City and County Boards & Commissions Appointments
The City of Evansville and Vanderburgh County are always looking for civic-minded residents willing to serve our community. We have more than 60 boards and commissions that govern our city and county.
Below is a complete list of City of Evansville and Vanderburgh County boards and commissions.
ADVISORY BOARD ON DISABILITY SERVICES
The Advisory Board on Disability Services (hereafter “advisory boardâ€) provides guidance to the City of Evansville and Vanderburgh County in matters concerning individuals with disabilities. The advisory board shall offer a public forum for members of the community to raise issues of concern and act as an advocate to make Evansville and Vanderburgh County more accessible to all people with disabilities.
ADVISORY BOARD ON PROPERTY MAINTENANCE (RENTAL REGISTRY)
The Advisory Board on Property Maintenance provides guidance to the City of Evansville in matters concerning the enforcement of the maintenance of buildings containing dwelling units. The Advisory Board shall offer a public forum for members of the community to raise issues of concern and act as an advocate for public health, safety, and welfare insofar as they affect the occupancy and maintenance of buildings containing dwelling units.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Affordable Housing Fund Advisory Committee makes recommendations to the City regarding the development of policies and procedures for the uses of the Affordable Housing Fund.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE BOARD OF VANDERBURGH COUNTY
The Alcoholic Beverage Board of Vanderburgh County considers and reviews all applications for alcoholic beverage permits in Vanderburgh County under the rules and regulations of the Indiana Alcohol & Tobacco Commission.
ANIMAL CONTROL AND EDUCATION COMMISSION
The Animal Control and Education Commission approves or disapproves all applications for permits and licenses for animals, recommends ordinance changes, which are subject to approval from Common Council, and can revoke permits and licenses for animals.
AREA PLAN COMMISSION OF EVANSVILLE & VANDERBURGH COUNTY
The Area Plan Commission oversees land use policy including Zoning and Subdivisions.
BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF CONSTRUCTION AND ROOFING
The Board of Examiners of Construction and Roofing shall certify the questions and answers for applicants applying for a license. This board shall set standards for a continuing education program which each master or contractor shall be required to attend in order to renew their master or contractor license each year.
BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF HVAC, STEAMFITTERS AND REFRIGERATION INSTALLERS
When an applicant for a master HVAC Installer, journeyman HVAC installer, Master Steam Fitter, journeyman Steam Fitter, Master Refrigeration installer, or journeyman Refrigeration Installer is required to take a license examination pursuant to City or County Ordinance, the Board of Examiners of HVAC, Steam Fitters, and Refrigeration Installers shall conduct and give an examination to the applicant and shall certify the questions and answers of the applicant with the Board’s findings to the Licensing and Disciplinary Board, and such determination, shall be final and conclusive.
The Board shall set standards for the Continuing Education Program to which each Master or Contractor shall be required to attend in order to renew a Master or Contractor License each year. The number of hours and the content of the program shall be submitted to the Licensing and Disciplinary Board for approval.
BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
The Board of Park Commissioners oversees the Evansville Department of Parks and Recreation and Mesker Park Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
The Board of Public Safety’s purpose is to coordinate the functions of the departments within this division. This board approves all permits for the following:
-Dumpster in the Street Permit
-Handicap Parking Residence Signs
-Horse-Drawn Carriage Permit
-Massage Clinic or School Operation Application
-Parking Permit
-Road/Street Closure (except Utilities)
-Special Event Permits
-Taxicab Drivers License
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
The Board of Public Works has the authority over the departments within the Division of Transportation & Service, which includes Street Maintenance, City Maintenance, Traffic Engineering, Urban Forestry, METS, Locust Hill & Oak Hill Cemeteries, and Animal Control.
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
The Board of Zoning Appeals oversees variance and appeals from the Zoning Ordinance requirements along with hearing all Special Use applications.
BURDETTE PARK ADVISORY BOARD
The purpose of the Burdette Park Advisory Committee is to study and review the operation of Burdette Park; to review and consider alternatives for the administration of park and recreation services in Vanderburgh County; to receive and consider citizen recommendations for administration of park and recreation services; to meet with representatives designated by the city of Evansville to study alternatives for joint operation and administration of parks and recreation services in the county and the city of Evansville (including but not limited to consideration of the adoption of the Park and Recreation Law, IC 36-10-3, et seq. by both the city and county); and to make reports and recommendations to the commissioners concerning the findings and conclusions of the advisory committee.
