Text of Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry’s State of the City address, delivered on February 12, 2020, at the Grand Wayne Center.<\/p>\n
Thank you, Iric, for that warm introduction. <\/p>\n
I appreciate and respect your outstanding leadership in overseeing Fort Wayne UNITED and the TenPoint coalition. <\/p>\n
Thank you for being someone who truly cares about Fort Wayne. <\/p>\n
Family, friends, elected officials, special guests, residents of Fort Wayne, welcome. <\/p>\n
I\u2019d like to thank each of you for trusting me and my staff. <\/p>\n
And I\u2019m grateful that you\u2019ve given me the opportunity to continue to serve as your mayor. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s a privilege and an honor \u2013 one which I don\u2019t take lightly. <\/p>\n
Now is the time to move forward together to continue the momentum and excitement we\u2019re experiencing in our great city. <\/p>\n
Certainly, we\u2019ve come a long way. <\/p>\n
We\u2019re now known as being one of the best-run cities in the country, the lowest cost of living city, a top-10 real estate market, and a leading city where millennials are buying homes. <\/p>\n
This national recognition speaks volumes about Fort Wayne. <\/p>\n
We have so much to offer and celebrate. <\/p>\n
In fact, in the last decade, Fort Wayne has seen the type of transformation that has made us the envy of others across the midwest and entire country for that matter. <\/p>\n
It starts in our thriving, vibrant downtown that just keeps getting better. <\/p>\n
I know I\u2019ll never forget how we came together as a community to celebrate the opening of Promenade Park. <\/p>\n
As the first phase of riverfront development, our newest park is welcoming and accessible to people of all abilities. <\/p>\n
And, it has certainly made our three rivers into a regional destination for recreation, arts, and cultural activities. <\/p>\n
The opening of promenade park though would not have been possible without the many volunteers and our Parks and Community Development departments. <\/p>\n
In particular, Megan Butler, who serves as the Program and Events Manager at Promenade Park. <\/p>\n
She\u2019s a dedicated employee committed to making the park the very best for all of you. <\/p>\n
Megan is with us today. <\/p>\n
Megan, please stand so we can thank you for all that you do. <\/p>\n
The public\u2019s ongoing support and interest in our riverfront extends to phases two and three as well. <\/p>\n
We\u2019re going to be addressing land use and zoning, connectivity, infrastructure, and flood control. <\/p>\n
And, we could see construction starting in the next 12 to 18 months. <\/p>\n
In addition, two major projects by developers Barrett & Stokely will begin this year along the riverfront footprint. <\/p>\n
Their first initiative is \u201cThe Riverfront at Promenade Park.\u201d It\u2019s more than a 75-million dollar project that will feature apartments, offices, hospitality, retail space, and parking. <\/p>\n
The other endeavor is \u201cThe Lofts at Headwaters Park,\u201d which is a nearly 68-million dollar development next to Club Soda that will also have apartments, retail space, and parking. <\/p>\n
Rex Barrett with Barrett & Stokely is with us today. <\/p>\n
Rex, would you please stand to be recognized. <\/p>\n
I appreciate the commitment that Barrett & Stokely is demonstrating by being part of major initiatives that will have a lasting and meaningful impact. <\/p>\n
Also, near the riverfront is one of my favorites projects \u2013 The Landing. <\/p>\n
This 32-million dollar mixed-use redevelopment includes the historic renovation of seven buildings and the construction of a new one. <\/p>\n
Last year, we celebrated the completion of the streetscape investment and now a number of residents have already moved into apartments located there. <\/p>\n
This spring, the remaining commercial and retail spaces will open. <\/p>\n
Our downtown is also seeing the construction of a new 124-room boutique hotel at the corner of Main and Harrison streets. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s scheduled to open in early 2021 and is a clear indication of the growth and popularity of our downtown. <\/p>\n
Of course we already have a number of new hotel rooms available with the recent opening of the Hampton Inn and Suites next to Parkview field. <\/p>\n
The 136-room hotel is having a positive effect as we accommodate even more visitors and conventions. <\/p>\n
In fact, our partners at visit Fort Wayne tell us we welcome six and-a-half million guests each year, resulting in over 700-million dollars that goes into our local economy. <\/p>\n
