Amp Lab (Fort Wayne Community Schools) partnered with the City of Fort Wayne's Community Development Division to create a series of 101 Guides. These guides are being created to help inform individuals how to better their neighborhoods. The guides that you see are not completely finished, for example, they still need to be translated into other languages, but we'd like for you to check them out and provide us with your feedback! Please take a moment and review each guide and fill out the brief survey HERE

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Fortify PSD

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FORT-ify Neighborhood Accelerator Program

FORT-ify is a program of the Community Development Division. Leadership development is critical to mobilizing residents to see change in their own neighborhoods and across the City. That’s why FORT-ify was designed to help develop and strengthen developing and relaunching neighborhood associations across our city.

FORT-ify is a 6-month leadership development experience. Participants will receive a rapid, immersive, and experiential education aimed at accelerating the progress of neighborhood associations – compressing years’ worth of learning into just a few months. Workshop topics will include Asset-based Community Development, Civic Engagement, Fundraising, and Governance.

Any Fort Wayne neighborhood association registered with the City can apply to be one of four neighborhoods that will be selected for the 2024 cohort. Applications will be evaluated and scored based on criteria found in the Program Summary and FAQ document below. 

 

Program Application & Overview Documents

Accelerator applications are open for 2024! Apply online or download the fillable PDF below!

Applications are due at 11:59, Wednesday January 31, 2024! Participants will be notified if they've been accepted by February 29th. 

 

FORT-ify Q&A/Information Sessions

We'll be providing information sessions about the FORT-ify program in December and January!  Join us on Facebook live in December or for in-person sessions in January! 

 

  • January- In-person Program Introductions
    • RESCHEDULED: Wednesday, January 17th:10:15 am- 11:30 am- ACPL Georgetown Branch, 6600 East State Blvd (NE)
    • RESCHEDULED: Thursday, January 18th: 2:30 - 4:30 pm- Headwaters Church, 2000 N Wells Street (NW) 
    • Wednesday, January 10th: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm- ACPL Waynedale Branch Library, 2200 Lower Huntington Rd (SW)
    • Wednesday, January 10th: 2:30 pm- 4:30 pm- ACPL Pontiac Branch, 2215 S. Hanna St (SE)
    • Monday, January 22nd: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm- ACPL Main Branch, 900 Library Plaza (Downtown)

 

Program Manager Contact

Réna Bradley, FORT-ify Program Manager / Neighborhood Planner
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 260-427-2284ogra

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Fortify Program Sponsors

The FORT-ify program was sponsored in part, by the generous support of our sponsors. Learn more about our sponsors by clicking on their logos (below). 

Fundraising Workshop SponsorAEP Foundation logo master lg

Thank you, AEP Foundation for sponsoring FORT-ify's Fundraising Workshop in July of 2023! Please visit AEP Foundation's website to learn more about their efforts in our community. 

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Civic Engagement Workshop Sponsor AE Logo 3c

 Thank you, Ambassadoro Enterprises  for sponsoring FORT-ify's Civiv Engagement Workshop in June of 2023! Please visit he Ambassador Enterprise website to learn more about their efforts io invest for legacy impact in our community!

 
       

   

Support Partners

 

 2024 Neighborhood Improvement Grant Web Graphic

Program Announcement

The City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division continues with another year of significant neighborhood investment with the successful Neighborhood Improvement Grant program. The program supports neighborhood projects by beautifying public spaces and strengthening community identity. The program requires neighborhood leadership to engage their neighbors in discovering what the neighborhood wants to see improved. 

Information Sessions

Please attend one of the information sessions to learn about the grant and get assistance in applying for your neighborhood: 

         

Thursday, January 25   Monday, January 29  
ACPL - Hessen Cassel Branch LIVE BROADCAST
3030 East Paulding Road Fort Wayne Neighborhoods Facebook
1:00 PM to 2:15 PM 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM
       
Thursday, February 1       Friday, February 2     
ACPL - Aboite Library Branch  ACPL - Tecumseh Branch    
5630 Coventry Lane  1411 East State Boulevard
1:00 PM to 2:15 PM  1:00 PM to 2:15 PM    
   
Wednesday, February 7  
Parkview YMCA Community Room 1  
10001 Dawsons Creek Boulevard  
10:00AM to 12:00 PM  

 


Grant Application

Grant applications for the 2024 calendar year are NOW OPEN and need to be submitted no later than FRIDAY, MARCH 8 at 5:00 PM. There is no extension to the deadline. 

