 and that was a bit over the engineering estimate but overall, between these two packages, we are still under.' Costas said among the 2025 project highlights this summer is a city and county partnership led by Valparaiso's engineering department to fund needed road improvements to Hayes-Leonard and Bartz roads, stretches shared between city and county jurisdiction. Costas said both roads were candidates for paving based on their low PASER ratings. As part of the Valparaiso 'thoroughfare plan,' created more than a decade ago, this summer will be the final phase to complete the extension of Goodrich Road between Ransom and Vale Park roads including a pathway on the west side while allowing for improvements to the water main and adding better drainage, according to Costas. Funding sources for this season's paving program include a $1.5 million Community Crossings matching grant awarded through the Indiana Department of Transportation, as well as funds from the local road and street fund and the motor vehicle fund, along with a short-term bond that will not result in the need to raise any taxes or fees, officials said. Costas reminded targeted roads are selected for paving based on the national PASER (Pavement Assessment Surface Evaluation Rating) rating system which assigns a value of 1 through 10 to each roadway. The number reflects the quality, including the amount and frequency of cracks and potholes. A brand new road is rated a 10 in contrast to older fractured streets requiring extensive reconstruction ranked at 1 and 2. The city's engineering department 'combines PASER data with other factors such as functional classification and traffic levels to provide a recommendation. We are also aware of future projects pending with Valparaiso City Services and NIPSCO that might affect the timing of projects,' said Max Rehlander, Valparaiso's director of engineering. 'We work to maximize our funding for the best long-term results.' In addition to roadway improvements, Valparaiso City Services is focused on $76 million of generational capital improvements in addition to yearly capital replacements to both upgrade and extend the lifespan of the city's water and sewer infrastructure. 'Investment in our utilities' infrastructure ensures clean drinking water, a cleaner environment and important safety features – all necessary in maintaining Valparaiso's quality of life,' VCS Executive Director Steve Poulos said. Rate adjustments approved in 2024 are funding these projects under a timeline that will continue through 2028. Among this year's VCS projects is more than $1.4 million in water main replacements as well as critical hydrant and valve replacements, plus sanitary sewer relining and manhole rehabilitation. In addition, VCS is finalizing plans for the future of Valparaiso's water resources which include further investigation and likely implementation for the introduction of lake water as an additional source. An interactive project list with a complete listing of roadway and capital projects is available in an interactive map at To report a roadway or sidewalk that needs attention, visit and enter key information at the 'Voice a Concern' icon found on the homepage.
Chicago Tribune
17-05-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Census estimates show slight population increase for NWI
More than half of Northwest Indiana's communities saw a population decrease between April 2020 and July 2024, according to recently released data from the U.S. Census Bureau, but overall the region saw a modest population increase during the same time period. Lake County's 2024 population was 502,955, which was up from 500,591 in 2023, according to census data. In April 2020, the county had an estimated population of 498,695. Porter County's April 2020 population was 173,224, according to census numbers. It grew to 175,289 in 2023 and 175,860 in 2024. The agency releases annual estimates between the 10-year census counts, which are based on counting births, deaths, and moves in and out. Census estimates use the number of tax returns and Medicare filings, unlike responses from household surveys once every 10 years. The Midwest had 'modest population growth,' according to a census news release. In the region, places with less than 5,000 residents saw an average growth of 0.1%, those with between 5,000 and 9,999 saw a 0.6% increase, and areas with between 10,000 and 49,999 grew 0.7%. 'Many population growth rates reversed or saw major changes between 2023 and 2024,' Crystal Deblé, statistician in the U.S. Census Bureau's Population Division, said in a news release. 