There\u2019s no question the visitor industry is a key factor in our community\u2019s success. <\/p>\n
Economically speaking, our ongoing partnership with Greater Fort Wayne Inc. Continues to help us attract and retain companies and employees. <\/p>\n
And, the strong economy we enjoy has certainly enhanced our position as a point of destination city for job and business growth. <\/p>\n
In fact, in Fort Wayne last year, we saw 650 new jobs created, 28-million dollars in new payroll, and a total private investment of 61-million dollars. <\/p>\n
Some of these investments include Tri-Core Logic, Franke Plating, Accutech Mold and Machine, Brotherhood Mutual, and Accugear. <\/p>\n
Doing all we can in the area of job creation has also led to a new partnership with EasterSeals Arc. <\/p>\n
This initiative is focusing on workforce development, vocational assessment, skills training, and accessibility for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. <\/p>\n
EasterSeals will also foster employment success through a variety of means including new learning labs. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s truly about becoming a stronger and more inclusive city with people ready and willing to work. <\/p>\n
Fort Wayne is becoming a hub for entrepreneurship too. <\/p>\n
Our summit city entrepreneur and enterprise district is ramping up. <\/p>\n
Opportunities for those courageous individuals considering starting their own company. <\/p>\n
And, I\u2019m particularly encouraged that we\u2019re putting an emphasis on assisting minority and women-owned businesses. <\/p>\n
You know, participating in a shared vision and having a desire for Fort Wayne to continue its momentum are sentiments shared by many leaders in our community. <\/p>\n
A good example of this type of commitment to our future is Ruoff Mortgage. <\/p>\n
Their owner has informed us that they are going to make downtown Fort Wayne the home for their national corporate headquarters. <\/p>\n
Located at the corner of Jefferson Boulevard and Ewing Street, this $43.5-million dollar investment will include office and retail space and a parking garage. <\/p>\n
Mark Music, owner and CEO of Ruoff Mortgage has joined us today. <\/p>\n
Mark, please stand so we can recognize you.
\n0D
\nIncidentally, Fort Wayne is Mark\u2019s hometown, and under his leadership, Ruoff has grown from 18 employees to about 700. <\/p>\n
The company also expanded from one location in Fort Wayne to over 65 retail lending offices in five states and their consumer direct platform covers 40 additional states. <\/p>\n
As the heart of our city continues to be revitalized, we must also invest in the economic and social viability of the backbone of our community, our neighborhoods. <\/p>\n
I\u2019m encouraged that we\u2019re updating the Southeast Fort Wayne Strategy. <\/p>\n
This new document will focus on three districts for reinvestment. <\/p>\n
The first is Southtown where we will work to grow residential and employment density. <\/p>\n
Second is the area of McKinnie and Anthony to create an active neighborhood center by offering programming focused on food and art. <\/p>\n
And the third will be the Pontiac and Weisser park area to improve the corridor for walkability and create a hub of retail activity. <\/p>\n
I\u2019m also optimistic that we\u2019re going to be able to make Electric Works a reality. <\/p>\n
The local public funding partners remain committed to working with RTM Ventures to see the project happen and succeed while being good stewards of taxpayer dollars. <\/p>\n
I know the development team is continuing efforts to finalize private financing and secure tenants. <\/p>\n
Large projects are complex and time consuming but are important to help ensure local and regional success. <\/p>\n
Moving forward together also means that we\u2019re focused on essential services that residents, neighborhoods, and businesses expect and deserve. <\/p>\n
Public safety is at the top of the list. <\/p>\n
It has been since I became mayor and it will continue to be. <\/p>\n
We\u2019re not without our challenges, but we\u2019re addressing issues headon and will continue to implement best practices with a full complement of 480 officers. <\/p>\n
Violent crime was down five percent in 2019. <\/p>\n
And, homicides dropped by nearly 37 percent. <\/p>\n
We\u2019re getting drugs and illegal guns off the streets in record numbers. <\/p>\n
And this year, we\u2019ll have another recruit class, a continuation of joint enforcement efforts, and new equipment for the Vice and Narcotics Division. <\/p>\n
The work being done by the men and women of the Fort Wayne Police Department is exceptional and commendable. <\/p>\n
