Municipal councils across Lake and Porter counties, including those of Hammond, Valparaiso and East Chicago, will hold their first meetings of 2026 this week.
Here's a look at some of what will be coming up for a vote. More agendas will become available closer to the meeting dates.
Valparaiso City Council: When: Monday, Jan. 12, at 6 p.m.
Where: Valparaiso City Hall (166 Lincolnway) or via livestream on the city's website.
Agenda highlights:
Valparaiso's city council will elect a president and vice president to lead the body in 2026.
It will also consider adoption of new municipal sewer use rules that were drafted to bring Valparaiso in line with federal environmental regulations, and a proposal to allow the city to loan itself rainy day funds to cover "a cash flow problem in anticipation of taxes to be received."
Read the agenda on Valparaiso's website.
Hammond Common Council: When: Monday, Jan. 12, at 6 p.m.
Where: Hammond City Hall (5925 Calumet Ave.) or via livestream on Hammond's Facebook page.
Agenda highlights:
Hammond's city council will consider a proposed amendment to the planned unit development ordinance that sets out bespoke land use rules for the Hammond Family YMCA and Sportsplex. The changes are intended to further demolition and construction work planned for the site.
The body will also consider a resolution to reappoint long-serving member Melissa Farrell to the city's Gaming Advisory Committee.
Read the agenda on the city's website.
Merrillville Town Council: When: Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Merrillville Municipal Complex (7820 Broadway) or via livestream on Merrillville's YouTube channel.
Agenda highlights:
Merrillville's town council will vote on a lengthy series of appointments, including to the town's redevelopment commission, its fire territory board and its board of metro police commissioners. It will also consider the annual renewal of the town's contracts with its town attorney and the consulting firm that serves as fiscal advisor.
The council will have neither ordinances nor resolutions to consider.
Read the agenda on Merrillville's website.
East Chicago Common Council: When: Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 6 p.m.
Where: East Chicago City Hall (4525 Indianapolis Blvd.)
Agenda highlights:
As with Merrillville, the East Chicago Common Council's first meeting of the new year is likely to be a brief one. Per the meeting's agenda, not yet available on city's website on Friday afternoon, the body will elect a new president and vice president, vote on accounts payable warrants, then adjourn without considering ordinances or resolutions.
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