The annual State of the City address was delivered on Thursday, highlighting Owensboro’s accomplishments in 2025 and the City’s vision for the year ahead.
City Manager Nate Pagan stepped in for Mayor Tom Watson, who was unable to attend due to injuries sustained in a fall earlier in the week.
“Mayor Watson is in considerable pain but remains in good spirits,” Pagan said. “If you know the mayor, you know he’s a tough dude. He sends his regrets for not being able to attend in person, but thankfully, much of this year’s presentation is video-based, and you’ll still hear from him.”
The featured video presentation, introduced by Pagan and produced by City staff, opened withWatson walking through downtown Owensboro.
“A healthy community begins with a healthy downtown,” Watson said. “You can feel the energy during our big events. This is what we’ve been building toward for years.”
Major projects
Key developments include the Bluegrass Fieldhouse, slated to open in July. Assistant City Manager Lelan Hancock said the facility will host a variety of events, including basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, cornhole, archery, and more. The Fieldhouse will also complement the nearby convention center to attract large-scale tournaments and competitions.
The Operation Firehouse initiative is transforming the City’s emergency services, with Fire Station 3 nearly complete and work on Fire Station 1 set to begin in 2026. Meanwhile, the Senior Community Center on Carter Road is expected to open this fall.
The City also continues work on an 18-court pickleball complex at Ben Hawes Park, developed in partnership with River City Pickleball Club.
Public services and safety
The Owensboro Public Works Department was credited with collecting more than 49,000 tons of solid waste, paving 10 miles of streets, and filling over 1,000 potholes last year.
The Owensboro Police Department (OPD) celebrated new academy graduates and a rare achievement: its latent fingerprint lab earned accreditation from the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation, making it one of only two such labs in the state.
OPD also continued its community outreach efforts through programs like Camp KOPS, Citizens Academy, and Police in the Park.
The Owensboro Fire Department (OFD) expanded its capabilities with a new drone program, advanced life support training, and the opening of the Walter Freeman Fire Training Center. In addition, OFD hosted international delegates through its sister cities program with the Czech Republic.
Parks, development, and economic growth
In 2025, the City completed upgrades at several parks, including new playgrounds at Moreland and Shifley-York Parks and a new multi-purpose court at Dugan Best Park. Jack C. Fisher Park hosted 31 tournaments, while the Edge Ice Center brought in teams from across the country for hockey and figure skating events.
The Community Development Department concluded its Riverview neighborhood revitalization project, generating nearly $9 million in private investment following a $4 million public investment. That momentum continues with the new Monarch neighborhood initiative, and the planned demolition of the Colonel House is expected to spark additional redevelopment near Triplett Twist.
Fiscal health
Pagan reported that the City’s financial position remains strong, with a $700,000 increase to the general fund reserve — marking the eighth straight year of growth. The City maintains 209 days of operational reserve funding and saw record highs in occupational and net profit license fees, up $718,000 from the previous year.
“Those are clear signs of a strong and growing local economy,” Pagan said.
Industrial and commercial growth
The City and Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation (EDC) recently purchased 121 acres — known as the Massie Property — to become the largest publicly controlled industrial site in the community. Pagan said the EDC had been instrumental in identifying and acquiring the site for future development.
Meanwhile, Owensboro saw major commercial expansions in 2025. UniFirst broke ground on a 109,000-square-foot expansion, RL Carriers completed a $25 million facility, and Mizkan began a $156 million project.
Gateway Commons also continued to grow with several new retail stores and a new Publix and Kroger on the horizon. Last year, the City approved more than 1,100 new business licenses.
One of the most anticipated developments is Malibu Jack’s, which is bringing 150,000 square feet of indoor entertainment to the former Towne Square Mall site. The project, backed by TS Entertainment and supported through the Kentucky Tourism Development Act, will include bowling, go-karts, mini golf, arcade games, and more.
Culture, events, and tourism
Watson highlighted Illuminate Owensboro, which drew an estimated 50,000 people downtown across three days. Other popular events included Barbecue & Barrels, Friday After 5, the All-American Fourth of July Celebration, and Hometown Christmas.
The Owensboro Convention Center hosted nearly 120,000 guests in 2025, while the Sportscenter welcomed over 93,000.
In 2026, Owensboro will once again host the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and Red Bull Air Force for the Air Show, set for September 11-13.
“We’re creating experiences people talk about and building projects that matter,” Watson said in the video. “Other communities see our momen, and they want what we have.”
He closed the video with a message of optimism.
“This is Owensboro,” Watson said. “Hats off to Owensboro, and the best is yet to come.”
