Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas pushes ‘innovation' as key theme for city 2025 goals
'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.'
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