The Fillable PDF Grant Application can be found pdfHERE

Grant FAQ

Please thoroughly review the Neighborhood Improvement Grant 2024 FAQ if you have questions regarding the application or process. The FAQ can be found HERE

Vendor Payment and Neighborhood Reimbursement Process

Direct Payment to Vendors that were approved in the Executed Grant Agreement

  • Neighborhood please alert the Grant administrator of the project phase/ vendor completion. 
  • Make sure the invoice is addressed to the City of Fort Wayne and does not contain sales tax. The Grant administrator can send the vendor the City’s Tax exemption form upon request. 
  • Take photos of the completed work
  • Send the photos of the completed work and the invoice to the Grant Administrator
  • All vendors must submit a W-9 to the City, if the vendor is a current City vendor, this step can be waived. 
  • Once the w-9 has been received/verified, the payment will be processed, please allow 2 weeks for the payment to get to the vendor via mail. 

Reimbursement Process for items that were listed and approved in the Executed Grant Agreement

  • Neighborhood please alert the Grant administrator of the project phase/completion.
  • Complete a reimbursement invoice form linked here.
  • Provide proof of purchase for the items from the approved vendor that was listed in the Executed grant agreement. Include photos of the items if possible (photos will be required at the end of the project.
  • All neighborhoods seeking reimbursement must submit a W-9 to the City, or if the neighborhood has received a grant in the past and has a W9 on file with the City, the neighborhood can verify their information is the same, instead of submitting a new W9.
  • Once all documents (proof of payment, invoice for reimbursement, and W9 have been received/verified, the payment will be processed, please allow 2 weeks for the payment to get to the location listed on your W9 form via mail. 

Grant Manager Contact

 

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Bernadette Fellows

Neighborhood Grant Manager/Community Engagement Planner
E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Office: 260-427-1258
 
 
 

 

 

2023 Neighborhood Improvement Grant Projects

2023 Neighborhood Improvement Grant Map by Council District

Aboite Lakes – Continue the improvements to the neighborhood entrance with the addition of new signage lighting

  • Grant amount: $4,500.00

Beckett’s Run – Increase pedestrian activity throughout the neighborhood with the addition of walking paths

  • Grant amount: $5,000.00

Bloomingdale – Incorporate the new Bloomingdale Neighborhood logo through the addition of decorative light pole signs and a new traffic box signal wrap at a primary intersection

  • Grant amount: $4,836.00

Bluewater Estates – Improve the neighborhood entrance and restore the landmark lighthouse at the entryway

  • Grant amount: $3,500.00

Covington Chase – Install native bush and landscaping at the entrance

  • Grant amount: $1,330.00

Covington Pointe – Redesign and replace landscaping around the Covington Road entrance to the neighborhood to improve the line of sight and increase neighborhood safety for residents

  • Grant amount: $4,078.07

Covington Reserve Phase I&II – Replace trees that were lost in the Summer 2022 derecho at the neighborhood entrance

  • Grant amount: $5,000.00

Creighton Home – Replace non-native species plants with native plants to fill in neighborhood parks

  • Grant amount: $5,000.00

Deerfield Estates – Improve the neighborhood entrance by adding lights, replacing brick, and updating the neighborhood signage

  • Grant amount: $5,000.00

Forest Park Boulevard – Enhance neighborhood beauty with the addition of landscaping at the four existing stone entryways on State Boulevard

  • Grant amount: $4,000.00

Glens of Liberty Mills – Improve the neighborhood common space, replacing existing trees and benches with new material

  • Grant amount: $5,000.00

Hamlets West – Replace existing landscaping at the neighborhood entrance with native plants

  • Grant amount: $5,000.00

Harrison Hill – Increase the neighborhood tree canopy by planting new street trees and native plants in the boulevard park strip

  • Grant Amount: $3,060.00

Harvester – Enhancing pedestrian safety for neighborhood children by painting creative artistic crosswalks connecting students at key intersections to Adams Elementary School, in addition to renovating the Harvester Neighborhood sign

  • Grant amount: $4,834.21

Hearthstone Village – Incorporating improvements for the neighborhood’s four-legged friends with the addition of doggy spot stations, in addition to new trash receptacles in the neighborhood common area

