Mount Vernon, Indiana
Bridging Community and Growth
Transforming into a center of opportunity with a community focus at its core
Redefining what it means to be a small town, Mount Vernon, Indiana, is transforming into a center of opportunity and connection. Located at the confluence of the Ohio and Wabash Rivers, the city blends its historic roots with a bold vision for the future. Celebrated for its small-town warmth and strong industrial base, Mount Vernon is leveraging its strategic location—with access to waterways, rail, and interstates—to become a hub for economic development and innovation.
City leadership is focused on fostering an environment where residents and businesses can thrive. Addressing housing shortages and workforce needs creates a community that balances growth with quality of life.
Ongoing initiatives are revitalizing infrastructure, enhancing public spaces, and improving livability. From modern housing developments to riverfront transformations, Mount Vernon sets a high standard for sustainable, community-focused progress. These efforts strengthen the local economy and instill pride among residents, ensuring the city remains a vibrant and welcoming place to live and work.
A small-town atmosphere with big ambitions
“Mount Vernon is a small town where you feel the community effect,” shares Mayor Steve Loehr, emphasizing the city’s close-knit atmosphere. “You may not know everyone, but you’ll eventually encounter just about everybody. It’s a great place to raise a family.” Despite its reputation as a “bedroom community” for nearby Evansville, Mayor Loehr is determined to redefine Mount Vernon as a thriving center of activity and opportunities.
Mount Vernon is home to some of the world’s largest industries, thanks to its strategic location on the riverfront, complemented by rail and interstate access. This has made the city a magnet for economic growth. However, as Mayor Loehr notes, the city’s heavy focus on industry in the past has led to challenges in housing and workforce replenishment. “We didn’t set ourselves up well for replacing retirees or attracting new residents,” he explains. To address this, Mount Vernon is taking a dual approach—investing simultaneously in quality of life and housing development.
Revitalizing the riverfront
Its ambitious River Vision Program is central to Mount Vernon’s transformation, a 50-mile revitalization project along the Ohio Riverfront. “We’ve engaged Sasaki, a global leader in landscape architecture, to help us envision this stretch,” explains Josh Armstrong, Chief Economic Development Officer of E-REP. “The plan includes improving water quality, mitigating flood risks, and creating vibrant public spaces.”
One key project is Sherburn Park, located in downtown Mount Vernon, which will feature trails, green spaces, and mixed-use facilities. Armstrong highlights the program’s importance: “This initiative reconnects the community with the river, which had been separated by flood protection measures implemented after devastating floods in the 1930s.” Mayor Loehr adds, “The riverfront is one of our most beautiful and underutilized assets. Projects like Sherburn Park will help us realize its full potential.”
Christy Powell, Community Development Director, highlights the broader implications of the River Vision Program. “It’s not just about public spaces; it’s about redefining our relationship with the river. This program is an investment in our future as a community,” she states.
Strengthening industrial foundations
Mount Vernon’s industrial base is a cornerstone of its economy, anchored by major players such as BWXT, SABIC, and the Port of Indiana. These organizations drive economic growth and create a ripple effect, supporting local businesses and attracting complementary industries to the region. The Port of Indiana, for instance, leverages Mount Vernon’s strategic location on key waterways, enabling efficient transportation and trade, while BWXT and SABIC bring cutting-edge technology and innovation to the city’s industrial landscape.
“Posey County, where Mount Vernon is located, saw a 9.6% GDP growth between 2022 and 2023, the highest in Indiana,” Armstrong highlights. “This is a robust economy with low unemployment and one of the state’s top five household incomes.”
However, Armstrong emphasizes attracting high-value investments that do not strain the workforce excessively. “We’re focusing on industries like data centers that provide substantial investment without requiring thousands of workers,” he explains. This strategy aligns with Mount Vernon’s broader goals of balancing industrial growth with quality of life.
Balancing growth and housing affordability
Housing development is at the top of Mount Vernon’s priorities. “We’re working with state funding sources and local philanthropy to stabilize and expand housing stock,” Armstrong explains. Initiatives include providing critical repairs for low-income homeowners, such as roof and foundation work, to ensure existing homes remain viable assets for future generations.
