ALL REGIONAL VOICE OUTCOMES

Retreat Session Outcomes

Hosted at The Barn Abbey, New Harmony, IN

Date: February 5, 2026

Total Participants

Participant Demographics

We actively and intentionally engage people with diverse perspectives and experiences to ensure that ALL voices are heard in addressing the pressing needs of today and building a collective preferred vision for tomorrow. Demographic data are collected from participants and compared to publicly available data for the region to ensure the sample population accurately represents our community.

Hover over the graph icon in the top left corner of each section to compare VOICE data to public data.

 

Passions

In this exercise we asked participants what they are positive or passionate about. Diverse participants have many different passions, but there are common themes.

Click a word/phrase in the word cloud below to see the direct quotes of participants’ passions connected to that theme.

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Carry Forward

In this exercise we asked participants, considering our region’s history, what aspects they would want to carry forward into a preferred future.

Click a word/phrase in the word cloud below to see the direct quotes from participants connected to that theme.

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Leave Behind

In this exercise we asked participants, considering our region’s history, what aspects they would want to leave behind (NOT carry forward) into a preferred future.

Click a word/phrase in the word cloud below to see the direct quotes from participants connected to that theme.

Visions

In this exercise we had participants draw in a group and then individually write and speak their vision of a preferred future for our region. These themes are summaries of what was said. 

Use the filter button to view data by different demographic groups. Select a major theme in the visual below to see the minor themes included in it and the direct quotes from participants connected to that theme. 

Group 1 Visions

    • More activities for teens and young adults, more musical culture at the Ford Center, Old National Events, activities to involve the elderly -transportation support (meals). More locations to house and help the homeless, make them feel safe even if overnight, more mental health resources for all. More college credits offered to high school students, cleaner mfg companies. 
    • Multicultural community/celebrations of shared humanity/inclusion. Working-access to work (DEI). Accessible and welcoming multigenerational gatherings-parks, meals, libraries, music. Lifting up joys and supporting/comforting the sorrows little to schools-everyone has what they need to succeed and no barriers on necessary resources (i.e Self sustaining and interconnection between groups) (disconnect to connect). Elders and children -purpose filled and connecting. Healthy- peer led conflict resolution/medication. Accountability for people in authority positions. Neighborhood respite areas/homeless/car park area-resources for mental health.
    • My vision for our region is a safe and inclusive space for everyone in all walks of life. A place that gives children safe spaces to be children, a place that allows teens to have their identity while still providing a safe place to grow. A place for young adults to be proud of their community. A place for the elderly where they can still be involved, included and connected to their community. I envision spaces like community centers, and spaces for each stage of life, so it can be personalized. 
    • Individualization in education-out of factory -model education. Technology leveraged to make us more human. environmental -focus-community spaces. Better travel infrastructure, free childcare-universal, multi-age, experiential, community-integrated.
      People of all ages, race, religions, etc. working together. Everyone holding true to a common goal in mind, “Make Evansville A Great Place to Live”. School choice being a top priority. Allowing children access to better schools and phasing the “not so good” schools to improve will create the people we want running Evansville.
    • Restoring the nuclear family. This would be done by resources for families in financial or emotional trouble (financial advisors, marriage counselors, etc.) to encourage problem solving and expanding all energy to make it work. Kids struggle greatly without both parents in the home, the best we can do is provide as many resources as possible to help assist them. 
    • Less racism and sexism. Bigger sports events. Bigger entertainment. Daycare back in schools, Improved infrastructure.
    • Reduction in homelessness-Investing in shelters. Addition of parks- Investing, raising taxes slightly. Investing in youth, investing in grouping population. 15-20 years I vision the region working together more. Maybe we need to work as a team to grow and prosper. We need to lean into tourism. Connecting the region to big events.
    • My vision is that we have a community that embraces one another centered around family, Industry, education, and exposure to opportunity. Providing opportunities that are first class and utilized by the rest of the world. 

    Group 2 Visions

    • Leisure>Mesker Park>Connect Helfrich park to Mesker Zoo. Health wellness> Mobile Manned Health> Home Health care, PSHI our vulnerable. Elderly>SWIRCA -expanded by gym space and assistance with a matching like IT, help desk, but this they don’t have knowledge of IT, Medicure, password resets> 1000-# s can be in put. Youth>more mentorship, focus back to personal involvement> less connected. Transportation>more greenways and bike friendly promotions>potential for H/S S/W light rail. 
    • Homeless village-free to live or little cost/same with senior citizens. Electric transit to access all areas. Factories, Healthcare, Tourism, Education -areas to work. More green space in downtown Evansville. No more bussing to schools, can pick where to go. More work spaces that are free. Free Community events, concerts, museums, cultural events, sober bars. Schools have year round food program for students/families. more college levels sporting events. Increase pickleball/free golf outdoor activities.
    • High speed rail. Entertainment development around Holiday World. LGBQT centers, Elderly recreation facilities, accessible community centers, multiple religious centers. Free/low cost youth and teen programs (sports, camps, exploration centers, community groups, etc.) Agrotourism in Henderson and Spencer county. Developed Riverfront in Evansville (shopping, entertainment, trolly system. Accessible parks and greenspaces (gardens, lanes for recreation, etc.) Entertainment venues and multi use event spaces. More accessibility to local events/groups (free buildings, local web pages, etc.)
    • Homeless shelter/refuge center/program facility. Many revenue generating additions (grocery store, or sell produce to store, houses/apartments complexes, etc.) Farms -produce sales-Building apartments/homes – contracted work, rent collection. Consultation team- contracted program development for other cities. 
    • Starts with the heart. Technology innovation, education, resources, recreation-parks, sports, Faith and fellowship, community, volunteerism, environment, entertainment, fair government, sufficient healthcare, varied generation mentoring, agriculture, front porches, trust-no fear. 
    • Healthcare and mental health care access for all people. Safe play spaces and positive opportunities for youth. Gathering spaces for connection. Increased education to reduce poverty, violence, addiction, and resources and skill building (abuse, obesity) Robust partnerships between youth and adults from various cultures and religions. Food access for all (healthy, affordable food). Spaces to be physically active with others. Affordable care for the elderly to stay in their home. Increased agritourism. 

