Northwest Indiana Development Authority Approves $150M in Convention Center Bonds

The bonds will help fund a new convention center in Gary, Indiana, with the city and state each contributing $5 million annually towards debt payments.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority has approved a resolution to issue up to $150 million in bonds to finance a new convention center project in Gary, Indiana. The city of Gary and the state of Indiana will each contribute $5 million per year to pay off the bonds. The convention center project has been in the works since 2023, and last year the Hard Rock Casino in Gary was selected as the site.

Why it matters

The new convention center is seen as a major economic development opportunity for the Gary and Northwest Indiana region, helping to attract more visitors and events to the area. It is part of a broader set of initiatives being undertaken by the Regional Development Authority to spur growth and investment in the region.

The details

Under the terms of the agreement approved by the RDA, the Indiana Finance Authority and the city of Gary are expected to adopt similar resolutions to facilitate the bond issuance. The RDA President and CEO, Sherri Ziller, has been directed to provide periodic status reports on the project. The RDA is also helping to establish a new land development entity that will assist with property assembly and addressing issues with troubled lots in the region.

  • The RDA approved the resolution for the convention center bonds on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • The convention center project has been in the works since 2023.
  • Last year, in 2025, the Hard Rock Casino in Gary was chosen as the site for the new convention center.

The players

Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority

The regional economic development agency responsible for overseeing and coordinating major projects and initiatives in Northwest Indiana.

Sherri Ziller

The President and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority.

Anne Taylor

A representative from Hammond who cast the sole vote against the convention center bond resolution.

Rick Calinski

The Director of Public Affairs and Economic Development at NIPSCO, and a board member of the new land development entity being created by the RDA.

Pete Novak

The CEO of the Northwest Indiana Realtors Association, and a board member of the new land development entity.

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What they’re saying

“The convention center project has been in the works since 2023. Last year, Hard Rock Casino in Gary was chosen as the site for the convention center.”

— Sherri Ziller, President and CEO, Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (chicagotribune.com)

“I'm going to work with AJ and let him enjoy himself.”

— David Hollenbeck, RDA Attorney (chicagotribune.com)

What’s next

The Indiana Finance Authority and the city of Gary are expected to adopt similar resolutions to the one approved by the RDA, further facilitating the issuance of the $150 million in bonds for the convention center project.

The takeaway

The new convention center in Gary represents a significant economic development opportunity for the Northwest Indiana region, with the RDA coordinating the financing and other key aspects of the project. The bond issuance and public-private partnership approach demonstrate the region's commitment to investing in infrastructure and attracting more visitors and events.