Statement from Mayor Jon Costas
Re: Ordinance 6-2025
After receiving much counsel and deliberating extensively over the potential pros and cons of its enactment, I have decided to sign Ordinance 6-2025 into law. While I, along with three other city council members, have reasonable concerns over how it may impact private investment and small business in our city, I do not believe a mayoral veto is warranted under the circumstances. I trust that the city council will implement the ordinance in a manner that addresses these concerns, while promoting the use of local labor in private construction projects that receive city incentives.
Valparaiso has flourished over the last 20 years, due in part to the city working closely with investors to transform aging properties and to build new projects that have enhanced our quality of life and our reputation as a jewel in Northwest Indiana. That level of investment must continue to keep our city vibrant and strong. We are a city that invites private investment, champions small business, and is committed to fiscal responsibility. I will work closely with the council to apply Ordinance 6 to preserve those objectives as we continue to promote use of local construction labor alongside the perception that Valparaiso is "open for business.”