Gary Mayor Eddie Melton joined municipal and Indigenous leaders from the U.S. and Canada in endorsing the Economic Transformation Action Plan (ETAP), a decade-long strategy aimed at advancing sustainable economic development across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River region. Unveiled on September 24 in New York City, the plan repositions the area as the “Fresh Coast Economic Corridor,” emphasizing its vast freshwater resources and potential for rapid, responsible growth. n nDeveloped by the Cities Initiative through its Mayors Commission on Economic Transformation, ETAP outlines 17 strategic goals and 76 actionable steps supported by 12 program concepts. These include modernizing the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway, strengthening infrastructure, building a clean energy network, and revitalizing waterfront areas into accessible public spaces. n nBy 2035, the initiative aims to achieve five major benchmarks: attracting 500,000 new businesses committed to sustainability, generating 18 million jobs, preventing any rise in consumptive water loss, improving regional water quality from “fair” to “good,” and cutting carbon emissions by 300 million metric tons. n nMayor Melton emphasized the global significance of the region’s freshwater reserves, noting that the Great Lakes hold 84% of North America’s surface freshwater and support the continent’s third-largest economy. For Gary, located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, participation offers a pathway to economic revitalization while ensuring responsible stewardship of vital water resources. n nThe recruitment of half a million sustainable businesses could bring renewable energy firms, advanced manufacturers, and tech startups to Gary’s industrial zones, diversifying the local economy and creating supply chain opportunities. The projected 18 million jobs span construction, clean energy, research, and waterfront development, with workforce training identified as a key enabler. n nPreserving water resources is central to the plan. ETAP mandates no increase in water withdrawals despite economic expansion, requiring improved efficiency and treatment systems. For Gary, this means tighter oversight of Lake Michigan usage and investments in stormwater management and pollution control. n nImproving water quality to a “good” rating would enhance public health, recreation, and tourism. Meanwhile, the 300-million-metric-ton emissions reduction target reflects a regional shift toward renewable power, cleaner transit, and updated industrial practices—offering both challenges and opportunities for a city with a legacy of manufacturing. n nSupport for the plan was echoed by other leaders. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson described the region as uniquely positioned to prove that economic growth and environmental care can coexist. Montréal’s Valérie Plante called it a turning point, Cleveland’s Justin Bibb labeled it a “historic milestone,” and Toronto Deputy Mayor Paul Ainslie highlighted its role in building globally competitive, resilient cities. n nIndigenous representation, including Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige of the Anishinabek Nation, underscored the cultural and historical importance of freshwater stewardship. n nImplementation will be supported by partnerships with the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Legislative Caucus and the Council of the Great Lakes Region. With broad cross-border collaboration, the plan represents a unified vision for sustainable prosperity. n nAs Mayor Melton stated, Gary’s involvement is not symbolic but strategic—positioning the city to attract investment, create jobs, and contribute to a future where economic progress and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. n— news from The Chicago Crusader
— News Original —nMelton Joins Mayors in Endorsing Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Action Plan n nGary Mayor Eddie Melton joined leaders from across North America last week in supporting a sweeping economic and environmental strategy designed to position the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River region as a global model for sustainable growth. n nOn September 24, mayors from the United States and Canada, along with Indigenous leaders, unveiled the Economic Transformation Action Plan (ETAP), a 10-year blueprint that seeks to attract investment, create jobs, and protect the region’s freshwater resources. The initiative rebrands the area as the “Fresh Coast Economic Corridor,” highlighting its potential to be one of the fastest-growing economies in North America. n nThe plan was launched in New York City with mayors including Brandon Johnson of Chicago, Valérie Plante of Montréal, Justin Bibb of Cleveland, and Paul Ainslie, deputy mayor of Toronto. Mayor Melton’s attendance underscored Gary’s role as part of a region that holds 84 percent of North America’s surface freshwater and supports the world’s third-largest regional economy. n nA Blueprint for the Future n nThe Cities Initiative, a coalition of more than 350 municipal and Indigenous leaders, developed ETAP through its Mayors Commission on Economic Transformation. The plan identifies 17 strategies and 76 specific actions, supported by 12 program concepts. Collectively, these measures are designed to strengthen infrastructure, modernize the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway, build a sustainable clean energy grid, and redevelop waterfronts into accessible, vibrant spaces. n nBy 2035, the plan sets ambitious benchmarks that organizers say will ensure both prosperity and sustainability for the region: n n• Attract 500,000 new businesses committed to sustainability. n n• Create 18 million jobs for residents. n n• Avoid any increase in consumptive water loss. n n• Improve water quality ratings from “fair” to “good.” n n• Reduce carbon emissions by 300 million metric tons. n nMayor Melton’s Message n nMayor Melton emphasized the urgency of acting at a time when global freshwater