Evansville, Ind. – A public forum held Tuesday night brought together Evansville residents and city leaders to discuss the city’s upcoming budget and address the pressing needs of the community. With a focus on infrastructure, housing, and neighborhood safety, attendees voiced concerns and offered suggestions for how the city could better allocate its resources to meet the demands of the growing population.
The meeting, which attracted a diverse group of residents, began with a breakdown of the city’s current budget allocations. Once the numbers were presented, the discussion quickly turned to the areas most in need of improvement. Among the most commonly raised issues were the safety of sidewalks and streets, affordable housing, and the condition of public infrastructure.
Deandre Wilson, a crossing guard at a local elementary school, emphasized the importance of improving the safety of sidewalks and intersections, particularly for children. “I can’t stress enough the safety of sidewalks and intersections,” Wilson said. “To see everyone come together around sidewalks—it’s important.”
Wilson’s concerns resonated with many in the room, especially as the city continues to grapple with the effects of a recent traffic change at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Washington Avenue. According to officials from the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), the modification was intended to reduce crashes and improve overall safety. However, residents, including Wilson, continue to call for more pedestrian-friendly measures, such as flashing signs and improved crosswalks near schools and high-traffic areas.
In addition to sidewalk and intersection safety, residents raised concerns about the fast-moving traffic near Riverside Drive and other parts of the city. Several people suggested increased visibility for pedestrians, such as additional safety lights at major intersections, and better signage to slow down drivers in key areas.
Kristi Williams, a driver for METS Micro, also spoke at the forum, bringing attention to the city’s affordable housing fund and the ongoing need for public infrastructure improvements. “It is very near and dear to my heart,” Williams said. “I’ve seen how much [funding] has done for the community and the people who’ve benefited from it.”
Infrastructure was a central topic of discussion throughout the evening, with many attendees echoing concerns about road conditions and public transportation. Over $5 million is set to be invested in road repair projects in the coming months, with additional focus being placed on sidewalk assessments. City officials have promised to prioritize crosswalk safety near schools and to repair cracks in sidewalks, especially in high-traffic neighborhoods.
Roger Kraft, another resident, questioned how the city could access additional funding for transit and rideshare programs. “I’m kind of curious to know how they’re going to compartmentalize and go out into other places to access more funds—especially for transit and the rideshare industry,” Kraft said. His comments reflect the growing demand for better public transportation options, particularly for underserved areas.
Beyond roads and transportation, the forum also touched on public parks and recreational facilities. One resident inquired about the city’s plans for Tepe Park’s new splash zone and how the city would maintain its 46 parks. There was also discussion about the creation of a “food forest”—an innovative project aimed at promoting sustainability and local food access in the community.
While infrastructure dominated much of the conversation, several other concerns were brought to the table, including the need for improved citywide WiFi, updates to the city’s social media presence, better management of wastewater systems, and reducing sewer odor in certain neighborhoods.
In response to the feedback, Mayor Stephanie Terry and her team assured attendees that the concerns raised would be taken into consideration during upcoming meetings with department heads, starting in July. The mayor expressed gratitude for the public’s input and promised that the discussions would help shape the city’s budget priorities moving forward.
The forum, while well-attended, raised questions about public engagement in the budget process. Roger Kraft remarked, “I can’t believe there weren’t more people here. This was a very great thing.” Many residents agreed that the forum was an invaluable opportunity for citizens to directly contribute to the future of Evansville, and that more forums like this would help foster a greater sense of civic involvement.
As the city continues to navigate its growth and development, the feedback from Tuesday’s forum will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping decisions for the upcoming budget and long-term infrastructure plans.