CENTRAL DISPATCH BOARD
The Central Dispatch Board oversees the operations and expenses of Central Dispatch pursuant to an inter-local agreement between the City of Evansville and Vanderburgh County, Indiana.
CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
A Citizen Advisory Committee shall be established to maximize citizen input on the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Community Development Block Grants and the Emergency Solutions Grants.
COMMISSION ON HOMELESSNESS IN VANDERBURGH COUNTY
The Commission on Homelessness oversees the implementation of the city-county plans to prevent and end homelessness.
COMMISSION ON THE SOCIAL STATUS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MALES
The City of Evansville Commission on the Social Status of African American Males shall:
(1) Develop annual and long-range goals.
(2) Develop action committees.
(3) Use resource individuals who are not members of the commission.
(4) Develop and coordinate information and programs to promote self-destructive behaviors which exacerbate a myriad of community problems.
(5) Serve as a catalyst and broker to facilitate a common foundation upon which viable courses of action can be initiated, monitored, evaluated, and fine-tuned in order to promote positive public and private remedies to the multifaceted problems confronting African American males in our community and the resulting effects on the entire community.
(6) Network with the African American Male National Council, the Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males and all local commissions operating throughout the State by sharing ideas, information, statistical data, and action plans.
(7) Issue an annual written report.
COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS COMPLEX ADVISORY BOARD
A Community Corrections Advisory Board shall: (1) formulate: (A) the community corrections plan and the application for financial aid required by section 4 of this chapter; and (B) the forensic diversion program plan under IC 11-12-3.7; (2) observe and coordinate community corrections programs in the county; (3) make an annual report to the county fiscal body, county executive, or, in a county having a consolidated city, the city-county council, containing an evaluation of the effectiveness of programs receiving financial aid under this chapter and recommendations for improvement, modification, or discontinuance of these programs; (4) ensure that programs receiving financial aid under this chapter comply with the standards adopted by the department under section 5 of this chapter; and (5) recommend to the county executive the approval or disapproval of contracts with units of local government or nongovernmental agencies that desire to participate in the community corrections plan.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COALITION OF SOUTHWEST INDIANA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Coalition’s 67 member Board of Directors offers a valuable knowledge pool of community leaders from business, education, healthcare, government, and other organizations in Gibson, Posey, Vanderburgh, and Warrick Counties in the state of Indiana. These individuals help guide our work at The Coalition and shape the economic development strategy in Southwest Indiana
ELECTRICAL EXAMINERS BOARD
When an applicant shall apply for a license as a master electrician or a journeyman electrician, the Electrical Examiners Board shall conduct and give an examination to the applicant and shall certify the questions and answers of the applicant with their finding to the Licensing and Disciplinary Board, which may review the questions, answers, and findings, and may adopt, modify, or reverse the finding.
This Board shall set standards for a Continuing Education Program to which each Master or Contractor shall be required to attend in order to renew their Master or Contractor license each year.
The Board shall receive, hear, and consider all complaints and questions of interpretation pertaining to the meaning of any provision of the electrical code. The Board shall make findings as to what its interpretation of the disputed provision is and shall report its findings to the Building Commissioner.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
The purpose of the Emergency Medical Services Oversight Committee is to assure the EMS Provider’s performance meets contract requirements and reviewing opportunities for improvement in care or reduction in cost and making recommendations regarding the same to the Mayor.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY BOARD
The Environmental Protection Agency Advisory Board works to resolve appeals, and to study the problem of environmental protection and recommend to the Director and Common Council of the City appropriated means, including needed additions or revisions of EMC 16.05.
EVANSVILLE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU COMMISSION
The Evansville Convention and Visitors Bureau Commission’s purpose is to promote the development and growth of the convention and visitor industry in Vanderburgh County.
EVANSVILLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
The Evansville Economic Development Commission reviews projects for economic impact on the community before city council votes to issue bonds. It is a required review by state law. Its objective is to finance economic development or pollution control facilities per IC 36-7-12-3.
EVANSVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT MERIT COMMISSION
The Evansville Fire Department Merit Commission shall have the authority to adopt, amend, and repeal rules and regulations concerning selection, appointment, promotion, and procedural matters relating to discipline of members of the Evansville Fire Department.
EVANSVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT PENSION BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Evansville Fire Department Pension Board of Trustee shall distribute the corpus and income of the 1937 Firefighters’ Pension Fund to members and their beneficiaries in accordance with I.C. 36-8-7.
EVANSVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
The Evansville Housing Authority Board of Commissioners shall be responsible for the overall preservation, direction, and future of the Authority in providing families with a place to live, to grow, and to work toward self-sufficiency.
EVANSVILLE LAND BANK CORPORATION
As an independent, not-for-profit entity, the primary purpose of the Evansville Land Bank Corporation shall be to acquire, manage, maintain, protect, rent, lease, repair, alter, sell, trade, exchange, or otherwise dispose of distressed real property acquired through tax foreclosure or other methods as provided in Indiana Code 36-7-38 for residential real property located within the City and any other governmental entity with which the land bank has agreed or contracted to perform services.
EVANSVILLE LOCAL PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT BOND BANK BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Evansville Local Public Improvement Bond Bank was established for the purpose of financing infrastructure improvements and economic development opportunities to support the City of Evansville and its agencies.
EVANSVILLE METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION POLICY COMMITTEE
The Policy Committee is the body that approves all transportation-related activities of the MPO. Federal Legislation requires the establishment of a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) in urban areas where the population exceeds 50,000 people for the purpose of conducting a cooperative, comprehensive and continuing transportation planning process. This area includes the City of Evansville, the Town of Newburgh, Vanderburgh County, and Warrick County in Indiana. The City of Henderson and Henderson County in Kentucky are also included.
EVANSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT PENSION BOARD
The Evansville Police Department Pension Board of Trustee shall distribute the corpus and income of the 1925 Police Pension Fund to members and their beneficiaries in accordance with I.C. 36-8-6.
EVANSVILLE REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
The Redevelopment Authority financing, constructing, and leasing local public improvements to the Evansville Redevelopment Commission per IC 36-7-14.5-11.
EVANSVILLE REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
The Evansville Redevelopment Commission shall: (1) investigate, study, and survey areas needing redevelopment within the corporate boundaries of the unit; (2) investigate, study, determine, and, to the extent possible, combat the causes of areas needing redevelopment; (3) promote the use of land in the manner that best serves the interests of the unit and its inhabitants; (4) cooperate: (A) with the departments and agencies of: (i) the unit; and (ii) other governmental entities; and (B) with: (i) public instrumentalities; and (ii) public corporate bodies; created by state law; in the manner that best serves the purposes of this chapter; (5) make findings and reports on their activities under this section, and keep those reports open to inspection by the public at the offices of the department; (6) select and acquire the areas needing redevelopment to be redeveloped under this chapter; and (7) replan and dispose of the areas needing redevelopment in the manner that best serves the social and economic interests of the unit and its inhabitants.
EVANSVILLE URBAN ENTERPRISE ASSOCIATION BOARD
The Evansville Urban Enterprise Association shall do the following:
(1) Coordinate zone development activities.
(2) Serve as a catalyst for zone development.
(3) Promote the zone to outside groups and individuals.
(4) Establish a formal line of communication with residents and businesses in the zone.
(5) Act as a liaison between residents, businesses, the municipality, and the board for any development activity that may affect the zone or zone residents.
EVANSVILLE-VANDERBUGH COUNTY BUILDING AUTHORITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Evansville-Vanderburgh County Building Authority was established for the purpose of acquiring land; and financing, acquiring, improving, constructing, reconstructing, renovating, equipping, and operating government buildings and systems; and leasing them to eligible entities
EVANSVILLE – VANDERBURGH AIRPORT AUTHORITY DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The purpose of the Evansville-Vanderburgh Airport Authority District Board of Directors is to set policy and approve business conducted by the Evansville-Vanderburgh Airport Authority, which owns and operates Evansville Regional Airport and associated properties.