supplies are under strain. “Global fresh water is dwindling rapidly, yet here in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Region we have an opportunity to lead,” he said. “The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative’s Economic Transformation Action Plan ensures we attract investment, create millions of jobs and protect the fresh water that defines our communities”. n nFor Gary, which sits on the southern tip of Lake Michigan, Melton said participation in the plan represents not only a chance to safeguard water resources but also an opportunity for job creation and investment in a city seeking long-term economic revitalization. Water from Lake Michigan sustains industries, provides drinking water, and supports recreational activities. Melton noted that the Action Plan strengthens Gary’s ability to manage this resource responsibly while securing economic opportunities for residents. n nBreaking Down the 2035 Goals n n1. Attract 500,000 new sustainable businesses n nOrganizers hope to recruit half a million new businesses that share a commitment to environmentally responsible practices. These may include renewable energy developers, advanced manufacturers, and technology startups. For Gary, this could mean new industries along the lakefront and in industrial parks that align with green standards. Such investment would not only diversify the city’s economy but also create opportunities for local entrepreneurs to participate in supply chains built around sustainability. n n2. Create 18 million jobs n nJob creation is the centerpiece of ETAP. Across the region, officials estimate the plan could generate 18 million new positions, ranging from construction and clean energy to research and waterfront development. Gary residents could benefit from both direct employment and indirect opportunities as industries expand. Training and workforce development will be critical, and Melton has suggested that Gary must ensure residents are prepared to seize new roles in emerging sectors. n n3. Avoid increases in consumptive water loss n nThe Great Lakes already face challenges from pollution, overuse, and climate stress. ETAP sets a clear standard: economic expansion should not come at the cost of increased water withdrawals. For Gary, this means stricter safeguards around Lake Michigan usage, along with investments in water treatment and efficiency. Avoiding additional water loss is not just an environmental concern—it protects drinking water supplies and ensures long-term stability for industries that depend on reliable access. n n4. Improve water quality from “fair” to “good” n nWater quality remains uneven across the Great Lakes. Some areas struggle with agricultural runoff, invasive species, or outdated infrastructure. ETAP sets a regional goal of improving water quality to at least a “good” rating. In Gary, that could translate into new investment in stormwater systems, shoreline restoration, and pollution controls. Cleaner water would improve not only public health but also tourism and recreation, creating ripple effects for the local economy. n n5. Reduce emissions by 300 million metric tons n nFinally, the plan recognizes that economic growth must go hand in hand with climate responsibility. The goal of reducing carbon emissions by 300 million metric tons represents a massive regional shift toward renewable energy, cleaner transportation, and modernized industrial practices. For Gary, with its industrial legacy, this could mean both challenges and opportunities: older plants may need to modernize, but new industries could grow in sectors such as solar, wind, and clean manufacturing. n nRegional Momentum n nOther leaders echoed similar sentiments at the launch. Mayor Johnson of Chicago said the region “has what it takes to attract sustainable industries, create millions of jobs and prove that economic prosperity and freshwater stewardship can go together.” Montréal’s Mayor Plante described the plan as a turning point that ensures water quality and supply will be central to economic progress, while Cleveland’s Mayor Bibb called the effort a “historic milestone” achieved through cross-border cooperation. n nDeputy Mayor Ainslie of Toronto added that the plan would help create resilient, connected cities capable of competing globally. The strong show of support illustrated how cities across state, provincial, and national borders view the Action Plan as both an economic and environmental imperative. n nIndigenous leaders, including Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige of the Anishinabek Nation, were also present, underscoring the importance of freshwater stewardship to Indigenous communities who have long managed these resources sustainably. n nLooking Ahead n nThe Cities Initiative has signed agreements with the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Legislative Caucus and the Council of the Great Lakes Region to support the plan’s implementation. Several other partner organizations have also expressed formal support, signaling broad collaboration across governments and communities. n nFor Gary residents, the plan could mean greater access to sustainable industries and opportunities to participate in a larger regional economy. At the same time, it reflects the city’s responsibility as a steward of Lake Michigan, a source of drinking water and recreation for millions of people. n nIn a world where water scarcity is increasingly a global crisis, the Great Lakes region represents both a rare advantage and a responsibility. The Action Plan, supporters argue, is not simply about jobs and investment—it is about redefining what responsible growth looks like in the 21st century. n nAs Mayor Melton made clear, Gary’s place in this effort is not just symbolic but strategic. In a time when cities are competing for industries, people, and resources, Gary’s participation signals a commitment to building a future where prosperity and preservation go hand in hand. n nFor more details on the Economic Transformation Action Plan, visit glslcities.org/etap.