Formed by Mayor Henry in 2011, Legacy Fort Wayne is an initiative to guide decision making about the Fort Wayne Community Trust and City Light Lease Settlement funds. Currently, approximately $47 million in funding is available with an additional $28 million to be received over the next several years.
“I would like to extend a special thank you to the Legacy Task Force, Legacy Champion Teams, Legacy Finance Team, and the Mayor’s Advisory Board. They have invested their time, talent and energy for the Legacy Fort Wayne initiative. Their commitment and dedication are to be commended,” said Mayor Henry. “I also want to thank the countless number of people in our community who submitted ideas and proposals. By working together, we are moving our community forward in a positive direction. This has been a tremendous journey to think big and develop plans to bring about transformational change.”
At tonight’s informal 5th Tuesday discussion with City Council, the Mayor’s administration will provide a status report on Legacy Fort Wayne, including a recap of the unprecedented public involvement and outreach, an overview of Legacy recommendations and the next steps to advance them.
The Legacy recommendations outlined below focus on economic development; downtown and riverfront development; and youth development/prep sports.
*Riverfront Development Plan and Implementation
*Downtown Overpass/Underpass Beautification and Lighting
*Gateways
Youth Development and Prep Sports
*Youth Sports Assessment/Market Potential Study and Implementation
Endowments
*Fort Wayne Education Endowment
*Fort Wayne Public Service/Social Service Endowment
*Entrepreneurship Endowment
*Downtown Public Art Endowment
Legacy Fort Wayne used 12 different communications methods encompassing seven open public forums, five specific audience meetings, group proposals, Meetups, Feedback Fort Wayne (UserVoice), the Legacy website’s Idea Form, telephone calls, e-mails, U.S. Mail, hand delivery, Facebook, 311, and the Mayor’s Night In.
As part of today’s update to the community, Mayor Henry strongly encouraged City Council to approve the Fort Wayne Community Trust Ordinance. Honoring the input of the public, the ordinance ensures the best stewardship of the Legacy funds, promotes their continued careful investment and management, and defines their catalytic role in community development. A preliminary vote on the ordinance could occur at the November 6 City Council meeting with final passage on November 13.
