VIDEO: Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker Delivers 2026 State of the City Address

During the Fort Wayne State of the City address yesterday, Mayor Sharon Tucker highlighted the city’s accomplishments in 2025. Those included:

  • Fort Wayne continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in the Midwest
  • Implementation of the Mayor’s Mental Health Commission
  • Mayor’s Young Adult Council launched
  • Opioid Settlement Fund Committee was established and more than $1 million has been allocated in the community
  • Mayor’s Youth Violence Prevention Program was set up with $125,000 distributed to organizations involved in curbing teen violence
  • Connected Neighborhoods initiative
  • Neighborhood grant program
  • Completion of the East Central Forward and Northwest 2035 neighborhood plans
  • Led by the Fort Wayne Police Department, there were double digit reductions in overall, violent, and property crimes, and the homicide clearance rate is well above the national average for medium and large cities
  • The Fort Wayne Fire Department’s newest recruit classes will result in more firefighters protecting the public than ever before
  • The Public Works Division oversaw the investment of $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 our rivers
  • Parks and Recreation led the completion of the redevelopments of Brewer and Packard parks
  • Economic development growth through public-private partnerships with Bombardier and the Tippmann Group’s new corporate headquarters as examples
  • Riverfront and downtown growth with The Eddy, The Landing Exchange, and Schaab Riverfront Plaza strong public safety, neighborhood infrastructure projects, economic growth, and numerous others.

Mayor Tucker said investing in ourselves for a better future will be the driving force and guiding principle for 2026. Plans for this year include:

Highlights of plans for 2026:

  • North River District
  • Possibility of a casino
  • Downtown grocery store from Surack Enterprises
  • Work of the Mayor’s Fiscal Task Force in response to Senate Enrolled Act 1
  • More housing opportunities
Mayor Tucker's full address can be watched below:
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