create economic and resident attraction to those spaces,” Mayor Roberson notes.The city strategically combines underground utility work with surface improvements, including wider sidewalks, enhanced tree canopies, and buried electrical cables, creating more attractive spaces for developers, residents, and merchants. Public safety forms another crucial pillar of the ASPIRE plan. A new police station, set for bidding in early 2025, will anchor downtown development while addressing growing security needs. “We’re building a new police station downtown that will include fire administration and dispatch operators,” Mayor Roberson shares.This move serves multiple purposes - it provides modern facilities for the expanded police force while freeing up the current riverside station for market-rate housing development. The Community Foundation of Elkhart County plays a vital role in these initiatives, exemplifying the city’s tradition of local philanthropy. “We have a foundation that’s one of the wealthiest foundations in the country per capita for a city our size, from gifts from local people,” Mayor Roberson explains. This public-private collaboration ensures that development aligns with community priorities while maximizing available resources. The foundation’s involvement helps bridge funding gaps and supports projects that enhance Elkhart’s livability. Experience Elkhart County, IN Events. Entertainment. Arts & Culture. Whether it’s work or play, Elkhart is a place where quality craftsmanship, innovation and collaboration lead to a well crafted life. Learn more at VisitElkhartCounty.com Photo Credit: Elkhart County, IN CVB 36 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
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