This was the third time Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry, both the first woman, and African American, to hold the office, delivered her update on city progress.
Held at the Tuesday May 19 Rotary Luncheon, her presentation included lots of video presentations and graphics.
While scant in 2026, in terms of “breaking news” researching a new 311 app is at the top of Terry’s list. This would allow residents to request services in non-emergency situations.
“So that we can be more efficient in responding to those requests,” she said. “I think the other big thing is again looking at other economic development opportunities, like an indoor sports facility, but then also continuing again the work that we're doing from the housing perspective.”
She says they’re at 61-percent of their goal for two thousand new affordable housing units. They have razed 100 blighted structures.
Terry said parks have been a topic of constant comment, even while she was campaigning.
“It's not about just building a new park or recreational facility, it's about taking care of what we have, and we are doing just that.”
She highlighted the replacement of several city signs, and playground equipment, a new splashpad coming to Igleheart Park, and the challenge of maintaining the more than 40 locations.
Other highlights in 2025 included bringing the ambulance service back to the city fire department and approving a new climate action plan.
WNIN will add a video of the presentation shortly
Her presentation included an honor guard to present the colors and live instrumental music. She said some of the ‘pomp and circumstance’ were to celebrate the new city branding — a logo centered around the ubiquitous lower-case “e” with waves represented and shades of blue and orange.
Terry said this brand will provide a “clear visual identity for our city departments,” and thanked RJO Solutions, who donated their marketing services.
While there was a lot of progress reported, she said 2025 wasn’t easy.
“But it was a tough year, actually,” she said. “2025 was a very tough year for us, and a very intense year, but I think in a way we've shown that we're resilient, our team is resilient, we're still trying to innovate and adapt to the challenges that we faced, and still continue to move forward.”
She referred to Senate Enrolled Act 1 which reduced property taxes, potentially at the expense of city services, a disruption in SNAP benefits and that massive multi-million dollar sinkhole
She also said the project to rehab Mesker Ampitheater is stalled currently. 2027 will be the final year of her first term.
“Four years goes by fast, and you know, a one year political term, and so it's important that people see results, but know that it does take some time to make some of those things happen. But I think we're well on track, and we have a lot of momentum, and are excited about the work ahead.”
Which she says includes building momentum and growing businesses in the community.
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