Author Archives: Hannah Scott-Carter

City of Goshen sends out additional representatives for Lead-Safe Goshen Project

The City of Goshen is continuing its Lead-Safe Goshen Project by sending out additional representatives to collect water service line information by knocking on residents’ doors. Residents should know that no one representing the city will try to sell them anything when they knock on doors.

City representatives collecting this information will have a City ID badge issued by the Goshen Police Department. Photos of the representatives are also provided below. Representatives will be knocking on doors where information has yet to be collected.

Residents can also choose to self-report the material of their water lines by filling out this survey.

As part of State and Federal Lead/Copper Rule requirements, the City of Goshen Water Utility is working to inventory the material of all water service lines in Goshen. The City is required to submit an inventory to State agencies next fall.

Meet our door knockers

Levi Moser, Alexa Kennel, Acadia Imhof, Anna Osborne and Rodrigo Millan

City of Goshen to honor Indigenous Peoples Day with special event

To celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day, the City of Goshen Community Relations Commission will host a special event at the Goshen Theater on Monday, Oct. 9, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. honoring the region’s rich history as the land of the Potawatomi and Miami nations.  

Doors to the theater will open at 6 p.m., with information tables available in the lobby. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the community.  

Fables Books, Potawatomi-Miami Trail Marker Group, and One Circle, a Goshen College club focusing on addressing injustices toward Indigenous People, will all have tables in the lobby.  

A selection of portraits from “Dancing for Our Tribe” by Sharon Hoogstraten, Potawatomi Citizen, will also be displayed in the lobby. Hoogstraten created this permanent record of present-day Potawatomis wearing the traditional regalia passed down through the generations but modified to reflect the influence and storytelling of contemporary life.  

This year’s presenters are: 

Iron Bear Singers 

Iron Bear is a drum group composed of the Southern Plains singing style and Ponca influence. The members of Iron Bear represent many tribes from the Midwest. The drum lives in Hammond, Indiana, and is cared for by lead singer Sterling Big Bear III. The group’s name comes from Sterling Big Bear’s great-grandfather’s brother, Iron Bear. They continue using the name Iron Bear to honor family and ancestors. 

Citizens of Pokagon Band of Potawatomi 

Pow Wow dancing demonstration featuring Men’s and Women’s Traditional and Women’s Jingle Dress Dancing. 

Cusi Ballew (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Citizen) 

Ballew will discuss food sovereignty and cultural sustainability as the Cultural Sustainability Lead for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Center for History and Culture.  

Erin Burggraf (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Citizen) 

Burggraf will share Indigenous children’s stories and the importance of uplifting diverse voices in literature. After her presentation, she will be available in the lobby to read children’s books to any kids and parents in attendance.  

Schedule of event:

6:00 – Lobby open to visit informational tables
6:30 – Traditional Potawatomi welcoming and welcome address from Mayor Gina Leichty
6:40 – Indigenous children’s books with Erin Burggraf (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Citizen)
7:00 – Iron Bear Singers and Pow Wow dancing demonstration
7:30 – Presentation on food sovereignty and cultural sustainability with Cusi Ballew (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Citizen and Cultural Sustainability Lead for the Center for History and Culture)
7:50 – Final words and closing

Mayor Leichty honored to host Governor Holcomb and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation

The City of Goshen and the Goshen Chamber of Commerce yesterday hosted Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). The board had a series of meetings as part of their quarterly business event followed by a public session at the Goshen Theater with more than 100 people in attendance.

“We’re so glad Governor Holcomb and the IEDC team chose Goshen as their host for the third quarter meeting,” said Mayor Leichty. “It was great to spend some time with the Governor and his team today, hear his plans for economic development in the state, and also to be able to share our vision for Goshen’s future.”

During the public session, Governor Holcomb and board members reported on IEDC’s key initiatives, an update on the Governor’s recent trip to Japan, and details about the launch of READI 2.0. The Governor also spoke about Indiana’s procurement of the Department of Defense’s $32.9 million grant as part of the CHIPS and Science Act for microelectronics development.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) is charged with growing the state economy, driving economic development, and helping businesses launch, grow and locate in the state. Led by the Indiana Secretary of Commerce, David Rosenberg, and governed by a 15-member board chaired by Governor Eric J. Holcomb.

Goshen recognized for outstanding environmental planning

The Indiana Association of Floodplain and Stormwater Managers (INAFSM) awarded the City of Goshen the Outstanding Floodplain Project Award for creating and implementing the Goshen Flood Resilience Plan during its annual conference last week.  

The annual statewide award recognizes an outstanding municipality or manager who has instituted a proactive approach to water resource management in Indiana. 

“Environmental preparedness is vital for the well-being of our community,” said Mayor Gina Leichty, “Successful implementation requires the help of a whole team. Fortunately, Goshen’s talented leaders are guiding Goshen towards a more sustainable future.” 

“It is an honor for us to be recognized by the Indiana Association of Floodplain and Stormwater Managers as the 2023 recipient of the Outstanding Floodplain Project award winner for the City’s work to help our community be more flood resilient,” said Jason Kauffman, Stormwater Coordinator.

The Flood Resilience Plan was developed after the City experienced its most significant flood event in recorded history in 2018. The City partnered with Christopher B Burke Engineering, LLC to create a study that identified at-risk areas and outlined practical ways of addressing the problem. The plan was passed unanimously by the Goshen City Council in July 2022.  

