Waynedale Political Commentaries

NEIGHBORHOODS ARE THE BACKBONE TO CITY – Message From The Mayor

WalletHub has named Fort Wayne as the 9th best run city in the country. The WalletHub report examined 150 of the largest cities in the United States. Fort Wayne scored high marks in the areas of financial stability, education, health, safety, the economy, investing in infrastructure and reducing pollution.

This is a tremendous accomplishment to receive national recognition. We’re working together each day to make Fort Wayne the leader in economic development opportunities, high-wage jobs and amenities that make us attractive for businesses, individuals and families.

In addition, Niche has named Fort Wayne as the best city in the country for having the lowest cost of living. The study was based on consumer price index data, access to affordable housing and other factors.

It’s a great time to be part of all of the initiatives taking place in our community to move us in the right direction for today and for the future with positive momentum and investments occurring like never before. Fort Wayne truly is a point of destination city.

I was honored to take part in the recent groundbreaking ceremony for Phase I of the riverfront development project. It’s a tremendous milestone to begin construction on a world-class project that will have a lasting and meaningful impact on Fort Wayne and the region. Riverfront development provides unique opportunities and we’ll remember the groundbreaking event as a special moment in Fort Wayne’s history.

The first phase of Riverfront Fort Wayne, Promenade Park, will be focused on public spaces in a park setting. Development will occur on the south and north sides of the St. Marys River between Harrison Street and the historic Wells Street Bridge.

However, we can’t be satisfied with Phase I and be done. It’s vital to keep going. City Council’s recent decision to adjust the local income tax will allow us to have the necessary revenues to do Phases II and III of the riverfront project.

We’ll also have sufficient resources to invest in neighborhood sidewalk and alley improvements. Neighborhoods are the backbone of our City. We have to continue to make enhancements to ensure we have strong, thriving and growing neighborhoods for individuals and families to enjoy. Providing basic infrastructure needs are a must for the current and future success of Fort Wayne.

Tom Henry - Fort Wayne Mayor

A lifelong Fort Wayne resident, Mayor Thomas C. Henry is committed to public and community service. He was elected to his first term as Fort Wayne's Mayor November 6, 2007. Mayor Henry authors the "Message from the Mayor" column. > Read Full Biography > More Articles Written By This Writer