Evansville’s Flight Blight program was announced in November of 2024. 

Fight Blight aims to identify and rehabilitate blighted properties in Evansville neighborhoods. With first-year funding of $550,000 in the American Rescue Plan Act interest, the program aims to identify 150 blighted structures and prepare them for razing before the end of 2025.

As of October 1, 2025, the city's Building Commission confirmed the demolition of 50 structures, with another 16 contracted out, 8 others affirmed for demolition, 16 out for bid, and 31 scheduled for hearings (with 11 awaiting appeals), bringing the current total to 132 structures in process.

“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, the Evansville Land Bank will seek to acquire eligible properties during the upcoming tax sale. Once acquired, the Land Bank will 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.”

Community members can continue to report unsafe, vacant, or abandoned properties by emailing blight@evansville.in.gov with the address and a brief description.

Many blighted properties are those that are abandoned, vacant, or beyond repair. In their current state, they are dangerous eyesores for many neighborhoods. City officials will inspect properties identified as blights and then prioritize them based on their condition or location. Properties that are in the worst condition and are clustered with other blighted properties, will be the first to be remediated.

This program is designed to make residents feel safe and content in their neighborhoods. It is also a way for the city of Evansville to make sure that every property is utilized to its fullest extent. 

Blighted properties demolished to date include:

• 1707 N. Alvord Blvd. (Oak Hill neighborhood)
• 1804 N. Fifth Ave. (CHAIN)
• 1331-1333 Florence St. (CHAIN)
• 412 N. Second Ave. (STAR)
• 2711 S. Roosevelt Dr.
• 2218 W. Columbia St. (Lamasco)
• 410 N. Second Ave. (STAR)
• 809 S. Elliott St. (CCIA)
• 1806 N. Sixth Ave. (CHAIN)
• 908 N. Fourth Ave. (STAR
• 513 E. Gum St. (CCIA)
• 1415 W. Maryland St. (CHAIN)
• 919 W. Missouri St. (STAR)
• 1323 Oakley St. (Jacobsville)
• 1424 Cody St. (CHAIN)
• 616 E. Illinois St.
• 916 W. W Illinois St. (STAR)
• 832 Lincoln Ave. (Ballard)
• 915 N. Fourth Ave. - Garage (STAR)
• 14 E. Franklin St. (Jacobsville)
• 200 E. Olmstead Ave.
• 1707 S. Fares Ave.
• 823 Judson St.
• 1609 Gilbert Ave.
• 1519 Judson St. (Culver)
• 1305 Harriest St. - Shed (Jacobsville)
• 1121 Fountain Ave. (STAR)
• 817 Madison Ave. (Tepe Park)
• 1778 Jeanette Ave.
• 1119 Harriet St. (Jacobsville)
• 815 S. Elliot St. (CCIA)
• 1216 Grand Ave.
• 2833 Dennison St. (Westside)
• 1330 E. Indiana St. 
• 2018-2020 N. Fifth Ave. (CHAIN)
• 1114 N. Fourth Ave. (STAR)
• 609 E. Blackford Ave. (Bayard Park)
• 2809 C. St. (Westside)
• 212 E. Oregon St. (Jacobsville)
• 413 Read St. (Jacobsville)
• 719 Waggoner Ave. (Tepe Park)
• 1205 Harriet St. (Jacobsville)
• 820 Monroe St. (Tepe Park)

Blighted properties currently contracted for demolition include:

• 1807 Ridgeway Ave. (Knight)
• 114 E. Tennessee St. (Jacobsville)
• 519 E. Gum St. (CCIA)
• 1719 S. New York Ave.
• 621 E Delaware St.
• 1018 N. Garvin St. (Jacobsville)
• 1351 Pollack Ave.
• 206 E. Florida St. (Jacobsville)
• 628 Bayard Park Dr. (Bayard Park)
• 3900 Saunders Ave. (Westside)
• 619 E. Chandler Ave. (Bayard Park)
• 627 E. Blackford Ave. (Bellemeade Bayard Park)
• 26 E. Franklin St. (Jacobsville)
• 1418 Oakley St. (Jaco bsville)
• 628 Missouri St.
• 2100 W. Maryland St. (Lamasco)

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