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Evansville mayor hosts traveling city hall on utilities

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, November 3rd 2025 at 23:57 GMT by 14 NEWS
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A Mobile Solution to Urban Inequities

Mayor Davis outlined that the traveling city hall would visit six neighborhoods each week, rotating on a three‑week cycle. The first stops included the Southside, Northgate, and East River districts, with subsequent visits scheduled for West Village, Downtown, and the expanding Harborview subdivision. Each location will host a full day of services, from utility bill payments to public hearings about ongoing infrastructure projects. Davis said, “Our goal is to ensure that every resident, regardless of their proximity to downtown, has a convenient, local place to address city matters.”

The initiative was launched in response to a growing concern that residents in outer neighborhoods—particularly those on lower incomes—faced logistical hurdles in reaching the city hall. An informal survey conducted by the Evansville Community Action Network indicated that nearly 28% of respondents in the Southside and East River had to rely on a car or rideshare to visit the city office, a significant inconvenience for seniors and families with young children. By bringing the city’s services to them, Davis argues that Evansville can better serve its diverse population.

Utilities at the Forefront

One of the main draws of the traveling city hall is the focus on utilities. In partnership with the city’s Water & Sewer Department, the mobile units will offer residents a chance to review their current bills, apply for rate assistance, and learn about upcoming water infrastructure upgrades. The Water & Sewer Department’s online portal (link [1]) provides a detailed breakdown of the current rate structure, indicating that residential customers pay a base fee of $30 per month, plus usage-based charges that vary by tier. The portal also outlines a planned pipeline replacement program slated to begin in 2026, aimed at addressing leaks in the aging sewer system. During the mobile events, representatives will provide residents with printed copies of the rate schedule and a timeline for the pipeline project.

Electricity services will also be highlighted. The Evansville Electric Authority (link [2]) offers real‑time consumption monitoring via a mobile app, a feature that has seen a 12% uptake in the last fiscal year. The traveling city hall will host informational booths to walk residents through the app’s capabilities, emphasizing its role in promoting energy efficiency. Davis stressed that the city is exploring options for expanding solar power installations across public schools and low‑income housing, and the electric authority’s website contains a draft policy proposal outlining potential incentive programs.

For those who use natural gas, the city’s Gas Utility Department will provide updates on gas safety inspections and a new rebate program that offers discounts on propane tanks for rural customers. The Gas Utility Department’s online resources (link [3]) include a step‑by‑step guide for applying for rebates, along with a FAQ section about gas leak detection.

Broadband access, too, will be addressed. In a collaboration with the Indiana Broadband Initiative, the traveling city hall will provide free Wi‑Fi hotspot devices to residents who qualify under the city’s low‑income program. The initiative aims to close the digital divide that has been exacerbated by the pandemic, especially in neighborhoods with higher percentages of single‑parent households.

Community Engagement and Feedback

Beyond utilities, the traveling city hall will also host public meetings to gather feedback on various city projects. For example, a dedicated session will focus on the revitalization of the downtown riverwalk, which has been a long‑standing proposal on the city’s master plan. The city’s official website (link [4]) provides a detailed map of the riverwalk, including current status and a timeline for future phases. During the session, city planners will present a digital rendering of the proposed changes, inviting residents to comment on layout, landscaping, and pedestrian safety measures.

The traveling city hall will also feature a citizen liaison office, staffed by residents who have experience navigating municipal services. These liaison officers will be available to answer questions about permits, zoning, and community grant programs. They will also provide residents with a digital feedback form, which can be accessed via a QR code printed on all event flyers.

A Step Toward Inclusive Governance

Mayor Davis concluded his announcement by stressing the importance of inclusivity: “Our city hall should not be a distant building, but a living, breathing part of the community. By bringing services directly to you, we are taking a meaningful step toward more responsive and equitable governance.”

The traveling city hall initiative is scheduled to run through March 2026, with a mid‑term review slated for January 2026. The city has pledged to adjust the schedule and services based on community feedback and operational data collected during the first six months.

In sum, the traveling city hall represents a bold effort by the City of Evansville to bring municipal services, especially utilities, closer to the people they serve. By leveraging mobile vans, community liaisons, and interactive educational materials, Mayor Davis aims to transform the city’s public engagement model, making it more accessible, transparent, and responsive to the needs of all residents.