Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker delivered her second State of the City Address centered on the theme “Fort Wayne – Investing in Ourselves,” recapping the many successes from 2025 and laying out a vision for 2026.
Mayor Tucker highlighted key accomplishments, including the implementation of the Mayor’s Mental Health Commission, the launch of the Mayor’s Young Adult Council, and the establishment of the Opioid Settlement Fund Committee, which has allocated more than $1 million to the community. Led by the Fort Wayne Police Department, the city saw double-digit reductions in overall, violent, and property crimes, with a homicide clearance rate well above the national average for medium and large cities.
The Mayor shared that the Public Works Division oversaw $41.4 million in local neighborhood infrastructure projects; City Utilities completed the 18-year Long-Term Control Plan to reduce basement backups and restore the health of the city’s rivers; and Parks and Recreation led the redevelopment of Brewer and Packard parks. She also pointed to economic growth through public-private partnerships with Bombardier and the Tippmann Group, as well as riverfront and downtown development.
Looking ahead to 2026, Mayor Tucker outlined plans for the North River District, the possibility of a casino, a downtown grocery store, expanded housing opportunities, and efforts to address homelessness. She also highlighted that Fort Wayne continues to earn national recognition as one of the best-run and most affordable cities in the country, as well as a top housing market.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
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