Recommendations within the plan ranged from specific actions undertaken by various city departments to ordinance updates that limit high-risk development and incentivize future growth outside flood hazard areas. 

More info about the City’s plans to address flooding and additional resources can be found here. 

City employees and elected officials integral to the creation and implementation of the Goshen Flood Resilience Plan with Mayor Leichty.  (Front L to R: Jason Kauffman, Stormwater Coordinator; Mayor Gina Leichty; City Councilor Julia King; Mattie Lehman, GIS Coordinator. Back L to R: Deputy Mayor Mark Brinson; Aaron Sawatsky-Kingsley, Environmental Resilience Director; Dustin Sailor, Public Works Director; City Councilor Matt Schrock; Tanya Heyde, Parks and Recreation Director; Ryan Miller, Stormwater Specialist)

City of Goshen claims $1 million grant for trees and arbor education

L to R: Theresa Sailor, DER Grantwriter and Educator; Melanie Helmuth, Forestry Assistant; Aaron Sawatsky-Kingsley, DER Director and City Forester

The City of Goshen’s Environmental Resilience department today announced that it successfully procured a $1 million grant from the United States Forest Service. Funding from the grant will grow the City’s urban forestry program, providing area students with arboriculture education, expanding our tree stock, and supporting robust public education on tree care. 

“A healthy tree canopy offers both physical and economic benefits to our community,” said Mayor Gina Leichty. “I’m grateful to the Environmental Resilience team for their hard work and bringing essential funding to expand Goshen’s tree canopy.” 

Studies show that communities with access to trees and green spaces are associated with improved health outcomes, reduced crime, lower average temperatures, and an influx of other kinds of investments and new economic opportunities. Through funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, the Forest Service is making historic investments in boosting the nation’s tree cover in urban, suburban, and rural communities nationwide. 

“This kind of funding is transformative for a community like ours, which is preparing for the effects of climate change,” said Aaron Sawatsky-Kinglsey, Director of the Department of Environment Resilience. “This grant will help to power our 45% urban tree canopy goal, keeping us cooler, reducing our energy demands, and improving our urban environment. Caring for trees is caring for people.” 

The agency has selected 385 grant proposals from entities that are working to increase equitable access to trees and green spaces and the many benefits they provide. 100% of funding will flow to disadvantaged communities, and funded proposals are located in all 50 states, two U.S. territories, three U.S.-affiliated Pacific islands and several tribal communities. 

Deputy Mayor Mark Brinson honored with statewide award

Today, the City of Goshen, Indiana, announced that Deputy Mayor Mark Brinson has been awarded the prestigious 2023 Ivan H. Brinegar Award by Accelerate Indiana Municipalities (AIM). The organization honors individuals for outstanding achievement, successful innovation, and steady leadership in municipal government. The award is presented to an appointed municipal official with at least ten years of city service who displays strong leadership, contributes to their community, and serves as a role model to residents and other municipal officials. 

“I’m thankful and honored to accept this award,” offered Brinson. “With that being said, I have to emphasize the importance of teamwork in building a successful, nationally recognized City. What makes it possible for communities like Goshen to shine is the number of dedicated staff, elected officials, and board members who all contribute to our shared community service mission.” 

Tale of Two Cities and Six Mayors 

Over his four-decade career, Mark has become an icon of community planning and development within Elkhart County. His long list of successful projects includes redeveloping brownfield sites, strengthening neighborhoods, supporting public education, building community pride, creating a home for the arts, expanding parks and placemaking, and driving economic prosperity. Mark was the Director of Planning and Development for the City of Elkhart, serving three mayoral administrations and guiding Elkhart through an unprecedented era of growth. Mark joined the Goshen team in 2008 and was quickly promoted to Director of Community Development. In 2020, Mayor Jeremy Stutsman appointed Mark as Goshen’s first Deputy Mayor, a role he continues to hold with Mayor Gina Leichty. 

Contributions to Goshen Awards 

Brinson has been key to Goshen’s advancement and helped the City earn such accolades as the Top 20 Safest Cities in Indiana, SolSmart Gold Award for Advancing Solar Energy, Green Project of the Year, and Indiana Community of the Year. Recently, Mark has also been instrumental in Goshen’s success in attracting major housing projects, including affordable, workforce, and market-rate housing projects. When these projects are completed, Goshen will add approximately 1,900 housing to Goshen’s current 12,800 units. 

Mayor Leichty Offers Thanks 

Goshen Mayor, Gina Leichty, credits Brinson’s success to his inspirational, never-say-quit leadership style. “Mark often works behind the scenes – but the impact of his work has a lasting, positive impact on our community,” said Leichty. “What really sets Mark apart is his ability to pull the necessary stakeholders together and inspire them to tackle the most challenging projects. His ability to get buy-in and his determination to see things through has led to positive outcomes for our whole city.” 

Nomination from Mayor Stutsman 

As one of his final actions in office, former Goshen Mayor, Jeremy Stutsman submitted Mark’s nomination for the Brinegar Award. “It was an honor that one of my final actions as Mayor of Goshen was to nominate Deputy Mayor Mark Brinson for this award,” said Stutsman. “There’s no better choice for AIM or Indiana. Mark is a creative thinker and problem-solver, so I often called upon him to help with the most difficult projects. I am a better man for knowing Mark and Goshen is a better City because of him.”