Fight Blight initiative clears the way for safer neighborhoods and future redevelopment
The City of Evansville today announced that it has demolished its 50th blighted property of 2025, reaching a key milestone in Mayor Stephanie Terry’s Fight Blight initiative.
Launched last year, Fight Blight is a coordinated effort led by the Mayor’s Office, the Evansville Building Commission, and the Department of Metropolitan Development to eliminate unsafe, decaying structures and return those sites to productive use.
“Every family deserves to live in a safe, stable neighborhood,” said Mayor Terry. “Each demolition represents one less hazard for our firefighters, one less eyesore for our residents, and one more opportunity to rebuild a block. This is about restoring pride and possibility in every corner of our city.”
As part of the next phase of the initiative, DMD will work with the Evansville Land Bank to acquire eligible properties that did not sell at the recent tax sale. Once acquired, the goal is to work with nonprofit organizations, neighborhood groups, and private developers to rehabilitate or redevelop the properties into new housing and community assets.
“Homeownership is one of the most powerful tools we have to build family stability and generational wealth,” said Mayor Terry. “By clearing away blight and working with partners to return these lots to use, we are creating pathways for more families to put down roots, strengthen neighborhoods, and build a future in Evansville.”
“Taking down dangerous structures is only the first step,” said Kolbi Jackson, Executive Director of the Department of Metropolitan Development. “The true success of this program comes when we turn empty lots into homes … when families can build a future on what used to be blighted property.”
The City has committed more than $500,000 this year to support demolitions, with a goal of preparing as many as 150 properties for removal. Community members can continue to report unsafe, vacant, or abandoned properties by emailing blight@evansville.in.gov with the address and a brief description.
A full list of razed structures, as well as structures that have been contracted for demolition, can be found at https://www.evansvillegov.org/egov/apps/document/center.egov?view=item&id=9938.
