I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We took last week off from the Friday Focus, and I truly enjoyed having a moment to pause and spend time with my family. That time together is always a blessing. I’m glad to be back and ready to share what’s been happening across our city, and I’m grateful for this season that reminds us to pause, gather, and reflect on what truly matters.

This past Saturday, we held the city’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting. It was cold and rainy, but families bundled up to enjoy music, pictures with Santa, hot chocolate, and that familiar sense of togetherness that makes this tradition special. The tree is lit to remind us to be a light of joy, hope, and compassion.

We also saw a group of protesters in attendance. They were there to express their concerns following the recent officer-involved shooting in which Everett Nunn lost his life. That night, I acknowledged their presence and the issues they raised. In moments like these, it is important that our community has space to grieve, to ask questions, and to be heard. I appreciate residents who engage constructively, even when the conversations are difficult.

On Tuesday, the Mayor’s Education Roundtable met to discuss the insights our community leaders brought back from their recent visit to the Harlem Children's Zone, as well as to begin preparing for a citywide literacy effort to support our young scholars. This work is still in its early stages, but the momentum is real; look for more information on our literacy effort in the beginning of 2026!

Yesterday, I spent the day at the AIM Mayors Institute, joining fellow mayors from across Indiana to discuss the issues shaping cities statewide. We covered everything from SEA 1 and its impact on local budgets, to economic development strategies, to the growing concern of personal safety for public officials. These are difficult but necessary conversations.

I also had the opportunity to co-present with Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun on how first-term mayors can break down bureaucratic barriers and reimagine municipal development. In Evansville we are taking steps to modernize processes, strengthen coordination across departments, and create clearer pathways for investment and growth. Sharing these efforts, and learning from the experiences of others, reinforces the importance of innovation and collaboration.

And today, I am in Lebanon, touring Farmers Fieldhouse. Cities across the country are using spaces like this to catalyze growth, spark tourism, support youth programming, and drive economic momentum. Seeing it firsthand will help me understand what may be possible as we evaluate transformative opportunities for Evansville’s future. Our goal is always the same: build projects that strengthen our city, serve our residents, and position us for long-term success.

As we move through the holiday season, I hope you find moments of joy, rest, and time with the people you love. We will always be stronger together.

Have a wonderful weekend.

- Stephanie