Strong Financial Base Key to City’s Future, Leaders Prep to Meet New Challenges
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Ensuring Fort Wayne’s financial base remains strong into the future, Mayor Tom Henry today announced the formation of the Mayor’s Fiscal Policy Working Group to examine the current fiscal landscape and provide policy guidance to City of Fort Wayne decision makers moving forward.
Chaired by Fort Wayne City Controller Pat Roller, the Working Group is composed of Larry DeBoer, Ph.D., Agricultural Economics, Purdue University; David Reynolds, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Indiana Senate; William Sheldrake, President/CEO, Policy Analytics; and John Stafford, Director, Community Research Institute, Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW).
Completing the panel are Martin Bender, John Crawford and John Shoaff; the three at-Large members of Fort Wayne City Council.
The group has been asked to analyze the impact on Fort Wayne of the sweeping changes adopted by the Indiana General Assembly over the past decade, evaluate current fiscal policies and assess available financial options. The process will detail a comprehensive context to assist decision making by the Mayor and City Council.
“A Fort Wayne that is built for success, is a Fort Wayne with a strong financial foundation,” said Mayor Henry. “Our history is one of careful stewardship and conservative management. Even in these tough economic times, we have continued to deliver the best City services and still invest for the future. To keep that momentum growing, to meet the challenges and to ensure a Fort Wayne that is ready to compete, we must begin the next generation of fiscal planning now.”
The Working Group’s depth of knowledge and expertise are impressive.
Reynolds assists state Senators in developing, balancing and planning the state budget. Previously, Reynolds served as City Controller for Indianapolis.
DeBoer has done extensive studies in state and local government public policy, including government budget and taxing options, issues of property tax assessment, local government revenue options, and the fiscal impact of economic development.
With more than 20 years of experience in public policy analysis, research and finance, Sheldrake, is a regionally recognized leader in economic analysis. In addition to his founding role with Policy Analytics, he also served as President and CEO of the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute for eight years.
Stafford has become the go-to economic resource for Northeast Indiana through his study of economic, demographic, public finance and socio-economic issues. His counsel is frequently sought by regional businesses and organizations. Before joining IPFW, Stafford served localities in the areas of long-range planning, zoning, economic development and strategic planning.
“Building for the future starts by taking stock of where we are today and what we want to be,” noted Mayor Henry. “The vital work of the Fiscal Policy Working Group will help Fort Wayne stay a vibrant community for generations to come with the means to serve its residents and achieve its goals. I want to thank the members of Working Group for taking on this important task.”
Advisory in nature, the Working Group is projected to finish its work by early August.