  • Grant amount: $4,229.00

Hickory Hill – Replace the existing neighborhood entrance sign

  • Grant amount: $4,459.40

Historic Oakdale - Install new decorative light pole metal signs promoting neighborhood identity

  • Grant amount: $4,988.45

Historic South Wayne – Increase the neighborhood tree canopy by planting new street trees

  • Grant amount: $5,000.00

Historic Southwood Park – Improve the neighborhood boulevard park strip on South Arlington by adding a new bench and landscape area

  • Grant amount: $2,207.76

Hoevelwood – Develop and implement a home security and beautification program in the neighborhood

  • Grant amount: $3,000.00

Imperial Swathmore Civic – Remove an existing tree, shrubs, bush, and shed in the common area, and replace them with grass to improve visibility and safety

  • Grant amount: $5,000.00

Kensington Downs – Enhance the neighborhood entrance by replacing existing landscaping

  • Grant amount: $4,785.00

LaCabreah – Continue the existing neighborhood entrance landscaping project and add rocks around retention pond

  • Grant amount: $5,000.00

LaRez – Replace the existing outdated neighborhood marker on South Clinton to incorporate new identity and logo

  • $4,650.00

Laurel Ridge – Replace existing ash trees in the neighborhood with new trees to improve neighborhood beauty

  • Grant amount: $4,500.00

Ludwig Park – Increasing safety on Sharon Drive by incorporating two new lighted stop signs to warn drivers of a major intersection. The neighborhood will also include landscaping at both neighborhood entrances

  • Grant amount: $5,000.00

Maplewood Community – Install new neighborhood benches at the future Sheldon Park location in the neighborhood

  • Grant amount: $4,565.91

North Anthony – Create a space for neighborhood families to gather with the addition of a public chess table

  • Grant amount: $4,813.00

Oak Borough – Enhance safety for neighborhood residents with the addition of lighting in both the common area and wooded trails

  • Grant amount: $5,000.00

Oxford – The historic neighborhood gateway pillars on the Hanna Street Trail need to be repaired for safety

  • Grant amount: $5,000.00

Pine Valley Community – Continue with the successful transformation of existing common space to the Traders Park Nature Preserve including the development of a rain garden

  • Grant amount: $5,000.00

Sandy Pointe Estates – Replace existing deteriorating street signs on key neighborhood streets

  • Grant amount: $4,850.00

Shannonside – Improve existing neighborhood playground and park areas, and add new benches

  • Grant amount: $5,000.00

Mystic Woods – Improve the neighborhood gateway with new landscaping

  • Grant amount: $4,434.00

Spy Run – Improve and enhance the neighborhood aesthetics through alley activation and the development of a new composting education program

  • Grant amount: $2,600.00

Tamarack – Enhance neighborhood gateway through the addition of new landscaping features

  • Grant amount: $4,368.55

Tanbark Trail – Improve resident gathering spaces by rebuilding the neighborhood pavilion

  • Grant amount: $2,616.25

Trier Ridge Park – Remove the existing dead tree at the neighborhood entrance and replace and improve gateway landscaping

  • Grant amount: $2,500.00

Village of Buckingham – Incorporate new neighborhood gateway landscaping at Buckhurst Run Boulevard

  • Grant amount: $5,000.00

Villas of LaCabreah – Enhance the entrance to the neighborhood with the addition of trees, bushes, and additional landscape elements

  • Grant amount: $4,675.00

Villas of Rock Creek – Remove and replace fallen deciduous and evergreen trees in the neighborhood

  • Grant amount: $5,000.00

Westchester Glens – Replace trees that were lost in the Summer 2022 derecho at the neighborhood entrance

  • Grant amount: $3,885.00

Westwood North – Provide community gathering space in the neighborhood with the installation of a new concrete pad and pavilion near the community pond

  • Grant amount: $5,000.00

Wildwood Park – Restore the existing historic lamp posts in the neighborhood to extend service life and improve neighborhood safety

  • Grant amount: $5,000.00

Williams Woodland Park – Replacing existing neighborhood signage and adding new signage on primary streets to enhance neighborhood identity

  • Grant amount: $5,000.00

Winterset – Improving the neighborhood entrances with new landscaping and other improvements

  • Grant amount: $3,500.00

Woodhurst Community – Replace the existing neighborhood signage that needs repaired

  • Grant amount: $5,000.00

 

 

2022 Neighborhood Improvement Grant Projects 

Aboite Lakes

Project: Sign Upgrade

Grant Amount: $5,000.00 

The Aboite Lakes Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to replace its neighborhood signs, which were over 30 years old and degraded by wood rot. This improvement grant allowed the signs to be fully replaced, including a new landscape to improve the overall appearance of the neighborhood's primary entrance. 

