3D rendering of the city of Hammond logo

Warming Shelters Open in Hammond

rescamilla71Mayor’s Office, News

Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr., has announced that due to the extreme cold expected this week, the City of Hammond has identified several buildings as warming centers, including: Individuals may use these facilities during regular operating hours 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. if necessary to get out of the cold. In the case of a city wide power outage these …

Photo of Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr.

Applications for Funding Available

rescamilla71Mayor’s Office, News

Applications Open for 2026 Funding Through the City of Hammond’s Gaming Advisory Committee Hammond Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr. announces that applications for 2026 funding through the City of Hammond’s Gaming Advisory Committee will open on December 15, 2025 and will remain available until February 20, 2026. This year, the City is moving toward a more technology-friendly and streamlined process. …

3D rendering of the city of Hammond logo

Hammond Obtains Deed of Former St. Margaret’s Site

rescamilla71Economic Development, Mayor’s Office, News, Planning and Development

Mayor Thomas M. McDermott and the city’s economic development team announced that the former site of Franciscan/St. Margaret Hospital is now owned by the city. “The deed was received from Franciscan last week and we promptly recorded it so that the city can move on to the next exciting chapter on this site,” said Mayor McDermott. The site, which occupies …

3D rendering of a Hammond Police squad car by Ray Escamilla.

Police Department Announces Leadership Changes

rescamilla71Hammond Police Department, Mayor’s Office, News

The City of Hammond, Mayor Thomas M. McDermott Jr., and the Hammond Police Department proudly announce significant leadership transitions, including promotions and retirements that mark an important moment in the department’s history. After 38 years of distinguished service, Chief William “Andy” Short has announced his retirement. He will continue serving as Chief Emeritus until his departure date in early April. …

3D rendering of the city of Hammond logo

$22.5 Million Redevelopment Planned for Renaissance Towers

rescamilla71Mayor’s Office, News

The City of Hammond is proud to announce a major $22.5 million investment in the comprehensive renovation of Renaissance Towers & Apartments, one of Indiana’s largest affordable housing communities. The planned rehabilitation will cover the entire complex — including two senior towers and 12 family buildings, totaling 450 units — with an average investment of approximately $50,000 per apartment. Construction …

3D rendering of the city of Hammond logo

Foreign Local Brewery and Taproom Brings Craft Beer, New Jobs,and Community Spirit to Hessville

rescamilla71Economic Development, Mayor’s Office, News

Hammond’s Hessville neighborhood is raising a glass to its newest destination for craft beer lovers and locals alike. Foreign Local Brewery and Taproom, a microbrew pub and neighborhood tavern, is set to open its doors at 6716–18 Kennedy Avenue in the heart of Hammond’s Hessville district. Blending the art of small-batch brewing with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Foreign Local Brewery …

3D rendering of the city of Hammond logo

New Hammond Riverside Christian School to Open in Fall 2026

rescamilla71Mayor’s Office, News

Illiana Christian High School, Crown Point Christian School, and Highland Christian School have joined together to form For Generations to Come, a new educational partnership that will bring a fresh opportunity to Hammond families. The group has acquired the former Spohn School building from City Baptist Schools and plans to launch Hammond Riverside Christian School in the fall of 2026. …

3D rendering of the city of Hammond logo

Extreme Rainfall Response and Cleanup

rescamilla71Mayor’s Office, News, Sanitary District

Hammond and nearby areas received over six inches of rainfall in the past 24 hours, saturating the ground and increasing the risk of flooding. The Hammond Sanitary District (HSD) reports that sewers and the wastewater plant are operating at full capacity. Additional staff have been deployed to the plant and pump stations, and the Columbia Avenue CSO basin is functioning …

Photo of Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr.

Mayor McDermott Imposes Hiring Freeze Executive Order

rescamilla71Mayor’s Office, News

HAMMOND MAYOR SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER IMPOSING HIRING FREEZE IN RESPONSE TO “TAX RELIEF” BILL THAT WILL DEVASTATE LOCAL SERVICES Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr. today signed Executive Order 25-12, declaring an immediate hiring freeze across all City of Hammond departments in response to the passage of Senate Enrolled Act 1 (SEA 1), recently signed into law by Governor Mike Braun. …