The past year held many successes for the La Porte Urban Enterprise Association, according to Board President Mike Riehle.
Formed in 2002, the La Porte UEA awards grants each year to local businesses and residents residing
within the Urban Enterprise Zone. In 2024, the UEA was proud to award more than $110,000 to aid 13
business owners to improve the outward appearance of buildings within the zone. Riehle said these
grants help to alleviate the financial burden for those small business owners that take pride in the
appearance of their building.
“Our board places high priority on improving La Porte’s overall quality of place,” Riehle said. “These
grants not only allow local business owners to improve their properties but also help to foster a
downtown geared toward growth. Our support bridges the much-needed funding gap to bring the
development of these historic buildings to fruition. Over time, this makes La Porte a more attractive
place for new residents and businesses alike.”
The UEA also awarded a record $918,000 in special grants last year to benefit several projects impacting
the community as a whole. This included the purchase of a downtown parking lot at the corner of State
St. and Monroe St., the installation of a public art sculpture at Plaza 618, the installation of a mural on
the side of Mucho Mas, and the rehab of the Carpenters’ Union Hall/Blockhead Brewing location along
Lincolnway.
In an effort to help the downtown flourish, the UEA awarded upwards of $35,000 to support community
events happening in the heart of La Porte, such as the Farmed & Forged Market and the Friday Night Live
events. The association also committed to match the City of La Porte’s investment for safety
improvements at downtown intersections through the upcoming LincolnWalk project.
The continued success of the City’s incredibly popular Dumpster Program is a testament to the need for
such a service and the impact it has had on the community. As such, the UEA invested $118,000 to allow
for the removal of more than 250 full dumpster loads of trash at no cost to City residents.
Last but certainly not least, the association was proud to match the City’s investment of $30,000 for the
development of a new comprehensive plan. Dubbed Our La Porte, this project will create a land use and
transportation plan to guide decision-making and support La Porte’s growth and development for the
next 20 years.
Last year contained several incredible accomplishments for the UEA, with plenty more to come in 2025.
For residents or businesses seeking more information on the UEA, contact Mary Ann Richards at 219-
362-8260 or visit cityoflaporte.com.