The Gary and Region Investment Project (GRIP), a multi-year effort to advance key transformative investments in Northwest Indiana’s urban core, invites you to listen to the third event in the GRIP Urban Exchange series, featuring Mayor Donald Ness of Duluth, Minnesota, and Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson of Gary, Indiana.

The similarities between Gary and Duluth are uncanny: These two mid-sized industrial towns have grappled for decades with the loss of industry. Common factors driving revitalization in both cities include land-based casinos, lakefront reclamation, airport redevelopment, and private investment by U.S. Steel Corporation and Arcelor Mittal.

Mayor Don Ness took office in 2007 and has made significant progress toward making Duluth a more livable city. The population has rebounded over the past decade, according to the 2010 Census. Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson, who took office in January 2012, already has developed a clear and aggressive first-term agenda to make targeted economic investments, improve safety and perceptions of Gary, and increase job, health, and educational opportunities for residents.

Listen in to this fun and engaging “meeting of the minds” as these two dynamic mayors explore what their cities can learn from each other.

The GRIP Urban Exchange series is presented in conjunction with The Times Media Company. Thanks to NIPSCO and CN for sponsoring this event.

Recorded Friday, March 16, 2012 at the Gary/Chicago International Airport.