Commercial investment is happening in the City of Warren.

That was part of the budget message that Terry Williams, the city’s codes, permitting and recreation services, brought to Warren City Council during a Tuesday budget meeting.

She said it has been a “good year for the City of Warren as far as construction projects,” noting the value of permits handled in 2019 has been “$5,775,775 spent as of last week on commercial projects in the city.”

That can include anything from upgrades at the courthouse to the Clark Street development to new roofs on existing buildings.

“People are investing in their properties and in the community,” Williams said, “which is a very good thing.”

She noted that residential permits totaling just $218,600.

“(I) don’t think we had any new homes this year,” Williams said, noting that those permits are “mostly additions, porches, decks, renovation” and swimming pools.

“The LERTA program should help us all (add an) extra layer of incentive,” she added.

She noted that department staffing levels are good and that a part-time addition to enforce property maintenance issues has been a “good addition to our staff.”

The department’s budget is “not really changing” and “revenues are projected to be the same for the most part.”