Public safety is a team effort though, and the Fort Wayne Fire Department is an integral part of that team. <\/p>\n
We\u2019re adding new firefighters each year as we respond to increasing numbers of calls for service to assist those in emergency situations. <\/p>\n
In fact, there were 25-thousand calls in 2019 alone. <\/p>\n
Our Fire Department\u2019s training protocols, use of the latest technology, public outreach, and education programs are second to none. <\/p>\n
In 2020, there will be continued construction of a Live-Burn Training Center and more firefighters will be certified in Advanced Life Support. <\/p>\n
I\u2019m also proud that police and fire personnel collaborate with our nationally-recognized Fort Wayne UNITED and TenPoint Coalition efforts. <\/p>\n
Reaching young men and boys of color through innovative and practical ways demonstrates that individuals and families matter. <\/p>\n
Assistance in character building, improving self-esteem, employment preparation, educational attainment, and overall pride are keys to success. <\/p>\n
And we want everyone who calls Fort Wayne home to succeed. <\/p>\n
Lines of communication are opening, trust is being built and lives are being changed for the better. <\/p>\n
A commitment to public safety services extends to Animal Care and Control as well. <\/p>\n
This department continues to break records for animal adoptions, and their work with the community is outstanding. <\/p>\n
And, with an expanded surgery and medical area, they\u2019re able to provide more life-saving medical care than ever before. <\/p>\n
Another key factor in moving forward together is how our city\u2019s infrastructure is performing. <\/p>\n
Since 2014, we\u2019ve invested 180-million dollars in neighborhood improvements to streets, roads, sidewalks, curbs, alleys, and bridges. <\/p>\n
And, a record 33-million dollars worth of enhancements will take place this year as we reach every quadrant of the city. <\/p>\n
Work on Goshen Road and State Boulevard will continue. <\/p>\n
Additional improvements along Maplecrest road and the Tanbark Trail and Aspen Village neighborhoods will also be seen. <\/p>\n
We\u2019re also investing more than 100-million dollars in 2020 to ensure we have reliable and affordable water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure. <\/p>\n
We\u2019ll be working along Hessen Cassel Road and Taylor Street and the neighborhoods of Frances Slocum, Wildwood Park and Parkerdale to name a few. <\/p>\n
And, MamaJo, our tunnel boring machine, will continue her journey digging the deep rock tunnel as part of the largest clean water initiative in our city\u2019s history. <\/p>\n
In fact, we\u2019ve passed the one-mile mark of construction. <\/p>\n
When completed in a few years, the tunnel will have the capabilities to take a billion gallons of combined sewage to the wastewater treatment plant and out of our rivers. <\/p>\n
That\u2019s an accomplishment we all can be proud of. <\/p>\n
I don\u2019t think there\u2019s any question we enjoy an excellent quality of life in Fort Wayne as well. <\/p>\n
And that\u2019s due in large part to our park system. <\/p>\n
We completed more than 70 projects in 2019. <\/p>\n
One of the really cool ones was the connector that links the Conservatory to the Embassy Theatre, Grand Wayne Center, Fort Wayne Hilton and other downtown destinations. <\/p>\n
And, this year, we\u2019ve committed 3-million dollars for several additional improvements. <\/p>\n
That list includes Foster Park Pavilion Number Three, a Conservatory sculpture installation, additional riverfront programming, and the partner officer program. <\/p>\n
The quality of the people in Fort Wayne is equally as important as our quality of place. <\/p>\n
When Fort Wayne hosted the 2019 Regional Neighborhood Network Conference, citizens Pat Turner and Day Morgan stepped up to recruit more than 60 volunteers to make the event a success. <\/p>\n
Visitors from the five state region commented that they thought it was one of the best and most engaging conferences they had ever attended. <\/p>\n
Pat and Day are in the audience. <\/p>\n
I want to have both of them stand at this time so we can say thank you and job well done. <\/p>\n
This year, our neighborhood focus will also feature projects that till happen as a result of 2-million dollars being distributed to the four area partnerships. <\/p>\n
I encourage our neighbors to be creative and imaginative when determining the projects for the \u201cInvesting in Neighborhoods Now\u201d Program. <\/p>\n
In Fort Wayne, we care deeply about our children too. <\/p>\n
Through our Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services, a lead paint remediation program is underway. <\/p>\n