'Cities in the Northeast that had experienced population declines in 2023 are now experiencing significant population growth, on average. In fact, cities of all sizes, in all regions, showed faster growth and larger gains than in 2023, except for small cities in the South, whose average population growth rate remained the same.' Population continues to shift to the south and east, away from the traditional northern industrial core of the region. Seventeen of 30 communities in Northwest Indiana saw a population decrease between April 2020 and July 2024, including Dyer, East Chicago, Gary, Griffith, Hammond, Highland, Hobart, Lake Station, Munster, New Chicago, Schneider, Whiting, Dune Acres, Hebron, Ogden Dunes, Porter and the Town of Pines. Communities that grew include Cedar Lake, Crown Point, Lowell, Merrillville, Schererville, Winfield, Beverly Shores, Burns Harbor, Chesterton, Kouts, Portage and Valparaiso. Southern Lake County has seen a boom in development in recent years with newly constructed warehouse facilities, hospitals, subdivisions and schools. Three communities in that area led the way in population increases, with Cedar Lake at 2,297, Winfield at 1,373, and Crown Point at 1,198. At his January State of the City address, Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas said 'innovation with a proactive approach' was embraced by growth in the city, according to Post-Tribune archives. Valparaiso is one of Indiana's top 20 communities saving residents thousands of dollars in lower interest rates, Costas said, and the city has allocated nearly $9 million to its roadways repaving project. Residents were also pleased by a $76 million package of capital improvements, including water system improvements. Portage's population went from 38,496 in July 2023 to 38,576 in July 2024. Since April 2020, Portage has gained 643 new residents, leading to a 1.7% increase in population growth. Mayor Austin Bonta was unable to immediately comment on census data. Portage has seen business growth since Bonta took office, he said during his February State of the City address, according to Post-Tribune archives. He believes that economic growth and success will help bring younger generations back to Portage. After 2023 data was released — when Portage also saw a population increase — Bonta said people were moving to the city from Illinois for its public safety, school system and location, according to Post-Tribune archives. After 2024's data, Gary Mayor Eddie Melton and Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott were critical of the census estimates, saying data collection could be inaccurate due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Post-Tribune archives. Gary and Hammond were two cities that saw a population decrease in recently released data. In July 2023, Gary had an estimated population of 67,692, but its estimate in July 2024 was 67,555, according to census data. Since April 2020, Gary's population has shrunk by 1,527, or 2.2%. At his State of the City address in April, Melton said Gary grew by 527 residents in 2023, but census data showed that the population decreased by 376 residents between 2022 and 2023. However, Gary's home prices have 'soared,' Melton said in April, which he believes is positive. He also mentioned that the city issued 4,366 building permits for electrical, plumbing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning work. 'People are comparing us to our neighbor city Hammond, which is the largest city in (Lake County),' Melton said. 'How can we continue to approve services so people don't leave? How do we make it a safer, cleaner city? How can we make it more inviting for individuals that want to invest?' In a Friday statement, Gary Director of Redevelopment Christopher Harris said census data doesn't tell the story of where the city is and where it's headed. The city is considering challenging the recent estimate, Harris said. 'We are seeing momentum everywhere,' he said. 'Our department is committed to building on this progress. We are removing barriers to development by streamlining contractor reciprocity, updating our comprehensive plan and zoning to permit new construction on historically platted lots. These efforts will increase population density, strengthen our tax base, and attract new investment.' U.S. Postal Service data found that Gary had growth in the number of active households and a decrease in vacant addresses, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2022, Harris said. Indiana Department of Transportation data found that vehicle volume on neighborhood arterial roads increased by 5-10%, Harris said. Harris believes the city stands out for its affordability, room to grow and emerging community. 'There is still much work ahead,' he said. 'We must continue to rebuild Gary, with the goal of retaining our long-time residents, welcoming back those who left, and inviting new families to discover all that Gary has to offer.' Hammond also saw a population decrease between April 2020 and July 2024, losing a little more than 2% of its residents, or 1,814 people. Between 2023 and 2024, Hammond's population went from 76,191 residents to 76,030, according to census data. McDermott doesn't believe that the census data is accurate, he said in a text to the Post-Tribune. He called the data 'an educated guess' of Hammond's population by bureau employees. 'Not one census agent knocked on a single door in Hammond when the estimate was made,' McDermott said. 'It's all estimated based on historical trends. … The only census information I ever believe comes once a decade, when hundreds of census agents are dispatched across Hammond, knocking on doors, counting our residents.'
