Vision Committee

Join us for our Annual Awards Banquet

A few months ago a committee was established by Mayor Lloyd and the County Commissioners to determine a “vision” for Evansville and Vanderburgh County in conjunction with development of an updated Comprehensive Plan. I was proud to be asked to participate on that committee and pleased to do so. The committee is made up of 23 citizens from many walks of life with very diverse interests and is coordinated by the Director of the Area Planning Commission, Brad Mills, and his staff.

Although the group had a wide range of diversity and strong opinions about the current status and future direction of Evansville, Vanderburgh County and the region, the discussions were substantive and sincere. More importantly the group did come to a single decision felt to represent a reflective and well thought out statement of the vision for the area. “We envision Evansville and Vanderburgh County as a prominent regional center that offers prosperity, growth and a quality place to live, learn, work, invest and visit.”

Along with the Vision Statement, the committee established several goals for updating the Comprehensive Plan within eight general categories: land use, economic development, quality of life, transportation, utilities, environmental quality, hazard mitigation and plan implementation. The committee also established several primary goals supporting the Vision Statement.

The primary goals are:

I. Long Term Growth Creating a Prosperous and Diverse Economy

Capitalize on Assets
- central location of our regional market area
- available transportation modes (highway, rail, water, air)
- fiber optic network for technology industries
- local work force and work ethic
- outstanding educational system
- regional health care facilities
- regional retail & restaurants
Create Variety of New Job Opportunities
- recruit new businesses along with workforce training
- foster existing business retention/expansion
- promote small business development

II. Revitalize the Central Business District and Urban Core

Create a Vibrant Central Business District 24/7
- promote mixed use within buildings
- promote new residents in higher density residential
- recruit new businesses
Redevelop the Urban Core
- promote infill development
- redevelop older, underutilized areas
- promote higher density residential

III. Ensure Responsible Development

Create Compatible Mix of Land Use Types
Maintain Adequate Capacity of Infrastructure & Services
Build Attractive Development Based on Community Standards

IV. Enhance Community Quality of Life

Ensure a Safe Community
Provide Quality Educational & Health Care Systems
Promote Sense of Community & Livable Neighborhoods
Offer a Variety of Cultural & Recreational Activities

For my small part in this process, it was interesting and enjoyable. Brad Mills and his staff deserve much credit and a gigantic “thank you” for all their assistance and guidance throughout the process.

As part of the process for updating the Comprehensive Plan, additional input from the general public will be obtained through several advertised hearings in the upcoming months. I’ll keep you informed regarding the date, time and location of the public meetings.

Fred Padget