Approximately 180 homes will have lead paint challenges addressed as we work to keep kids healthy and safe from the dangers of lead poisoning. <\/p>\n
Fort Wayne also prides itself as a diverse community, and as a result, we made history this year with our new City Council. <\/p>\n
We\u2019re now honored to have the first two African-American women to serve on City Council. <\/p>\n
I look forward to working with the entire council though as we have a significant opportunity to make a lasting and meaningful impact. <\/p>\n
Friends, we did well in 2019, but in 2020 and beyond, I want us to do more than just the traditional projects that we\u2019ve become accustomed to. <\/p>\n
Certainly, those efforts will continue, but it\u2019s time to reach beyond our comfort zone. <\/p>\n
First, let\u2019s commit ourselves to making Fort Wayne a healthier community. <\/p>\n
Infant mortality, tobacco use, type 2 diabetes, and drug addiction are some of the issues we must address. <\/p>\n
Soon, I\u2019ll be convening the leaders of our major health care systems, other health providers, and selected agencies and organizations to examine these challenges and implement strategies to improve the well-being of our community. <\/p>\n
This will require our collective time, talent and treasure, but it\u2019s worth it. <\/p>\n
Second, I know many of you take advantage of our trails system for exercise, recreation, alternative transportation, and neighborhood connectivity. <\/p>\n
My commitment to our trails continues to be unwavering. <\/p>\n
In fact, this year, we have plans for trail construction on Dupont, Saint Joe Center, Wheelock, Ardmore, and Memorial Park. <\/p>\n
Between now and the end of 2023, we have plans to add 16 miles to our 120-mile system. <\/p>\n
Actually, my ultimate vision is to see the completion of the 81-mile Poka-Bache trail connection from Pokagon State Park in Angola to Wabash state park in Bluffton. <\/p>\n
It will take more than a decade to complete, but we\u2019ll be able to use and enjoy each segment while we anticipate the final, spectacular trail. <\/p>\n
Third, I believe progressive cities need to reduce their dependency on fossil fuels. <\/p>\n
We have an obligation to explore alternative energy sources for the next generation and beyond. <\/p>\n
So, this year, we will evaluate solar energy options on all government-owned buildings. <\/p>\n
Our belief is solar energy is non-polluting, renewable and efficient. <\/p>\n
Additionally, we have a resource recovery program at our Water Pollution Control Plant. <\/p>\n
We\u2019re converting organic waste to methane to power our buildings and have seen substantial savings of nearly two-million dollars over the past few years. <\/p>\n
We have the technology and knowledge to do more with renewable energy and save money for taxpayers and we will. <\/p>\n
Finally, we must continue to invest in the arts community. <\/p>\n
We need to recognize and appreciate how the arts help us express our values and build bridges between cultures. <\/p>\n
I know I\u2019m more encouraged than ever by the work of the Public Art Commission and the recent completion of the Public Art Master Plan. <\/p>\n
The proposed projects offer a variety of ideas not only for the various types of art but where to locate them. <\/p>\n
With that in mind, I also support the construction of an arts campus in downtown Fort Wayne where residents and visitors can experience a variety of offerings in a central location. <\/p>\n
It has the potential to be a true magnet for Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana. <\/p>\n
Being leaders and developing new ideas isn\u2019t easy, but it\u2019s necessary to ensure Fort Wayne is all that it can be. <\/p>\n
Let\u2019s continue to be a game changer in economic development, infrastructure and quality of place. <\/p>\n
There\u2019s no question, Fort Wayne is experiencing unprecedented momentum. <\/p>\n
We\u2019ve become a city that\u2019s confident in itself as we anticipate a bright future. <\/p>\n
By moving forward together, we can reach beyond ourselves to be bold and not afraid to try new things. <\/p>\n
Together, let\u2019s dig in and make Fort Wayne more than anyone thinks is possible. <\/p>\n
I can say with certainty that the state of our city is as strong as it\u2019s ever been. <\/p>\n
Now is not the time to stop. <\/p>\n
We have much more to accomplish. <\/p>\n
After all, we are Fort Wayne, a city like no other. <\/p>\n
God bless you and God bless the city of Fort Wayne. <\/p>\n
Thank you.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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