EVANSVILLE – VANDERBURGH COMMISSION ON DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE
The purpose of the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence is to substantially decrease the occurence of domestic and sexual violence in the community by:
1.Promoting and strengthening community and government efforts to provide a collaborative approach in building capacity to meet the needs of victims of existing or threatened domestic and sexual violence and encourage those targeted to access and make use of all available help and to provide perpetrators the motivation, skills and opportunity necessary to abandon domestic and sexually violent behavior
2.Encouraging the development of educational efforts within the general public, agencies, and organizations dealing with domestic and sexual violence by recognizing that education is effective in intervention and the prevention of domestic and sexual violence
3.Developing new programs and approaches to reduce domestic and sexual violence as community and societal needs change.
EVANSVILLE – VANDERBURGH COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL
The Advisory Council shall exercise general supervision and oversight over the emergency management and disaster program of the City and County and shall select, with the approval of the Mayor, an Emergency Management Director, who shall have direct responsibility for the organization, administration and operation of the emergency management program in the City and County and shall be responsible to the chairman of the Advisory Council. The Emergency Management Director shall not hold any other local or state government office.
EVANSVILLE – VANDERBURGH COUNTY LEVEE AUTHORITY DISTRICT BOARD
The Levee Authority District is established for the purpose of acquiring whatever property interests are needed to allow the district of the United States Army Corps of Engineers or the Evansville-Vanderburgh Levee Authority District to construct and maintain levees. The District and the board shall have the power and duties specified by IC 13-2-31-1 through 13-2-31-31.
GREENWAY ADVISORY BOARD
The Greenway Advisory Board shall make recommendations to the Mayor, County Commissioners, City Council, County Council, and Board of Park Commissioner regarding Greenway matters.
HAYNIE’S CORNER ARTS DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Haynie’s Corner Art District Advisory Committee meets to review and support the creation and expansion of projects within the Haynie’s Corner Arts District.
HEARING AUTHORITY
The Hearing Authority provides the first level of due process through Administrative Hearings, on orders issued by the Building Commission. The hearing process enables the City to enforce housing standards and establishes the legal process for removal of unsafe structures.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
The Historic Preservation Commission seeks to preserve and enhance the city’s distinct aesthetic that serves as visible reminders of its historic heritage. The Commission accomplishes this through enforcement of the city’s local Preservation Ordinance.
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
The purpose of the Human Relations Commission is to:
(1) Provide all of its citizens equal opportunity for education, employment, access to public conveniences and accommodations, and acquisition through purchase or rental of real property, including but not limited to housing, and to eliminate segregation or separation based solely on race, religion, color, sex, disability, national origin, age or ancestry, since such segregation is an impediment to equal opportunity. Equal education and employment opportunities and equal access to and use of public accommodations and equal opportunity for acquisition of real property are hereby declared to be civil rights.
(2) Promote, through reasonable means and methods, equality of opportunity without regard to race, sex, color, religion, disability, ancestry, national origin, age, sexual orientation or gender identity.
(3) Protect persons from unfounded charges of discriminatory practices and to protect persons against the filing and investigation of duplicate charges of discrimination.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY COUNCIL
The purpose of the Information Technology Advisory Council (ITAC) is to assist the Chief Information Officer (CIO) by reviewing and making recommendations relating to IT matters.
LEGAL AID SOCIETY
The Legal Aid Society, Inc. Board of Directors shall be responsible for the governance and control of the business of the Legal Aid Society of Evansville, Inc.
LICENSING AND DISCIPLINARY BOARD
(Citizens are not appointed to the Licensing and Disciplinary Board. All members are “by virtue of their position” with the City or County or their membership on other boards.)
The Licensing and Disciplinary Board shall have the power to receive all applications for licenses for all crafts and trades; to receive results of the tests administered to applicants and findings made by the Board of Examiners; to adopt, modify, or reverse the findings; and to approve or disapprove the application for a license. The Board shall also have the power to revoke, suspend, place on probationary status and take other lesser disciplinary action against a licensee. The Board may issue a public reprimand, revoke a license, or suspend a license. The Board may investigate allegations against persons registered or seeking registration. The Board shall determine and establish the fees for license testing. The Board shall establish continuing education requirements for crafts or trades.
