The Northwest Indiana Urban League Young Professionals hosted the networking event, inviting Mayor Eddie Melton to speak about leadership challenges and his vision for Gary’s future.
GARY, Ind. — Young professionals and community members gathered for an evening of networking, conversation and civic engagement as the Northwest Indiana Urban League Young Professionals hosted the “Elevating the Standard” mixer featuring Gary Mayor Eddie Melton.
The event gave attendees an opportunity to meet Melton, hear about his journey into public service and learn more about his leadership of the city. Melton discussed his path to elected office, the challenges he has faced and his vision for Gary’s future.
The evening began with opening remarks from Northwest Indiana Urban League Young Professionals Vice President Da’Ione Fields, who welcomed guests before introducing the organization’s president, Eran Armstrong.
Armstrong then led a question-and-answer session with Melton, covering topics ranging from his background and career to his experiences serving as mayor.
The mixer also highlighted the Urban League’s ongoing efforts to connect young professionals with community leaders and provide opportunities for civic involvement.
Overcoming adversity and changing Gary’s narrative
Armstrong began by asking Melton about overcoming adversity and growing up in Gary.
“I walked past this building as a kid, going to the Boys and Girls Club for a number of years, and never stepped inside City Hall,” Melton said.
He noted that, as a child, he did not understand the importance of the mayor’s office, government or how decisions made at the Statehouse could affect people’s lives. For him, walking into the mayor’s office each day is a blessing.
Melton said residents should not allow the city’s past to define its future. He emphasized that he is working to change the negative image associated with Gary during the 1990s, when the city experienced skyrocketing rates of violence.
He encouraged residents to remain optimistic about Gary’s future and focus on the city’s potential rather than its history.
“But that’s not our story now,” Melton said.
“And we’re still struggling to turn that narrative around,” he added.
Melton emphasized that he is intentional when he says Gary will become the greatest comeback story in American history. He compared Gary to Miami, noting that both cities once faced similar challenges while also possessing significant opportunities.
Melton said Miami’s transformation demonstrates what is possible when a community invests in itself and works toward a common vision.
“You can’t tell me that it’s not in Gary’s future if we start speaking it,” Melton said.
A path to public service
Armstrong then asked Melton whether he had always envisioned a career in politics.
Melton said he never imagined becoming a politician, but he always knew he wanted to return to Gary after attending Calumet College and give back to the community that helped shape him.
He reflected on his early professional experiences, including his time working in childcare at Edgewater and becoming the first African American employee of the Legacy Foundation. Melton said those opportunities helped prepare him for leadership roles later in his career.
He also credited his mentor, Chief Operations Officer Mike Suggs, with helping him secure a position at NIPSCO. That opportunity not only helped him develop professionally but also made a major difference in his life.
“I’m probably making, at that time, $30,000 to $40,000, and that changed our life overnight,” Melton said.
Melton said a major turning point came when Mike Pence, then governor of Indiana and later vice president of the United States, appointed him to serve on the Indiana State Board of Education as a representative of the First Congressional District.
At the time, Melton noted that Gary schools were losing approximately 1,000 students annually, creating significant challenges for education leaders across the city.
Despite the difficulties, Melton said he accepted the responsibility and worked to help address the issues facing students and families.
“You’ve got to be ready when that opportunity comes,” Melton said.
“You never know when that door is going to open, and if I wasn’t ready, it was going to be given to somebody else,” he added.
Melton also spoke about how his current position requires a deep understanding of government operations, finances and organizational structures. He noted that the responsibilities of leading a city extend far beyond what many people see in public.
“You have to learn financial structures and financial systems,” Melton said.
Leadership, resilience and faith
Armstrong also asked Melton what advice he would give to people working to build resilience, pursue their goals and remain focused on their ambitions.
Melton pointed to recent progress in Gary as an example of what can be accomplished through teamwork and strong leadership. He credited the city’s staff and leadership team with helping move Gary forward and address longstanding challenges.
“Talent only gets you so far,” Melton said.
“Character and discipline take you to the next level.”
Throughout his remarks, Melton emphasized the role faith has played in his life and leadership. He said he relies on prayer and his relationship with God to guide him through challenges and difficult decisions.
“God put me in this position for a reason,” Melton said. “I pray through it every day.”
Economic development and infrastructure
Melton also discussed economic development initiatives underway in Gary, saying thousands of jobs are expected to be created in the coming years through new projects and investments.
At the same time, he cautioned that development projects take time.
“Just because it’s approved doesn’t mean the shovel is going into the ground,” Melton said.
Melton pointed to the success of Gary’s casino development as an example. He noted that the casino went from being the lowest-grossing casino while operating on a riverboat to becoming the top-performing casino in its market for five consecutive years.
The mayor also highlighted transportation investments as another key component of the city’s growth strategy. He noted that state funding partnerships are helping support major rail and infrastructure improvements, including a project valued at approximately $90 million.
“We’ve got brighter days ahead of us,” Melton said.
He said attracting investment and improving infrastructure in highly visible areas will help create jobs, strengthen the local economy and make Gary a more attractive destination for young professionals and businesses alike.
Melton also highlighted the expansion of FedEx, including a planned 315,000-square-foot facility expected to bring approximately 600 new jobs to the area.
He pointed to the city’s Work Big program as another important initiative. The 16-week workforce development program is designed to help residents earn certifications and connect with employment opportunities.
“We have the land, we have the opportunity and we have the vision,” Melton said. “Now it’s about continuing the work and being patient as the results come.”
A vision for downtown Gary
Melton said one of his primary goals is to transform downtown Gary into a vibrant, walkable destination where residents and visitors can live, work and spend time.
“We can’t wait for one big investment to save downtown,” Melton said. “We need people coming downtown now.”
To help attract activity, the city has introduced initiatives such as food truck markets, concerts and other community events designed to bring residents into the downtown area.
Melton said those efforts are intended to create momentum while larger redevelopment projects continue moving forward.
He also discussed plans to improve traffic flow and pedestrian accessibility, including the possibility of converting portions of Fifth Avenue into a two-way street.
A call for community involvement
For the final question of the evening, Armstrong asked Melton how residents and young professionals can help strengthen the community and contribute to Gary’s future.
Melton encouraged attendees to become actively involved by mentoring young people and sharing their knowledge and experiences with the next generation.
He said community members can make a difference by teaching skills such as financial literacy, entrepreneurship, contracting, skilled trades and other career-focused disciplines.
“We have to be a part of the narrative,” Melton said.
Those interested in joining the Northwest Indiana Urban League Young Professionals can email Vallen@ulofnwi.org for membership information and details about upcoming events.