Chicago Tribune
19-04-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Mayor Jon Costas Costas promotes civility at inaugural Valparaiso Community Conference
Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas preached the virtues of civility to kick off an event aimed at bringing the community together. 'Civility is to local government, is like what oil is to your car engine,' he said. 'It reduces friction and allows the various parts to function together in harmony in order to propel the car forward.' Thursday's sold-out Valparaiso Community Conference at Valparaiso University brought people together to discuss making a difference in their community. 'The more involved you get in your community, the more likely you are to stay,' Community Engagement Director Maggie Clifton said. 'We see your attendance as a gift to the city and its future,' Costas told attendees. At the national and state level, ideology is more involved in the issues than in local government, which addresses practical matters that more directly affect residents' lives. 'Public safety, ambulance response times, vibrant parks, clean water, roads and streets, planning economic development, housing, drainage and sewer systems are many of the functions of local government that touch your life many times each day,' Costas said. Costas listed 10 trends he believes have contributed to the decrease in civility and civic trust and make governing at the local level more difficult. 1. Cable news 'that exclusively caters to a specific audience and promotes a predetermined narrative rather than balanced news.' 2. Social media platforms that promote misinformation, foment distrust and inflame hostility. 3. National political messaging that surgically divide people to win elections at any cost. 4. Smartphone isolation. 'We need to scroll less and talk more,' he said. 5. Digital addiction, the tsunami of information and amusement overload. 6. Reduced confidence and respect for virtually all major institutions. 7. Reduced engagement in civic and faith-based institutions. 8. Lack of local newspapers that provide in-depth local coverage. 9. Algorithims 'that trap us in the silos of our own choosing.' 10. Lack of shared experiences. 'Fifty years ago, the entire nation would watch Carol Burnett, Ed Sullivan, learn the news from Walter Cronkite and then watch Johnny Carson interview interesting guests without ever delving into politics,' Costas said. 'Shared experiences create a kind of glue that even if you don't love the smell of it, it still holds things together.' 'Regardless of your political bent, I think we can all agree that national politics is a disruptive and combative arena that has produced much anxiety, intense feelings and division in the general public,' he said. That, in turn, makes it harder for local government leaders 'to cut through the noise and address the practical problems that cannot be solved by sound bites and demeaning rhetoric.' Rather than just bemoan the problem, there are ways to address it, he said. 'We must focus on what we can control, our own conduct and attitudes.' 'We can all improve our civil conduct toward one another, and if we all work on that, we will be a more harmonious, productive and peaceful local community,' Costas said. Lack of civility can disrupt public meetings, infect the fact-finding process and encourage people to have a low view of institutions that exist for their common good, he said. 'When we degrade others to get our point across, or knowingly share slander, or engender fear to manipulate a decisionmaker, we hurt ourselves, our community and our nation's future,' Costas said. Intellectual humility allows people to explore ideas constructively, perhaps even changing viewpoints, without attacking others. 'It allows us to hold our core beliefs tightly but our many opinions loosely,' he said. Costas urged attendees to take the cable news rage machines to understand why they're saying the things they do – to get people to click more and rage more. Watch less often and watch more than one network, taking inherent and obvious biases into account. Rethink your social media presence, leading by example. 'It's easy to be a keyboard assassin but so hard to sit across from another and have a civil exchange of differing ideas,' he said. Cultivate friendships with people from the opposite party or the other side of an issue. 'Invariably, when you get to know a person better, you discover many shared beliefs and the things you disagree on tend to fade into the background,' he said. Beware of algorithms. 'They are designed to feed you more of what you want or believe. They lock you into a silo and stunt your personal growth,' Costas said. Go to church or synagogue more often, or seek resources to 'exercise your serving muscle,' he urged. Subscribe to balanced news sources. Subscribe to your local newspaper and encourage local journalism, he said. Encourage your local officials. The most effective local leaders aren't in it for the money, he said. Read a book that challenges you to hold your opinions loosely while not letting go of core beliefs, Costas urged. Judge your own motives and actions fiercely. 'You cannot change others, but you can change yourself,' he said. 'When we want to get rid of something, it's trash and we take it outside and throw it in the trash can. That's how we should feel about our darker temptations,' Costas said.
