(Michigan City, IN) - “Michigan City is bouncing back.”

 

That was the assessment of Mayor Duane Parry at his State of the City Address Friday afternoon.

 

Parry began by saying his city is ready for a return to normal following the pandemic. “Facing adversity makes a people stronger,” he said, “We faced COVID and persevered, showing we are truly Michigan City strong. We are bouncing back.”

 

Parry went on to tout Michigan City’s strong fiscal standing. “Economically Michigan City is doing well— no red ink in any of our books,” the mayor claimed. “What a change, from $3.4 million of red ink facing us when I took office. We continue to shore up our Riverboat Fund reserves, currently having a balance of $5.6 million.”

 

Parry also highlighted reduced unemployment numbers. Last year, he said, unemployment in Michigan City dropped from 5.4% to 2.9%. However, he acknowledged the city’s relatively low standard of living. Citing IRS statistics, he noted that 70% of families are low-income, and one in four live in poverty.

 

Parry praised local law enforcement and restated his support for a higher local income tax to raise wages for first responders.

 

He also listed several large-scale building projects to improve quality of life in Michigan City.

 

The complete State of the City Address can be heard here:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=676333020356724