Fort Wayne Launched New Downtown Strategic Survey

Residents are invited to provide input for the city's upcoming 10-year downtown development plan.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Remote Work

Bold flat-color editorial illustration depicting a symbolic architectural scale model of a downtown street, evoking urban development planning. — Fort Wayne has launched the 'Make It Downtown' survey, inviting residents to contribute their vision for a new 10-year development plan by October 8. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust that public surveys influence long-term development decisions in your city?

The city of Fort Wayne has launched the Make It Downtown survey to gather public feedback for a new 10-year development strategy. Residents have until October 8 to participate in the planning process.

Why it matters

Public participation is essential for ensuring that the strategic plan reflects the needs and preferences of those who live and work in the downtown area. The final report will influence long-term infrastructure and urban improvements throughout the city.

The city is seeking public input to guide a 10-year strategic plan for downtown. Participants who complete the survey are eligible to enter a drawing for a $25 gift card.

The players

Fort Wayne Plan Commission

This local government body is responsible for land-use planning and reviewing urban development proposals within the city.

Fort Wayne City Council

This legislative branch of the local government will consider the final strategic plan for downtown development.

The details

The survey is accessible via a web link provided by the city to ensure residents can easily share their vision for downtown growth. Once the data collection is complete, the resulting strategic plan will be reviewed by the Fort Wayne Plan Commission and City Council.

October 8, 2026 is the deadline for submitting the Make It Downtown survey.
April 2027 is the anticipated date for the finalization of the strategic plan.

Market Landscape

This initiative follows the community engagement process required to update the Fort Wayne Plan Commission's zoning and development mandates. The survey results will directly inform the guidelines and recommendations managed by these municipal bodies.

Residents have a direct opportunity to voice their priorities for local amenities and downtown services. Completing the survey takes minimal time and offers a chance to win a $25 gift card.

The takeaway

Engaging with city planning efforts ensures that municipal resources are allocated toward projects that benefit the local community. Residents should prioritize submitting their feedback before the October deadline to have their voices heard.