 

Barrington Lake Estates   

Project: Public Space Improvements

Grant Amount: $4,526.30 

The Barrington Lake Estates Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to make several improvements to the neighborhood's public space, which included a bench, concrete pad, landscaping, and repairing their much-loved but long-broken fountain mechanism. The project included several pieces where neighbors worked together to physically complete the project. 

 

Bellshire                       

Project: Landscaping & Curb Appeal

Grant Amount: $4,995.00 

The Bellshire Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to improve the existing 101 mailboxes throughout the neighborhood. Several of the prior boxes, and the posts on which they were located, had inconsistent numbering and were beginning to fall apart. The new boxes not only provide a crucial utility to the neighborhood residents but enhance the curb appeal on the neighborhood streets. 

 

Bloomingdale                    

Project: Landscaping & Curb Appeal

Grant Amount: $4,106.51 

The Bloomingdale Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to continue activating and beautifying the Wells Street Corridor which runs through the heart of the neighborhood. This grant was one piece of several projects that worked collaboratively in their efforts. In 2022, The Bloomingdale Neighborhood Association was a recipient of the national AARP Community Challenge Grant. 

 

 

 

Bluewater Estates             

Project: Neighborhood Safety

Grant Amount: $3,501.72 

The Bluewater Estates Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to increase safety by posting prominent street signs so people could easily navigate their way through the neighborhood. Additional signs were placed to notify the public of police patrol and no soliciting in an effort to discourage people from cutting through the neighborhood or soliciting unwanted business.

 

Brickshire             

Project: Landscaping & Curb Appeal

Grant Amount: $4,720.00

The Brickshire Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to plant native trees to create a sound barrier, privacy screen, and a cooling effect for the homes near the primary thoroughfare.

 

Burning Tree             

Project: Public Space Improvements

Grant Amount: $5,000.00 

The Burning Tree Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to create resident resting areas off of their walking paths and by the neighborhood water feature. This included pouring new concrete pads and adding benches in several prominent locations. The neighborhood hopes these resting areas will help, by providing residents with areas to stop, enjoy the view and socialize.

 

Chandlers Landing            

Project: Neighborhood Safety

Grant Amount: $2,179.00 

The Chandlers Landing Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to switch existing lighting fixtures to environmentally friendly LED fixtures for both the entrance sign and lighting around the neighborhood pond. 

 

Courts of Woodhurst        

Project: Landscaping & Curb Appeal

Grant Amount: $5,000.00

The Courts of Woodhurst Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to provide new landscaping to lower annual maintenance costs and add more visually appealing items to ensure the neighborhood entrance and public space remained attractive.

 

Covington Chase             

Project: Landscaping & Curb Appeal

Grant Amount: $5,000.00 

The Covington Chase Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to rebuild the perimeter sound wall composed of trees, remove invasive non-native trees, treat the area to prevent future invasive species, and provide new landscaping. 

 

Covington Pines           

Project: Sign Upgrade

Grant Amount: $5,000.00 

The Covington Pines Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to add a substantial illuminated sign at the entrance, allowing people to find the neighborhood more easily while raising their sense of pride. 

 

Covington Reserve           

Project: Landscaping & Curb Appeal

Grant Amount: $4,985.00

The Covington Reserve Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to update its primary entrance. Initially, the grant was dedicated to improving landscaping, however, with the summer storms, several overgrown shrubs, downed trees, and dead vegetation required that the neighborhood adjust its plans. Landscaping enhancements helped remove the scar from the summer storms, improving a sense of pride in the neighborhood. 

 

Fall Creek           

Project: Landscaping & Curb Appeal

Grant Amount: $4,200.00

The Fall Creek Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to make much-needed improvements to their community pond. The association replaced and restored pond riprap to prevent further erosion, stop muskrat infestation and damage, and improve the overall habitat for fish. The project also added to the appearance and drainage capabilities of the water feature. 

