Direct flights, affordable housing: Takeaways from Terry's State of the City address
Terry highlighted her new Fight Blight program − aimed at razing structures beyond repair − and the Evansville Fire Department's plans to expand with a new fire station on the East Side.
Plans related to the Parks and Recreation Department's $24 million parks bond were also highlighted, including the new splash pad coming to Tepe Park this summer and major updates to Garvin Park.
Here are a few of the highlights from Terry's presentation.
When Terry delivered her first State of the City address in April 2024, she set the public goal of bringing at least 350 units of affordable housing inside city limits by the time she gave the 2025 State of the City address. The units would either be complete or underway by that time.
"I'm proud to report, we didn't just meet the goal," Terry said Tuesday. "We exceeded it."
According to the city, there have been 75 newly constructed affordable rental units built in that time, along with 21 affordable homes rehabbed and five affordable houses built. Those underway include 154 rehabbed rental units and 240 multi-family housing units, Terry shared.
"That's real, tangible progress," she said.
She said she has a new goal for the city: 2,000 new units by the end of 2027.
"I know it's ambitious," Terry said. "But if we're serious about tackling the housing crisis, it's the kind of goal we must set."
Terry also addressed the impact Senate Bill 1 will have on the city. The bill was designed for property tax relief for residents, but will also limit revenue for schools, libraries and cities.
Evansville is anticipating a loss of $15.8 million in property tax revenue over three years. This will result in a reduction of the city's general fund − 70 percent of which is used for public safety measures such as police, fire and dispatchers.
"This is a challenge," Terry said. "Because let me be clear, protecting public safety is not optional."
Indiana's new property tax guidelines allow cities to raise local income taxes to help make up its losses from property taxes. But Terry said the city will be looking at other options before considering that.
Terry closed her speech with a look ahead, including some specifics residents can expect to see or hear about from the city.
The city has plans to demolish or repair 150 vacant structures this year.
Terry said there are also conversations about restoring direct flights to Detroit from Evansville Regional Airport. This comes after American Airlines brought back the direct flight to Chicago in 2024.
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry delivers second State of the City
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