Additionally, the city is preparing for a mixed-use development in downtown Mount Vernon, including residential and commercial spaces. “We’ve acquired half a block in the city center and are collaborating with developers to bring this project to life,” Armstrong shares. Powell adds that innovative housing solutions are also being explored. “We’re working with developers to build small, efficient homes on challenging city lots. These homes offer affordable options and help renters transition to homeownership,” she notes.
Mayor Loehr stresses the interconnectedness of housing and quality of life: “It’s a double-edged sword. Both must support each other, and we’re fortunate to be addressing both simultaneously.”
Education and industry collaboration
Mount Vernon’s educational system is integral to workforce development, fostering strong connections between students and local industries. Mayor Loehr highlights a partnership between BWXT and the local high school, where certified welders train students in a welding program. “Graduates can earn $80,000-a-year jobs right out of school if they pass the certifications. It’s a great initiative for the area,” he explains.
Other major employers, such as SABIC and Warehouse Services Incorporated, offer internships that provide students with hands-on experience in trades and management roles, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled workers for the region. These programs prepare students for careers and help retain local talent, strengthening community ties.
Armstrong emphasizes that attracting talent requires more than just job opportunities. “We must create a compelling story about living in Mount Vernon,” he says, pointing to the need for quality housing, excellent schools, and amenities like parks and trails.
Expanding recreational amenities
Beyond economic and housing developments, Mount Vernon invests in recreational amenities to enhance quality of life. The city is redeveloping 106 acres of parkland at Hagemann and Brittlebank Parks. “We’re building Avery’s Place, an all-inclusive playground, along with walking trails and a new 27,000-square-foot event center,” shares Mayor Loehr. These parks will eventually connect to the riverfront through trails, creating a cohesive network of green spaces.
Powell features the importance of these amenities: “When people see vibrant public spaces, it changes their perception of the community. It creates a sense of pride and belonging.”
Additionally, Powell highlights developed uses for park spaces, including programming to engage residents year-round. “From outdoor concerts to farmer’s markets, our goal is to make these spaces active and inviting,” she says.
Creating community connections
Community events are another cornerstone of Mount Vernon’s quality of life initiatives. The annual River Days festival, held every September, features parades, fireworks, and local vendors. During the summer, the city hosts a food truck program, which has become a popular gathering spot for residents. “I saw couples dancing to live music in the park,” Mayor Loehr recalls. “It’s about connecting people and creating memorable experiences.”
Holiday festivities, including a Christmas parade and an outdoor skating rink, further foster community spirit. Powell emphasizes the impact of these events: “They bring people together and showcase what Mount Vernon has to offer.”
Armstrong highlights the importance of creating spaces and encouraging connection: “When people come together in shared spaces, it strengthens the sense of unity within the community. That’s what we aim to achieve with our events and amenities.”
Looking ahead: a collaborative vision
Over the next 18 months, Mount Vernon’s leadership is focused on housing development, riverfront revitalization, and enhancing quality of life. “Housing remains a top priority,” says Mayor Loehr. “We need to introduce people to the great quality of life opportunities here and continue our progress.”
Armstrong highlights the importance of regional collaboration: “We’re interconnected with surrounding counties and even neighboring states. This collective effort ensures that challenges are addressed collaboratively, and successes are shared.”
Reflecting on his journey as mayor, Loehr shares a piece of advice from his father: “He always said, ‘You can’t complain about something if you’re not willing to step up and do something about it.’ That mindset drove me to run for mayor and strive for positive change.”
Powell adds, “It’s rewarding to see lives change as part of broader community improvements. That’s what makes this work so meaningful.”
AT A GLANCE
Mount Vernon, Indiana
What: A small city nestled at the meeting point of the Ohio and Wabash Rivers, celebrated for its industrial strength and focus on community and economic development.
Where: A small city along the Ohio River’s southwestern part of Indiana state.
Website: www.mountvernonin.gov