This LAB unpacked the steps required to safely buy, sell, inherit, or invest in a city where off‑market deals, heirs’ property, and environmental concerns are part of the landscape.

On a crisp December evening, the Gary Townmakers community gathered to tackle one of the city’s most significant opportunities: Vacant Land. If you missed the workshop, here is a breakdown of the strategies, tools, and pathways discussed to help you research, access, and redevelop parcels in Gary.

The City of Gary has officially released its September 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update , a roadmap designed to guide the city’s long-term transformation over the next decade. While building on the foundation of previous planning efforts, this update marks a pivotal shift in strategy. It moves beyond high-level visioning to offer concrete steps for stabilizing neighborhoods, growing the population, and building generational wealth . If you are wondering what is in the new plan