Chicago Tribune
03-03-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Proposed ordinance for responsible bidding practices garners opposition from Valparaiso mayor, chamber
Valparaiso's responsible bidding practices were up for debate at a recent City Council meeting, with a majority of the Democratic-led council favoring a more restrictive ordinance over a resolution and Mayor Jon Costas concerned either measure could put a crimp on development within the city. The two Republicans on the council, Jack Pupillo, R-4th, and Peter Anderson, R-5th, presented a competing resolution during the Feb. 24 meeting, which provides greater flexibility for the interpretation of guidelines and implications of what might be factors of concern. The resolution was defeated by a 4-3 vote. Diana Reed, D-1st, voted in favor of the resolution with Pupillo and Anderson but the rest of the council, Council President Ellen Kapitan, D-At-large; Emilie Hunt, D-At-large; Barbara Domer, D-3rd; and Robert Cotton, 2nd, voted against it. As mayor, Costas said he doesn't vote on matters before the council but wanted to share his position and that of his leadership team on the two proposals. 'Overall, I feel that both the resolution and the ordinance are not necessary and not worth the potential risk of increased costs and reduced investment in private sector city projects,' he said. He preferred the resolution over the ordinance but still saw it as problematic. 'I do not favor the adoption of the resolution or ordinance because I feel that it will add unnecessary risks and costs in private sector projects that will increase the expenses of these projects and limit the important role of competition in the bidding and construction process,' Costas said, adding taxpayers could be asked to pay more in incentives to make up the difference, 'or, worse yet, private firms will avoid investing in our city' because the ordinance limits the companies bidding on projects so they can't estimate and contain costs. Costas said 'other than the issue of the carpentry bid for The Linc apartments,' he is aware of only one other private project in the last 20 years that received city economic incentives and gave rise to the concern about subcontractors coming from other locations. 'Occasionally, there are valid reasons for using out-of-area subcontractors,' Costas said. Creating a new law that requires more oversight, like the ordinance, 'is only justified to remedy a critical, recurring problem,' the mayor said. 'I believe that The Linc issue is an anomaly caused by factors unique to private-sector construction and do not justify this high degree of government regulation.' The ordinance, he said, also could hamstring smaller companies from bidding on private projects with city incentives, could limit their growth, and the potential for lower bids on a project. Jason Creasbaum, of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, preferred the ordinance over the resolution. 'A resolution is not the same as an ordinance,' he said. 'The ordinance will encourage the participation of local tradesmen, tradeswomen and contractors and will encourage young people (to) seek apprenticeships.' A counterargument was presented by Rex Richards, president and CEO of the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, speaking on behalf of the Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation. 'I represent our group with about 45 of the key local contractors and businesses, who will be doing the construction work of Valparaiso projects,' Richards said. The group supports the resolution, he said, 'which encourages local and minority hiring without creating legal risks and ensures fair and inclusive government decision-making and promoting transparent government over bureaucratic mandates,' Richards said 'We have people looking at Valparaiso to make huge investments, and many of them are looking at what's happening tonight.' The resolution and the ordinance, Costas said, extend contractor requirements for public works projects, from those funded entirely by the city to private projects that receive city incentives over $150,000. 'This is a significant expansion of our current responsible bidder ordinance,' Costas said. The main difference between the two proposals at issue, Costas said, is that the resolution gives the council the option and flexibility to require certain conditions, and the ordinance requires contractors and first-tier subcontractors to satisfy nine requirements. Also, the ordinance states that any waivers to the requirements must be approved by the council. 