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Since taking office in January 2008,
successes under Mayor Henry’s leadership include:

NEIGHBORHOODS

  • Since 2014, more than $250 million has been invested in neighborhood infrastructure, including improvements to streets, roads, sidewalks, alleys, curbs, bridges, streetlights, and trails
  • In 2023, $135 million will be invested in neighborhood water, sewer, and stormwater improvements for neighborhoods such as Glenwood Park, Wildwood Park, East Central, West Central, Westmoor, and McKinnie Avenue
  • Announced a proactive plan to invest a special $22.6 million local income tax supplemental distribution in vital projects that strengthen our neighborhoods and enhance quality of life for our citizens
  • Groundbreaking for a new 131-lot subdivision in southeast Fort Wayne, the largest market single-family housing development in the southeast part of the city in nearly 50 years
  • In the past 10 years more than 24,000 jobs have been retained, 8,000 jobs have been created, and a total private investment of nearly $3 billion

PUBLIC SAFETY

  • A firm commitment to public safety, which has included multiple academy classes for the Fort Wayne Police and Fire departments and enhanced technology to better serve and protect the public
  • Creation of the Fiscal Policy Group has resulted in additional funding for more police officers and firefighters
  • A new River Patrol is patrolling the rivers seasonally, adding another layer of protection for our citizens
  • A drone as First Responder program was implemented in 2022
  • Completion of a new Fire Station 14 at the corner of East State and Reed Road
  • Two new fire engines were purchased in 2022
  • The successful merger of Fort Wayne and Allen County 911 communications services
  • Expansion of the 311 call center to provide efficient and effective services to residents and businesses
  • The SmartGov transparency initiative, using new methods and technologies to make government more open, effective, and responsive

PARKS

  • Millions invested in park improvements, $3 million in 2023 alone, for parks that include Buckner, Franklin, and Shoaff parks
  • Completion of Promenade Park in Downtown Fort Wayne
  • Work is in progress for Franke Park Renaissance, the first phase of a comprehensive plan to restore and renovate Fort Wayne’s largest park
  • Expansion of the greenways and trails system to over 100 miles
  • Dedication of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Pillars of Hope and Justice” monument, which serves as a tribute to the June 5, 1963, visit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to Fort Wayne
  • Completion of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Bridge in downtown Fort Wayne

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

  • Completion of the Harrison Square downtown development, which includes Parkview Field, Courtyard by Marriott hotel, and The Harrison mixed-use facility with housing and retail
  • Light Lease Settlement between the City of Fort Wayne and Indiana Michigan Power
  • Creation of the Legacy fund to provide catalytic investment, leverage additional resources, and benefit residents. The fund is expected to grow to over $62 million at the end of 2025
  • Purchase of Aqua Indiana’s southwest water utility that allows for all City residents to have City Utilities water
  • Ash Skyline Plaza downtown development project that included a parking garage, the national corporate headquarters for Ash Brokerage and a residential component was completed in 2019. The total project investment was more than $100 million
  • Completion of the Riverfront at Promenade Park project parking garage
  • Implementation of the City of Fort Wayne Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) to prepare our city to meet the challenges of climate change

ABOUT MAYOR HENRY

A lifelong resident of Fort Wayne, Tom Henry is the second oldest in a family of 17 children. A 1970 graduate of Central Catholic High School, Tom earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and an MBA from the University of Saint Francis. He served in the Army during the Vietnam era.

After returning home from the military, Tom met and married Cindy Kocks in 1975. They have two grown children and three grandchildren. They are members of the Most Precious Blood Catholic Church.

Tom began his professional career in the private sector as CEO of a group purchasing organization serving hospitals. He then went on to become a successful small business owner of a local insurance agency and healthcare consulting firm.

Tom served on the Fort Wayne City Council from 1983-2003, representing northwest Fort Wayne. He was then elected Mayor of Fort Wayne in 2007 and is now serving in his third term. He would like a fourth term as Mayor to complete many of the worthwhile projects he began while in office.