The city plans to contribute an additional $500,000 from its budget to match Hard Rock’s pledge, bringing the total funding for 2025 to $1.5 million
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana plans to donate $1 million to the Gary Police Department in the coming year. This money will help to modernize the city’s police vehicles. The Gary Common Council met and gave the green light to this plan.
Hard Rock and Gary City Partner to Fund 23 New Police Vehicles in 2025
The city aims to match Hard Rock’s commitment with another $500,000 from its budget, pushing the total investment to $1.5 million for 2025. This money will go towards buying 23 new vehicles for the police force, reported the Chicago Tribune. Councilwoman Mary Brown says this move is part of a bigger, long-term team-up with the casino set to provide financial backing through 2029. Starting in 2026, Hard Rock plans to chip in $500,000 each year, with the city matching this amount, to buy 15 vehicles annually.
The council gave the green light to the resolution with a 7-0 vote, all members in agreement, though two were not present. Council President Lori Latham stressed how crucial the casino’s continued support of public services is, calling Hard Rock a key ally for the city.
Hard Rock Casino has taken part in several charitable efforts in Gary since it opened its doors in May 2021. The teamwork between the casino and local government goes beyond just public safety. The company gave $500,000 to the Gary Community Schools Corporation earlier this year to upgrade school buildings and beef up security systems.
Hard Rock Drives Change in Gary with $3M for Blight Removal and New Event Center Proposal
In another big move last year, Hard Rock gave $3 million to help revive Gary’s downtown. This money went to clearing blight on Broadway, as part of a state-backed plan to boost the economy. Mayor Eddie Melton has said this gift marked a turning point for the city, kicking off real changes in some of its most forgotten areas.
In addition, Hard Rock and city leaders got the okay from the Lake County Board of Commissioners for a bold convention center plan. The proposed project, set to be near the casino, includes a 145,000-square-foot event space, a Hard Rock Hotel, two more hotel spaces, places to eat, and shops.
Hard Rock Casino is strengthening its role in Gary, not just as a place for entertainment, but as a major force in the city’s overall rebuilding plan. The casino’s expanding list of community projects and property development ideas shows it aims to have a long-lasting impact on Gary’s future.