 

 

 

Falls of Beaver Creek        

Project: Landscaping & Curb Appeal

Grant Amount: $5,000.00

The Falls of Beaver Creek Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to assist in replacing the faux rock background at the entrance which had begun to crumble with age. The project was significantly more expensive than the grant amount provided, however they used the funds to leverage additional resources to complete the project.  

 

Foxchase Condominium  

Project: Landscaping & Curb Appeal

Grant Amount: $2,008.21

The Foxchase Condominium Association used its grant funds to create a shady, colorful, and nicely landscaped rest area by the new North Clinton sidewalk. The trees were selected to add new fall colors to the current tree canopy and enhance the neighborhood entrance.  

 

Glens of Liberty Mills        

Project: Sign Upgrade

Grant Amount: $5,000.00

The Glens of Liberty Mills Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to upgrade its existing sign at the primary neighborhood entrance to lower maintenance costs while improving the overall aesthetic by creating a more prominent sign. The neighborhood selected this sign by soliciting input from neighborhood association residents. 

 

Hamlets West        

Project: Public Space Improvements

Grant Amount: $5,000.00

The Hamlets West Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to fund the removal of invasive plants and install new native plants to beautify and restore both the pond and recreation area. 

 

Hearthstone Village        

Project: Public Space Improvements

Grant Amount: $4,000.00

The Hearthstone Village Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to improve and replace existing neighborhood benches with durable and low-maintenance alternatives in an effort to improve public space and complement their neighborhood walking paths.  

 

Historic Southwood Park       

Project: Landscaping & Curb Appeal

Grant Amount: $3,712.00

The Historic Southwood Park Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to transform a neighborhood park strip into a delightful spot where residents can spend time, taking in the fresh air and enjoying the beautiful shade. The project not only added park benches, but a concrete pad and four redbud trees to complement the existing tree canopy. 

 

Illsley Place        

Project: Sign Upgrade

Grant Amount: $4,923.00

The Illsley Place Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to assist in adding plaques to their entrance pillars in anticipation of the neighborhood's centennial celebration in 2023. In addition to the historic plaques, the neighborhood added several street light banners on both sides of Illsley Place in three designs to celebrate the neighborhood's seasons and iconic branding. 

 

Imperial Swathmore        

Project: Landscaping & Curb Appeal

Grant Amount: $4,145.00

The Imperial Swathmore Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to complete the final phase of entrance revitalization and landscaping from Stellhorn into the Imperial Gardens neighborhood. The neighborhood power-washed its entrance brickwork and added simplified landscaping for the project. 

 

La Cabreah        

Project: Landscaping & Curb Appeal

Grant Amount: $5,000.00

The La Cabreah Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to beautify the neighborhood entrance from Dupont Road, adding flowers, trees, and other landscaping amenities.  

 

LaRez        

Project: Sign Upgrade

Grant Amount: $2,940.00

The LaRez Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to create a sense of place for the neighborhood by installing 10 neighborhood signs throughout the area. Signs are designed and printed at a local business and proudly state "We Love LaRez Neighborhood."  

 

Laurel Ridge        

Project: Public Space Improvements

Grant Amount: $3,416.51

The Laurel Ridge Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to encourage additional usage of the neighborhood common area with a few public space improvements. Projects included the addition of a buddy bench and two picnic tables to add to their recent investment in new playground equipment.

 

 

 

Ludwig Park        

Project: Sign Upgrade

Grant Amount: $5,000.00

The Ludwig Park Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to improve the primary entrance to the neighborhood with the installation of a new higher quality sign. They plan to invest further in landscaping the sign area with new landscaping in the next several years. 

 

 

 

Maplewood        

Project: Sign Upgrade

Grant Amount: $5,000.00

The Maplewood Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to improve communication between the association and its residents with the installation of several message boards. Each is situated facing the neighborhood at primary entrances to help communicate meetings and events.

 

 

 

Millstone        

Project: Landscaping & Curb Appeal

Grant Amount: $3,712.50

The Millstone Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to to add fruit trees throughout the neighborhood common areas in an effort to promote beauty and sustainability. 

 

 

 

Oak Glen        

Project: Public Space Improvements

Grant Amount: $5,000.00

The Oak Glen Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to assist in continued improvements of its common area with the addition of new seating spaces. The goal is to promote activity and allow residents to build relationships by using public spaces for meetings and meals. 

