As we approach the end of the year, I want to begin by wishing each of you a warm and joyful holiday season. This is a busy time for our community and for city government, but it’s also a time to pause, reflect, and appreciate the people and partnerships that make Evansville stronger.

This week brought several important developments worth highlighting.

A Win for Southwest Indiana: Congratulations to IURC Commissioner Bob Deig

This morning, Governor Mike Braun appointed former State Senator Bob Deig to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. This is a significant moment for our region. For months, local officials, residents, and business leaders from across Southwest Indiana have advocated for a commissioner from our region, who understands the realities of our utility challenges and the needs of our residents.

Today, I’m happy to say that our voices mattered. We made calls, wrote letters, and spoke up. And the governor listened.

Bob Deig will bring a Southwest Indiana perspective to decisions that directly affect utility bills, economic development, and long-term affordability. I appreciate Governor Braun’s willingness to engage and ensure our region finally has a seat at the table.

EWSU’s Extension for Septic and FOG Haulers

As well today, the Evansville Water & Sewer Utility announced a six-month extension, through July 1, 2026, for septic haulers and fats, oils, and grease (FOG) haulers who use the city’s receiving station.

Earlier this year, EWSU determined that it was necessary to begin phasing out this service due to the long-term operational and environmental impacts that accepting septic and FOG material place on our treatment system. You can find more information on this issue here.

Continuing Affordability Conversations with CenterPoint Energy

I also had the opportunity this week to meet with leadership from CenterPoint Energy to discuss further how the $5 million Community Energy Improvement Fund will help residents and small businesses manage energy costs.

Utility affordability is one of the most significant challenges facing families in Evansville and our region. I will continue pushing for policies, investments, and partnerships that address these pressures head-on.

Celebrating Local Investment: McDonald’s on Lincoln Avenue

Earlier this week, I joined the Mann family for the grand reopening of their newly remodeled McDonald’s on Lincoln Avenue. This reinvestment is far more than a cosmetic update. It represents:

• A commitment to local jobs
• Improved facilities for employees
• Renewed confidence in our city

Every time a business owner invests in Evansville, it strengthens our economic foundation. I’m grateful to the Mann family for their continued dedication to our community.

Community Crossings Grant: What Happened and What Comes Next

Many residents have heard that the City of Evansville was not awarded a Community Crossings matching grant this cycle. This is the first time the state has made the program competitive, and demand was extraordinary: $237 million in applications for just $100 million in available funds.

We also learned, in communications with INDOT after the awards were announced, that one page of our application was submitted without my signature. It was a form I had signed; unfortunately, when submitting the final application, the City Engineer’s office accidentally attached the original, unsigned form, instead of the form with my signature.

This is disappointing, and we are taking steps to ensure this doesn’t happen again. Please know this doesn’t mean road work is stopping.

The City has approximately $2 million already budgeted for road paving in 2026. Over the winter, our City Engineer’s office will finalize a comprehensive paving package. Come spring, we will put that package out to bid and move forward with the funds we have.

And we will apply again in June for the summer Community Crossings cycle. We intend to be aggressive and disciplined in securing every dollar possible to improve our streets.

A New Sidewalk at Glenwood Leadership Academy: Partnership in Action

Finally, I had the privilege of joining students and staff from Glenwood Leadership Academy and our partners at the J.D. Sheth Foundation to cut the ribbon on a brand-new sidewalk in the Glenwood neighborhood.

This wasn’t a city-mandated project. It was a community-driven one, born from a safety concern identified by parents, teachers, and neighborhood stakeholders. The city partnered with GLA, the Foundation, local businesses, and volunteers to make it happen.

It’s a simple project with a significant impact:

• Safer routes for children walking to school
• A tangible investment in a neighborhood that deserves attention
• A model for how community partnerships can solve problems faster and more creatively than government acting alone

This is exactly the kind of collaborative, people-centered work that moves Evansville forward.

The work this week reflects what makes Evansville resilient: collaboration, accountability, and a shared commitment to improving life for the families who call this city home.

As we enter the final weeks of 2025, know that this administration remains focused, determined, and grounded in service.

Have a safe, joyful, and restful weekend.

Sincerely,

Stephanie