'As a practical matter, the council will likely not have sufficient information to make an informed decision on a waiver request for months, if not years, after the economic incentives are initially and conditionally approved,' Costas said, adding it's doubtful developers would be willing to operate with such a high level of uncertainty. The resolution, he said allows the city's director of economic development to negotiate with a developer and present project-specific options for the council to consider. 'The council still has the option to reject a project.' Costas acknowledged the town of Chesterton recently adopted a similar ordinance, and Hobart has enacted provisions similar to the resolution. He also had George Douglas, the city's director of development, and Vicki Thrasher, the building commissioner, share their concerns about the ordinance. The duties of both, he said, 'will be significantly impacted' by the ordinance, 'and their opinions are vital to assessing the actual impact of these proposed council actions.' The Valparaiso City Council will have a second reading of the ordinance at the Monday, March 10 meeting, including a public hearing before the vote.
Chicago Tribune
28-01-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas pushes ‘innovation' as key theme for city 2025 goals
Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas urged 'innovation with a proactive approach' as key qualities embraced by the growth to assure success during his State of the City address earlier this month before a gathering of more than 400 luncheon guests hosted by the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce at the Porter County Expo Center. 'The state of our city is strong and the state of our union in Valparaiso is even stronger,' said Costas, 67, beginning the second year of his fifth term as Valparaiso mayor. 'In 2024, it was a year of listening and coming together,' Costas said during the Jan. 15 address. 'When I stood before you a year ago, we had just sworn in a new City Council. For the first time in 20 years, the mayor's office and the city council were bipartisan. Many eyes were upon us. And some predicted that we would get ready to rumble. Instead of chaos, 2024 saw cooperation and progress in our city.' Costas noted the city continues to retain the 'AA/Stable' bond rating, placing Valparaiso among the top 20 communities in Indiana and 'saving citizens thousands of dollars in lower interest rates.' He also cited the city's growing $4.9 million rainy day fund. He said residents were pleased with the nearly $9 million devoted to the city's ambitious roadways repaving project and also the $76 million package of capital improvements, including water system improvements, all key 'proactive measures' for cost-saving. 'These are projects that qualified for low-interest financing through the state of Indiana, saving ratepayers nearly $10 million in interest payments,' he said. 'At the same time, the city also opened two new facilities in 2024 and our chance to highlight the new transit center located in the Journeyman Distillery building, and the Lincoln Highway Garage, the latter which adds 360 parking spots to our downtown, serving both the public, and soon, the new residents of The Linc apartments. 'These projects add vitality to our city, meeting goals for transit, parking and housing that have long been part of our master plan.' Costas noted travelers along U.S. 30 now have new reminders that beckon visitors to the city. 'We've added signage and landscaping along U.S. 30 to highlight that Valparaiso is more than a place to pass through, but a highly desirable destination,' Costas said. Costas said Valparaiso Parks landscapes are among 'innovations' that draw residents to visit from other communities. 'I encourage everyone to check out the enhancements at Rogers Lakewood where you'll see added paving, lighting, kayak rentals and trails,' Costas said. 'And we're so excited to transition the exclusive operations of our Memorial Opera House to the city of Valparaiso and Valpo Parks, starting this year. Adding our expertise and resources in events to this newly renovated jewel promises to be a magical combination. We look forward to growing a creative arts district in our downtown, centered around the beloved and historic opera house. 'These accomplishments light us up as the city of Valparaiso. But what we see ahead is even brighter. As I look around the room at this gathering, each year I'm struck by the collective talent and energy. It's easy to be optimistic in the midst of so many positive leaders and caring residents.'
