Evansville’s Promise Zone
In June of 2016, the city of Evansville received a federal 10-year Promise Zone designation to support its most at-risk, yet most promising neighborhoods of its urban core. The Zone’s boundary spans across Veteran’s Memorial Parkway and Waterworks Road (south and west) to Diamond Avenue (north) and Green River Road (east) encompassing 40% of the City’s geography.
Nearly 22,250 people live within the Promise Zone, approximately 1/5 of Evansville’s total population. These residents are some of the City’s most challenged with a poverty rate exceeding 39%. Among the greatest needs are higher educational attainment and higher-wage employment, safe and affordable housing, improved transit, access to food, and crime prevention.
The Zone has a number of assets that have rallied to form a robust collaborative to address these needs. ECHO Housing serves as the head organization and the Department of Metropolitan Development as the lead partner. An additional 20 some agencies, non-profits and businesses assist in developing strategies and mobilizing resources to support the Zone’s initiatives.
Goals include:
Increase access to job skills education and training for better career opportunities
Support new business establishments within a dynamic economic environment
Improve the academic, social and emotional well-being of our youth and families
Reduce criminal activity
Promote overall health and well-being
Expand the number of quality, affordable housing units