    Group 3 Visions

      • Metro to simplify traffic, increase school aptitude-we are falling behind, draw in high tech manufacturing, more trade education, bring in higher level education centers like IU Medical school. How do we help young children with difficult home lives? Increase manufacturing through tax incentives.
      • A justice system that’s fair to everyone. A healthcare system with no barriers and impartiality. A more inclusive community where everyone is welcome no matter who you are, race, sex, age. social status. Cultural representation in public offices, schools and hospitals. More mental health programs and advocacy. More troubled youth mentorship programs. 
      • In an ideal near future, all utilities (including energy delivery) are public, efficient, and affordable. All parts of the region enjoy a healthy, service based economy with purposeful, high-paying job prospects. The schools are well funded with equal opportunities for all students. The elderly can enjoy retirement knowing their investments are in safe, responsible hands. Technology empowers innovation but also doesn’t stiffle happiness. Our public lands are clean and protected. Families can enjoy safe neighborhoods with affordable housing for every income. Healthcare is top notch while transparent and fair with its pricing. People have the opportunity to live with the neighbors of their choice or no neighbors at all. 
      • Diverse educational hubs and PK ed learning from teaching. Multi -use community centers-diverse programming-rural and urban people working in neighborhoods where they live multi generational neighborhoods, homes, different levels of care. Leisure music, arts, community center programming multicultural experiences. accepting spaces for families with opportunities for family readiness and planning. Connecting rural and urban areas with public transit.
      • After school recreation, activities. continued education, reduced “trouble” relations, schools combined buildings. Connection of communities- 5 counties (transit system, free) shuttles, trams,? electric, like airports, or transit system. Coordinated events across (rotate through communities).Rural-urban overlap-families together in county at events (concerts). Apartment buildings with elevators in the st.Vincent communities. Take advantage of resources to bring in tourism: Riverfront development. Ties the communities merge/grow Newburgh/Warrick. Green/encourage the Arts, make area destination for Arts/Events/concerts. Stores and places and recreation coordinated sports competitions, training in regional. International rotation events, business (Marching Band, too) multi-location every olympics. 
      • Entertainment: I envision the expansion of entertainment through sports, music and leisure activities in the region. This could consist of open air music concerts or festivals in developed or renovating facilities (Mesker). The development of sporting complexes to bring regional tournaments to the area in not only bball community: The development or renovation of existing facilities to provide more public access to areas to gather. Schools: Expansion of “trades” or “speciality” educational opportunities. 

      Group 4 Visions

      • Destigmatized transportation to improve connections and opportunity. Combination community centers with child enrichment centers and senior lifestyle opportunities. Industry focused education, informed and trained, skilled workforce. Incentives for business and industry. Extensive trail and recreation opportunities.
      • Cultural festivals, classes and demonstrations. Youth workforce paired with seniors and singles in need of basic maintenance help.
        Our region includes numerous inclusive and accessible after school programs offering spaces for financial education, exercises and relationship building.Community gardens and kitchen spaces have sprouted up in neighborhoods across the county, to aid in combating food scarcity. Likewise, community/sports parks and green spaces have flourished across the region as our society had shifted focus on offering options for healthier lifestyles for all.
      • Can’t get around Evansville without a car, that’s lame. More opportunities to be in nature. Low civic pride-parts of Evansville aren’t nice to look at. I never know about the cool stuff going on in Evansville. Kids talk about being lonely, can we make more opportunities for out-of-school connection without high cost barrier. Drugs are a problem in the community – how do we help the kids/adults avoid and recover. More events like Volksfest, but for other cultures. Culture at volunteerism. More opportunities to get to know people in your community. Education system that is not teaching to a test.
      • Home>every person in our region has a safe place to live. Health>Every person in our region has access to healthcare, mental health services, healthy food, and clean water. Purpose> Every person in our region has a reason to get out of bed every day, something they love and are connecting to. Community>Every person has a community mindset, and supportive people in their circle.
      • Booming economy -downtown Evansville/Riverfront busy, crowded with shopping, night life, restaurants, living spaces, Mesker Park amphitheater and concert/entertainment venue. Local business thriving, Volunteerism rates high. Teachers supported and paid more living wages. Students in classes by learning styles. Teenagers volunteer to work with younger students on social and life skills. Homelessness and crime rates low. Community protecting/helping each other in times of need/struggle. Cultural education taking place and other cultures welcome and thriving.