Support Grows For Fort Wayne Tax Increase

The first phase of the Riverfront project is set to begin this month. (rendering courtesy city of Fort Wayne)

A proposal being considered by the Fort Wayne City Council that would increase taxes to fund neighborhood improvements and two phases of the Riverfront Fort Wayne project continues to gain support. The board of directors for Greater Fort Wayne Inc. unanimously voted to support the ordinance, which is set for a council vote next month.

The proposal, which was introduced to the council earlier this week, calls for a 0.15 percent local income tax increase, which officials say would generate nearly $10 million per year for the city. The money would help fund improvements to sidewalks and alleys over the next 10 to 15 years, riverbank stabilization efforts, and phases II and III of the Riverfront project. 

"Developing our Riverfront into a vibrant destination will help push our community from good to great," said board member Ray Kusisto. "A thriving Riverfront will also be a crucial element in attracting and retaining the highly skilled people we need to fill job openings in our region. This initiative is a game changer that will pay dividends now and for decades to come, as our community continues to compete for jobs and better wages."

Kusisto is also chair of the Regional Opportunities Council, the investor board of the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, which also approved a resolution supporting the tax increase.

The Fort Wayne City Council is set to hold a public meeting to discuss the proposal June 27. The council will have further discussion and vote on the proposal July 11.