Portage EDC hosts Breakfast with Mayor Bonta

Home » Business » Development » Portage EDC hosts Breakfast with Mayor Bonta Portage EDC hosts Breakfast with Mayor Bonta By: Samantha Marino Last Updated: April 24, 2026 On Friday, April 24, community leaders, business owners, and residents gathered for the second annual Breakfast with the Mayor, hosted by the Portage Economic Development Corporation (Portage EDC). Over breakfast, coffee, and conversation, community members gathered to hear updates from city leaders, including Mayor Austin Bonta, as he shared updates on the city’s rapid growth and vision for the future. Portage EDC Breakfast with Mayor Bonta 2026 19 Photos View gallery “There’s never been a period of growth like there is right now,” said Andy Maletta, executive director of the Portage EDC. “Today is a period where vision transforms into action. Ideas become reality. We’re taking control of our own city and our own destiny. We’re a city at the heart of the Region.” Much of Bonta’s address centered on Portage’s evolving identity within Northwest Indiana and the opportunities that come with it. He highlighted an increase in residential development, from new construction to renovated and flipped homes, as more people choose to move into the city. “We have homes for sale, getting built. We have homes that are getting remodeled or redone throughout the city, and we have land,” Bonta said, pointing to the momentum behind Portage’s population growth. A major focus of the discussion was the long-anticipated redevelopment of the former Portage Mall site, which the city sees as the foundation for a new downtown district. Bonta described a shift away from repeatedly drafting plans that never materialized. “For years, plans would get drawn up and put on the shelf,” he said. “We didn’t want to just do another concept plan and put it away.” Instead, the city is implementing a three-step strategy, beginning with the mall property as the “first core” of a walkable downtown along Central Avenue. The second phase will expand toward areas like Halas Harbor, gradually building a connected and accessible city center. “We’ve got 40,000 people within a 10-minute drive,” Bonta said. “They don’t want to be driving 20 minutes away for everything. We want to have our own downtown that we can go to.” The plan emphasizes supporting existing small businesses while creating space for new development. Bonta noted that thriving local establishments already in the area will play a key role in shaping the district’s future. “This is the base of our city,” he said. “We need to build around what’s already working.” Beyond infrastructure, the mayor framed the effort as part of a broader mission to strengthen Portage’s role in the Region. “We’re going to have a downtown in Portage off Central Avenue,” Bonta said. “But the Region’s downtown will be here. That’s the mission.” Maletta emphasized that collaboration between the city, businesses, and community partners is essential to sustaining that growth. The EDC continues to focus on attracting businesses of all sizes while creating an environment where they can succeed. “This partnership helps us collaborate,” he said. “We need an organization that businesses can come to.” As development progresses, Bonta acknowledged that while the vision is long-term, progress is already visible. “I can talk about how cool it’s going to be, but when you see what’s actually here—it’s happening,” he said. The morning also offered attendees a chance not only to hear from the mayor, but to engage with him directly. Following his remarks, Bonta stayed to mingle and speak one-on-one with guests, reinforcing the event’s focus on accessibility and collaboration. With new developments underway, increasing community engagement, and a clear plan for the future, Portage is showing the Region it has big plans. For more information about developments in Portage, visit the website here . City of Portage 6070 Central Ave Portage, IN 46368 Visit Profile Portage Economic Development Corporation 6100 Southport Rd Portage, IN 46368 Visit Profile