What is the Mayor’s Role in Economic Development

Last night, the PNC Center for Economic Development and Research (CEDaR) hosted an economic development workshop, “What is the Mayor’s Role in Economic Development?” The free event featured a discussion between local mayors about economic development. In attendance were Mayor Charles Oberlie, Michigan City; Mayor Kathy Chroback, LaPorte; Mayor Olga Velazquez, Portage; and Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation Director Matt Murphy, representing Valparaiso.

The discussion was moderated by Dr. Alan Krabbenhoft, dean of the PNC College of Business. Panelists discussed their roles in various matters, such as tax abatement, use of consultants, annexations, industrial park development and other issues. Jobs were a major topic of the discussion as well. “One of our priorities is a (job) retention program. We try and schedule one visit per week with one of our major employers to develop a relationship in which to exchange an understanding of what each of us does to help one another,” stated Michigan City Mayor Charles Oberlie. Kathy Chroback, Mayor of Michigan City talked about the relationship with LaPorte. “I can’t tell you how important it has been for the Michigan City Economic Development Corporation and the LaPorte Economic Development Corporation to come together,” she commented, “I have to tell you, they’re working as one.”

Mayor Olga Velazquez, Portage, also spoke on unity between the counties. “We have to think that what is good for Porter County is good for LaPorte County is good for Lake County is good for Northwest Indiana. Yes, we want those jobs for our community, but businesses have done their homework and there’s nothing I can do to force them to move to Portage if it doesn’t fit. We have to move beyond that competition and really start pulling together.”

Matt Murphy, representing Mayor Jon Costas of Valparaiso, summed up Valparaiso’s stance on the job market with a quote from the Mayor: “For local government, we don’t really create jobs. We try and create an environment that will foster investment.” He also mentioned, “…in Valparaiso, we try and invest every penny we can in the infrastructure. And when we do that, the private sector will follow.”