LOAN ADMINISTRATION BOARD
The Loan Administration Board’s purpose is to approve loans and loan modifications for the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) and Downtown Revitalization Loan Fund.
The Economic Development Administration’s RLF Program supplies small businesses and entrepreneurs with the gap financing needed to start or expand their business. EDA’s regional offices award competitive grants to: Units of local government (like the City of Evansville); State governments; Institutions of higher education; public or private non-profit organizations; EDA-approved economic development district organizations; and Indian Tribes.
Each EDA-funded RLF sets its own underwriting and risk management policies, and determines interest rates, loan terms, and maximum assistance levels in accordance with its own policies, as well as the unique characteristics of each loan.
MBE/WBE UTILIZATION BOARD
The MBE/WBE Utilization Board’s purpose is to lawfully promote economic development by the utilization of Minority-owned Business Enterprises (MBE) and Women-owned Business Enterprises (WBE), by City and County departments/boards and the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, as prime contractors and subcontractors in contracts for purchases and construction projects.
MESKER PARK ZOO AND BOTANICAL GARDEN ADVISORY BOARD
The Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden Advisory Board’s purpose is to make recommendations regarding planning, development, and oversight of projects and improvements to the zoo.
OLD COURTHOUSE FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
To promote restoration and preservation of the Old Vanderburgh County Courthouse as set forth in the bylaws of the Old Courthouse Foundation, Inc. and approved by the Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners.
POLICE MERIT COMMISSION
The Evansville Police Merit Commission oversees the selection, promotional, and disciplinary processes of the Evansville Police Department.
PORT AUTHORITY OF EVANSVILLE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The purpose of the Port Authority of Evansville Board of Directors is to encourage the participation of private enterprise and to assist such enterprise in the development of the economic capabilities of water-related facilities, including the USS LST 325.
PUBLIC DEFENDER BOARD
The purpose of the Vanderburgh County Public Defender Board is to provide legal representation to indigent defendants/respondents in criminal, juvenile, probation violation, extradition, child support, civil commitments and other proceedings where the right to counsel has been established by law.
SOLID WASTE BOARD
The purpose of the Solid Waste Board is to oversee the solid waste management district.
THE ARC OF EVANSVILLE
One County Commissioner representative per the Organization’s Bylaws.
TREE ADVISORY BOARD
The Tree Advisory Board’s purpose is to assist and advise other departments & agencies regarding public tree care. Issue permits required by ordinance and govern arborist certification program.
VANDERBURGH COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
Boards of health are part of state and local public health systems and are charged to address health promotion, disease prevention, and public protection. They provide the necessary guidance and oversight of a local health department to assure the community’s health. The mission of the Board of Health is to work with our community partners to: Develop and provide quality health care services; promote healthy lifestyles; protect against and prevent the spread of disease; and assure preparedness to achieve and maintain the best public health for our community.
VANDERBURGH COUNTY REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
The county creates a redevelopment authority under the Act to be known as the Vanderburgh County redevelopment authority (“authorityâ€) as a separate body corporate and politic and as an instrumentality of the county.
The authority is organized for the following purposes:
1. Financing, constructing, and leasing local public improvements to the commission;
2. Financing and constructing additional improvements to local public improvements owned by the authority and leasing them to the commission;
3. Acquiring all or a portion of one or more local public improvements from the commission by purchase or lease and leasing these local public improvements back to the commission, with any additional improvements that may be made to them;
4. Acquiring all or a portion of one or more local public improvements from the commission by purchase or lease to fund or refund indebtedness incurred on account of those local public improvements to enable the commission to make a savings in debt service obligations or lease rental obligations or to obtain relief from covenants that the commission considers to be unduly burdensome; and
5. Any other purposes permitted by the Act, including the issuance of bonds to finance local public improvements.
VANDERBURGH COUNTY REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
The Board of Commissioners establishes the department of redevelopment of the county. The department will be controlled by a board of five members known as the Vanderburgh County redevelopment commission.
WATER AND SEWER UTILITY BOARD
The Water & Sewer Utility Board shall have the responsibility for the operation of the Water Utility and for the operation of the Sewer Utility of the City. It will strive to provide better service to the users, make for more efficient operation, and/or reduce expenses.