 

 

 

Pine Valley        

Project: Public Space Improvements

Grant Amount: $5,000.00

The Pine Valley Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to continue its multi-year, multi-phase project of taking two existing tennis courts and converting them into a nature preserve in an effort to improve drainage issues and add beauty to the neighborhood. The grant allowed the neighborhood to plant a mulch path throughout the area. 

 

 

 

Poplar        

Project: Community Garden

Grant Amount: $3,341.41

The Poplar Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to develop additional community garden space as they currently own nearly three acres and give away produce to both nearby neighbors and St. Patrick's Food Bank. Funds were used to invest in raised garden beds and a keyhole garden kit. 

 

 

 

River Bend Woods        

Project: Public Space Improvements

Grant Amount: $4,535.32

The River Bend Woods Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to rehabilitate two public access paths that allow residents to access the common areas. Both paths were poorly distinguished, so the neighborhood used the funds to make the paths more visible to increase neighbor usage of the common areas and enjoyment of the outdoors. 

 

 

 

Shores of Oak Borough       

Project: Public Space Improvements

Grant Amount: $3,500.00

The Shores of Oak Borough Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to develop a new resting spot overlooking two ponds in the common area. The grant fulfilled the neighborhood's request and added significant landscaping to accentuate the area. 

 

 

 

The Hollows        

Project: Public Space Improvements

Grant Amount: $2,440.00

The Hollows Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to design and build new benches to make the area more hospitable to people spending time in the common area. 

 

 

 

Village of Buckingham        

Project: Landscaping & Curb Appeal

Grant Amount: $2,645.00

The Village of Buckingham Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to stabilize the erosion on the pond through the addition of riprap and replacing a weathered resting bench along the pond common area. The neighbors added to this improvement by trimming back overgrown brush and weeds, restoring the natural beauty of the pond. 

 

 

 

Villas of Rock Creek        

Project: Landscaping & Curb Appeal

Grant Amount: $5,000.00

The Villas of Rock Creek Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to remove dying trees and invasive tree species, replacing them with much-needed new entrance landscaping. The project improved the appearance of the neighborhood to visitors and those passing by and improved neighborhood pride. 

 

 

 

Wedgewood Place  

Project: Public Space Improvements

Grant Amount: $4,535.32

The Wedgewood Place Neighborhood Association used its grant funds to re-stain the playground equipment, allowing the neighborhood to expand the useful life for their association's children and the surrounding association's children who use the space to play. For the project, neighbors came together to do their own staining of the equipment. In addition to playground improvements, the association knew that many people from surrounding neighborhoods use the new sidewalks that pass the entrance, so they included the addition of a new bench and rest area. 

 

 

 

Fort Wayne's Neighborhood Planning and Activation workgroup is committed to ensuring residents, neighborhood groups, and community leaders work alongside the City's Community Development Division to create and support strong and vibrant neighborhoods. 

What is Neighborhood Planning?

Neighborhood Planning offers local stakeholders (residents and community leaders) the opportunity to come together and shape the future of their neighborhood. Over the years, Fort Wayne's neighborhood plans have taken many forms, including plans for neighborhoods, areas, and corridors. Neighborhood plans do a lot for communities: 

  • Neighborhood Plans allow residents and businesses to engage in identifying a future vision for the area, and provide strategies and recommendations so they can reach that vision. 
  • Neighborhood Plans provide detailed recommendations for existing and future development to help ensure that neighborhoods grow as envisioned through the planning process. 
  • Neighborhood Plans can provide a level of analysis, detail, and guidance on issues affecting local areas that citywide plans cannot. 

What is Neighborhood Activation? 

Across the City, nearly every resident lives in a neighborhood. While some are organized and registered, many are not. Neighborhood Activation is an effort to support existing neighborhoods through capacity building, community organizing and best practices research it's also an effort to support non-organized neighborhoods by working with residents to form associations, community organizing, and find/develop talent. 

  • Neighborhood Activation allows residents of a neighborhood to join existing associations, or form new associations and support strong neighborhoods for all.
  • Neighborhood Activation provides guidance to neighborhood associations who are interested in growing their capacity or ensuring residents are engaged. 
  • Neighborhood Activation works to build relationships, and restore community fabric in each neighborhood to ensure there is growing civic and social capital. 

What Does This Mean For Me?

The community is the driving force behind each neighborhood association and neighborhood plan. The Neighborhood Planning and Activation workgroup will work with neighborhood associations (or residents interested in forming an association) to ensure that each neighborhood plan is co-created between the residents and stakeholders and the City.