This week took me back to one of the places where I spent most of my professional career: the Koch Family Children’s Museum of Evansville (cMoe). I had the privilege of returning for two ribbon cuttings that reminded me why this organization matters so much.

On Monday, we celebrated Phase I of the Play It Forward campaign. As someone who spent years walking those floors and watching children discover the world, standing there as mayor and seeing the new exhibits, new branding, and new investments in our families was a joy. I am so proud of the obstacles that the board, the staff, and I worked through after the pandemic to launch the campaign and raise five million dollars toward the overall goal before I became mayor. The improvements already made strengthen the museum as an educational anchor for Evansville’s children. And with more enhancements still ahead, the vision only grows brighter.

Later in the week, I returned for a ceremony honoring Karen Donovan Magan, whose passion and persistence made cMoe possible in the first place. Her work did more than build a museum, it helped create a culture of imagination and exploration for our entire region. I am grateful to have walked the path she cleared, and I am grateful her legacy continues to inspire a new generation.

FIGHT BLIGHT: A MAJOR MILESTONE

On Tuesday, we announced a milestone that reflects months of hard and often unglamorous work. Our Fight Blight initiative has officially reached 150 blighted properties either demolished or in the demolition pipeline. Since January 1, we have demolished 59 blighted structures, and another 91 are moving through hearings, bids, or contractor scheduling.

This work is about restoring dignity to neighborhoods that have been neglected for too long. It is about showing families and children that their streets matter, their safety matters, and their community matters.

Thank you to every resident who has sent us an address or photo. We see you, we are responding, and we want you to keep sending them to blight@evansville.in.gov.

AN EVENING OF GRATITUDE AND COMMUNITY

On Wednesday night, First Presbyterian Church hosted our second annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, bringing together leaders across Evansville’s many faith traditions. This has quickly become one of my favorite events of the year. In a moment when division dominates so much of our national dialogue, standing together in shared reflection and gratitude reminds me of the true character of this community.

I also want to thank everyone who contributed to our Little Pantry Food Drive during the service. Your generosity will help families across Evansville put food on the table during the holiday season.

SMALL BUSINESS STORIES + SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

If you followed my Facebook page this week, you saw a daily stream of visits to local businesses. Coffee shops, boutiques, barber shops, restaurants, and so many others opened their doors and shared their stories. These entrepreneurs are the backbone of our local economy, and the diversity of their experiences is one of Evansville’s greatest strengths.

Next Saturday, November 29, is Small Business Saturday. I encourage everyone to spend locally, invest locally, and celebrate the people who keep our neighborhoods vibrant and unique. After you shop around the city, join us Downtown for our Holiday Tree Lighting in front of the Civic Center from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The program begins at 7:00 p.m. We will have live performances, five-dollar hot chocolate and cider, and pictures with Santa. This is always one of the most joyful nights of the year in Evansville, and I hope to see you there.

A MOMENT WITH ANEW

This week, I had the opportunity to speak to A Network of Evansville Women. I shared an update on our work, from neighborhood revitalization to public safety investments to the efforts underway in parks, housing, youth development, and economic development. What I appreciated most was being in a room filled with women who lead with purpose. Evansville is stronger because of their influence, their voices, and their commitment to lifting others.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Finally, a quick look behind the curtain. My team and I continue to prepare for a joint presentation with Veridus Group and Mayor Brandon Sakbun of Terre Haute for the AIM Mayor’s Institute in early December. Together, we will be sharing how our cities are reengineering municipal processes to support development, foster growth, and improve government efficiency. Our work here includes updating the incentive toolkit, creating a clearer process flow chart, and developing a new landing page on our website that will make our economic development processes easier for residents and developers to navigate.

As we head into the holiday week, I want to wish you and your loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you find time to rest, reconnect, and reflect on the many blessings in your life. I am grateful every day for the privilege of serving this community and for the partnership we continue to build together. Enjoy the holiday, and thank you for all you do to keep Evansville moving forward.

Have a great weekend,
Stephanie

P.S. See you at the Evansville Christmas Parade this Sunday!