Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lake County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues in business jobs
Settlement of delinquent EDC equipment loan to preserve local manufacturing jobs
A county-backed equipment loan was $317,612 in arrears. Rather than seize and auction highly specialized equipment, the EDC accepted a $160,000 payoff as part of a $1.2 million asset sale that keeps the business operating and its longtime employees working. Commissioners also debated whether the county should keep funding unique equipment at all.
Sullivan delinquent property-backed loan and November 25 cure deadline
The commission gave borrower Mr. Sullivan 90 days — until November 25, 2026 — to resolve a $2.8 million loan secured by real property. Commissioners refused to lend more or forgive debt, and warned that transferring the property to a new LLC would complicate enforcement and could itself be a default.
Lake County Convention and Event Center with City of Gary
The county amended its development agreement with Gary for the long-planned convention and event center, moving the marquee economic development project forward.
EPI loan forgiveness request
A 33-year-old county-financed manufacturer that employed thousands is failing after Ford pulled its business and tariffs raised costs. The county must decide whether to forgive a $317,612 loan or hold out for a buyer's reported $100,000 payment that would also preserve about 20 local jobs.
Fisher Wild Lake loan modification
The operator of a catch-and-release fishing lake owes about $288,000 on a $400,000 county loan, is battling stomach cancer, and has no employees. The county wants to fix LLC and mortgage paperwork before considering any relief.
BP Whiting refinery lockout
About 800 USW Local 7-1 members have been locked out since March 19, 2026, straining families and local economies. The council urged BP to end the lockout and bargain in good faith, and members called for countywide solidarity resolutions and possibly action on BP's tax incentives.
US Cold Storage tax abatement compliance
The company has invested $73.5 million and employs 63 people — beating its commitments — so its tax abatement stays in place for both tax years.
Ozinga Slag federal port grants
The county signed on to support federal BUILD and MARAD grant applications on behalf of Ozinga Slag, LLC for port infrastructure.
Project labor agreement ordinance
New rules require project labor agreements on county construction and incentivized private projects, with local hiring, no-strike protections, veteran and minority outreach pathways. It replaces four older ordinances.
Project Tempo public hearing oversight
The council finalized tax abatements for the $125 million John Deere warehouse on 235 acres at Routes 2 and 65 — $7.2 million in new tax revenue over the incentive period, 150 jobs, and a $435,000 upfront payment the county can steer to schools, townships, and infrastructure.