McDermott lays out 2026 plans for Hammond at annual State of the City address

The Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce welcomed City of Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott, Jr. to the Hammond Sportsplex on Thursday, January 29th, for the mayor’s 23rd annual State of the City address. 450 leaders, officials, and residents from Hammond and beyond joined the City in celebrating its successes over the past year, as well as to learn more about what comes next for Hammond.

McDermott emphasized throughout his address the importance of cooperation in advancing the City of Hammond. Whether that’s working with the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce and its president, Kellie Taillon, to create growth and develop businesses in Hammond or fielding constituents’ questions during the middle of his address, McDermott recognizes that it’s through working together that Hammond is in the position it is now.

“The state of the city is very strong right now. I haven’t seen this much energy in the city in a long time,” McDermott said. “Everything we’ve been working so hard on for the past 20 years is in place. We’ve got the right team, we’ve got the right atmosphere. There’s an influx of business, an influx of residents, and more wealth coming into our community.”

Early in McDermott’s address, he tackled the potential relocation of the Chicago Bears’ stadium to the City of Hammond. McDermott believes that, even if the Bears do not end up in Hammond, the fact that they considered it says a lot about how competitive Indiana and Hammond have become in the Midwest.

“I’ve heard a number of people tell me how foolish I am for believing that the Bears are serious about potentially moving to Hammond,” McDermott said. “I think they’re serious for the same reasons that Meat by Linz chose Hammond, Indiana. We’ve got a better workforce, lower liability costs, lower taxes, and just a generally better business environment.”

McDermott announced a number of economic projects happening in Hammond this year totaling $70 million. These projects include The Banc community development, the new Swanel Beverages building, Purdue University Northwest’s Roberts Impact Lab, and several hospitality and transportation developments and expansions that will improve travel to and from Hammond.

“I give my economic development team goals every year, and it’s working. We aim for $100 million in increased valuation each year,” McDermott said. “We aim for $100 million in a year, and we’re announcing $70 million worth of projects just today.”

The mayor also addressed a number of quality of life improvements facing the city, such as the establishment of new quiet zones, the 20th year of Hammond’s College Bound program, data center developments, Hammond Water Works, the 2025 Best Tasting Water in Indiana competition winner, moving to downtown Hammond, and making payment easier for many in the city. 

“It’s Hammond’s most valuable asset for sure,” McDermott said. “It funds our College Bound Program and a lot of other things that we have going on in our city. I’m a big fan of the Hammond Water Works. It’s great that the City of Hammond has this as an asset.”

The mayor concluded his address by thanking everyone who has helped him develop as an elected official over his two-decade career. From mayors in surrounding communities pushing inspiring him with projects to the Hammond City Council to McDermott’s biggest naysayers, they’ve all played a part in creating a better leader for the City of Hammond.

“It’s incredibly flattering to come to this and see 450 people,” McDermott said. “I think I’m operating at a very high level now, and I couldn’t have done that if it were an easy route. To everybody that is out here, God bless you. I hope you have an amazing 2026, and I hope the City of Hammond does as well.”

Event sponsors included Digital Crossroads, 219 Development Services, American Structurepoint, BP Refinery, Franciscan Health, Horseshoe Casino, NIPSCO, Notre Dame Federal Credit Union, Old National Bank, and the School City of Hammond, amongst others.

Mayor McDermott’s full State of the City address is available online. Visit gohammond.com or follow the City of Hammond on Facebook to stay up to date on everything happening in the City.