About Mayor Costas

Mayor Jon Costas is standing in front of Binder's Jewelry along Lincolnway where the city installed new sidewalks, trees, and brick for its Streetscape Improvement Project in 2005.

On November 6, 2007, you re-elected me to a second term as the 26th mayor of our city. It has been a great privilege to serve as your mayor over the four (4) year.s We are truly a city of vibrant people, effective organizations and varied resources. Indeed, the future looks very bright for Valparaiso.

Deliberate, methodical and relentless execution of our strategic plan has been and will continue to be a hallmark of my administration. It is important to note that a strategic plan is a living, breathing document. As such, we will revisit the plan on a regular basis to make adjustments and additions. While we are pleased with our accomplishments to-date, there is so much yet to achieve. Indeed, the work continues.

Serious challenges and wonderful opportunities still await us. Teamwork, planning and creative ideas continue to be the tools that help us bridge the past we celebrate and the future we embrace. Please join me, the City Leadership Team and your City Council in forging a bold and promising future for all of our residents and for posterity.

Respectfully,

Jon Costas

BIOGRAPHY: A 1975 graduate of Valparaiso High School, Jon received his B.A. from St. Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Indiana, and his law degree with high distinction from Valparaiso University School of Law in 1989. Mr. Costas is an attorney with Burke, Costanza, and Cuppy LLP, and specializes in the field of Elder Law, having obtained his certification in elder law from the National Law Foundation. He is also an adjunct professor at Valparaiso Law School.

A former city council member at large, Mr. Costas has been an energetic community leader and has served on numerous boards and community efforts.

Mayor Costas enjoys a variety of activities including running, biking, reading, guitar playing, singing, speaking and competing in triathlons. Jon and his wife Sharon, their four children (shown above), and two (2) dogs Lainie and Wrigley (shown below) live on Valparaiso's north side.

• ENERGY STAR Change a Light Pledge
The City of Valparaiso is asking residents to participate in the Energy Star Change a Light Challege, part of a national challenge to encourage every American to help change the world, one light — one energy-saving step — at a time.CLICK HERE to find out more....

• You can access Zoning Ordinance Information Online
The complete Zoning and Sign Ordinances through the Department of Planning are available online.

• You can access the City's Smoking Ordinance Online
The Smoking Ordinance, approved by the City Council in 2007, is available online.

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