On April 10, Michigan City residents and municipal workers alike gathered at the Holdcraft Performing Arts Center for Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch’s first State of the City address. Nelson Deuitch, Michigan City’s first African-American mayor, ascended to the mayorship in December of last year. In her address, Nelson Deuitch gave an overview of what has taken place in the city during the past 100 days and listed some of Michigan City’s current developmental projects. Attendees enjoyed a variety of refreshments – including hot coffee – during the event.
Nelson Deuitch opened her address by thanking all of the municipal employees who helped keep the city running during the ice storm and two snowstorms that struck Michigan City earlier this year. She went on to provide a breakdown of the ways in which her administration is allocating Michigan City’s $73 million dollar budget. Nelson Deuitch also announced that Michigan City received a grant of about $1.48 million dollars from the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program (CCMG), which is funded by the Indiana Department of Transportation.
Nelson Deuitch also outlined a number of Michigan City’s future construction projects. One such project is the 32-acre Woodland Ridge, the first subdivision to be built in Michigan city in roughly 50 years. She went on to announce that construction for SoLa, a mixed-use development, is underway. This, which is being built across the street from Michigan City’s city hall, will include a 235-room boutique hotel, 174 luxury condos, several restaurants, and a rooftop pool. Nelson Deuitch professed her determination to speak up on Michigan City’s behalf, no matter what.
“I'm a cheerleader and I think Michigan City should be respected,” Nelson Deuitch said. “Nobody can say that I don't represent Michigan City. Wherever I am, whether I'm in Washington D.C., Indianapolis, South Bend, or Elkhart, I am a cheerleader for Michigan City. I'm going to cheerlead, and I'm going to bring all the resources I can back to Michigan City.”
Nelson Deuitch explained how she wants transparency and access to be defining traits of her administration, emphasizing that these traits are essential when forming a strong and healthy community.
“Every week, I have a guest in the office and I was amazed at how many people told me they have never stepped foot in the mayor's office,” Nelson Deuitch said. “I found that both interesting and fascinating because the mayor's office should be the hub of the city. It should be a welcoming environment for people and a place where they can have a conversation. My goal is to set the standard and create a welcoming environment not only for our residents, but also our employees.”
Throughout her address, Nelson Deuitch named many of the municipal employees she leads, acknowledging them for the instrumental roles that they play in Michigan City’s operation. She explained how she tries to help her team find ways to get even more involved with the Michigan City community and its residents.
“I’ve asked our department heads and assistant department heads to join boards and work with nonprofits,” Nelson Deuitch said. “That way, they can start being a part of the community. I think that attending events and being a part of the community is part of their job. I think it's important that residents of Michigan City see us.”
Nelson Deuitch also announced several upcoming community events which include an adult basketball clinic, a murder mystery dinner, and a Dancers in the Park program. She concluded her address on a positive note, expressing optimism for what is to come.
“I appreciate everybody’s support,” Nelson Deuitch said. “I think people are feeling the energy and they understand that this is not about me. It's about all of us. I thank you all for coming today and I look forward to the rest of this year and the next three years.”
As the event drew to a close, Nelson Deuitch and the rest of the attendees chatted amicably among themselves while continuing to enjoy the provided refreshments.
To learn more about what’s taking place in Michigan City, please visit www.emichigancity.com.
