Civil Municipal Magazine - Nov 2023

60 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 11 younger generation, Mayor Roberson points out, “Many of our new residents desire apartments or condos. We have housing opportunities sprouting up on all sides of Elkhart.” He mentions a recently approved 250-unit apartment complex close to Amazon, indicating a strategy to position housing growth near employment hubs and amenities. A Greener Elkhart Elkhart, a city once known primarily for its manufacturing prowess, is now blending its industrial strengths with an increased emphasis on recreational amenities and quality of life, aiming for a harmonious balance between work and leisure. Mayor Roberson paints a vivid picture of the city’s evolving landscape. “When you think about our green spaces, I’m a huge advocate for dog parks. These parks cater not just to pets but also to families, kids, and singles,” he says. He expresses a vision to have a dog park in every neighborhood, highlighting the city’s 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 revamps. The very roads of Elkhart are changing, signaling a shift in how the town perceives its own identity. “Now we want people to come to downtown. We’re changing our one-way to two- ways, introducing tree-lined streets, medians, bike lanes, making it more walkable, more like a neighborhood,” he passionately explains. The Mayor stresses the importance of diversity in fostering Elkhart’s growth, saying, “One of the Wall Street Journal’s components for emerging markets is the presence of foreign-born residents. Elkhart wants to be welcoming.” He further illustrates that the city’s diverse workforce includes immigrants from Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world. Addressing new ventures and development, Roberson discloses, “We’ve just rezoned one of our malls, converting it into a light industrial space. This change will facilitate more entrepreneurial ventures in our supply companies.” A company is also set to invest a staggering $50 million in the conversion of this facility. In response to the evolving housing needs of the