Legislative Priorities

Upcoming Session Priorities
2026 Legislative Session

Each year, Greater Fort Wayne Inc.’s Board of Directors sets key legislative priorities by releasing our Legislative Agenda. This agenda outlines our policy positions on critical issues that shape our communities and provides a strategic roadmap for fostering a strong, business-friendly environment in Allen County.

The Legislative Agenda is published each fall in preparation for the upcoming legislative session and is unveiled at our annual Legislative Preview event.

It covers a range of focus areas that drive progress in Allen County, serving as the foundation for the board’s priorities and guiding our advocacy efforts throughout the year.

Download the 2026 GFW Inc. Legislative Agenda

Economic & Community Development

GFW Inc. is focused on attracting new businesses, helping existing businesses grow, and creating best-in-class amenities to attract and retain talent. We encourage creative uses of resources and support policies to improve quality of place, maintain infrastructure, and provide an environment for businesses to succeed.

Economic Development in Allen County

  • Advance the implementation of the Allen County Together (ACT) economic development action plan

  • Support the advancement and long-term sustainability of quality-of-place projects including a $1 Billion Riverfront District in downtown Fort Wayne, continued investment in southeast Fort Wayne, and improvement projects throughout Allen County communities to build best-in-class amenities that attract and retain talent and businesses

  • Support local revenue-enhancement opportunities, such as Food & Beverage, Innkeepers tax, and PSCDA, to give communities the tools to adequately fund capital improvement projects

  • Support art and cultural institutions and developments that strengthen our community identity—attracting and retaining talent, leveraging tourism dollars, and helping sustain a positive quality of life for our residents

  • Support the implementation of Visit Fort Wayne’s comprehensive Tourism Master Plan

  • Support the state enacted ability for local communities to establish Tourism Improvement Districts to fund destination development and tourism promotion to drive visitor demand and spending

  • Support the authorization and development of a resort-style casino in Allen County to enhance regional economic development, attract visitors, generate new revenue streams, and create new employment opportunities

  • Rejuvenate neighborhoods by incentivizing investment in distressed properties, as vibrant neighborhoods are critical to our community’s growth

  • Support the implementation of state initiatives that encourage strategic investment in quality-of-place projects such as READI and the Northeast Indiana Strategic Development Commission

  • Advance a countywide site-development and land-banking policy to have strategic sites available for new commercial, office, and industrial development

  • Evaluate potential alignment of local and state site strategies and resources

  • Support incentives to modernize and increase the competitiveness of aging and underutilized commercial office buildings

  • Advocate for policies that strengthen Indiana’s ability to attract domestic and international business investment supported by state-led economic development tools that are responsive to local needs, transparent in their operations, and accountable in their outcomes

  • Support the creation of targeted economic development tools that address local community needs such as the Small Town Opportunity Initiative

  • Elevate Indiana’s economic competitiveness by strengthening and funding successful economic development tools such as Tax Increment Financing (TIF), the Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) Tax Credit, the Skills Enhancement Fund (SEF), and the Redevelopment Tax Credit (RTC)

  • Preserve and strengthen federal economic development programs such as Historic Tax Credits, New Markets Tax Credits, Foreign Trade Zones, and Opportunity Zones

    Transportation & Infrastructure

    Reliable, high-quality infrastructure is fundamental to economic success. Indiana must invest in infrastructure—such as airports, roads and highways, broadband, railways, public transportation, and trails—that fuels business growth. GFW Inc. supports transportation and infrastructure projects and policies that align with the needs of our region and strengthen the ability to do business.

    Transporation in Allen CountyUtilities in Allen County

    • Support the continued conversion of U.S. Route 30 to a freeway to improve connectivity in Northeast Indiana

    • Support efforts to restore passenger rail operation along the Midwest Connect corridor with service connecting Chicago, Fort Wayne, Columbus (OH) and Pittsburgh

    • Advance policies to improve public transportation access, such as Citilink and CTN, to support workforce and higher educational mobility needs

    • Support initiatives that increase accessibility to high-speed internet and investment in broadband infrastructure, as access to affordable, quality broadband is critical for economic development, education, digital health, and community connectivity

    • Support energy transition initiatives, including renewable energy, to strengthen capacity and reliability for sustained business growth

    • Support energy transition initiatives, including renewable energy, to strengthen capacity and reliability for sustained business growth

    • Support the expansion of air service and air cargo in Fort Wayne—in a global economy, it is essential for Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) to maintain and expand air service to business destinations

    • Continue to support FWA’s terminal expansion project, Project Gateway, to increase capacity

    • Support the modernization of facilities at the 122nd Fighter Wing, Fort Wayne Air National Guard Base, and advocate for a defined transition plan for the next generation of fighter aircraft

    • Support local and state efforts to leverage federal funding from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for local and regional priority projects

      Entrepreneur & Business Development

      Entrepreneurs are the core driver of new, emerging growth businesses. Their ingenuity is the basis for a growing economy in which businesses can become national industry leaders. GFW Inc. supports initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, accelerate the growth of innovative businesses, and advance the development of early-stage industries.

      Entrepreneurship Resources

      • Strengthen local and state initiatives that support entrepreneurs and startups to become high-growth firms and successful main street businesses

      • Support the strategic alignment and coordination of entrepreneurial resources, including mentorship, workspace, and funding, to expand access and maximize impact

      • Support initiatives such as community-based venture funds and accelerators to increase available capital to local startups by attracting national investment and encouraging the long-term retention of homegrown capital

      • Support the expansion of Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) capacity to deploy $25 Million by 2031 to close the disparity gap, providing financing to underserved individuals and small businesses

      • Support policies that strengthen agribusiness through targeted investments in agriculture technology, rural infrastructure upgrades, workforce development, and market access to drive sustainable growth

      • Support initiatives to attract and retain the orthopedic and medical device industry in the region

      • Support initiatives to attract music production, industry innovation, technology development, and music technology training and education in a concerted effort to expand our music economy

      • Support investment for business development and expansion in R&D-intensive, engineering-focused, and technology-driven target industries to attract and grow high-wage jobs

      • Support efforts to make Northeast Indiana a national hub for cutting-edge automotive innovation including autonomous mobility, microelectronics, electric vehicle technologies, charging infrastructure, and other advanced technology

      • Support the continued expansion of digital health opportunities and innovation to increase access to health care services

      • Address the overall cost of health care for employers and employees, ensuring affordability and access to essential services

      • Monitor government regulations of artificial intelligence to both advance and protect business efficiency and operations

      • Strengthen measures for employers to defend against rising cybersecurity threats

        Education & Workforce Development

        Access to a diverse and talented workforce is essential for business growth. GFW Inc. supports education and workforce policies that improve student outcomes, prepare students to be college- or career-ready, provide advanced training for current employees, and promote collaboration among educational institutions and businesses.

        Talent & Workforce in Allen County

        • Support initiatives to increase access to high-quality, affordable childcare and early-childhood education including increased investment in vouchers, improved provider reimbursement rates, and innovative models such as the tri-share program

        • Support PreK-12 education programs that help prepare all students to be college- or career-ready by providing early access to career exploration opportunities, access to career and technical education (CTE) programs, and increase dual-credit attainment

        • Support adult education programs that expand access to comprehensive learning opportunities, strengthen workforce development, and promote long-term economic mobility

        • Support the growth and expansion of all our higher education institutions to provide high-quality education that aligns community workforce needs

        • Continue to work with the Indiana University administration on regional campus designation for IU Fort Wayne

        • Support graduate medical education grants to retain and attract highly skilled physicians to Indiana

        • Support additional student housing for Purdue Fort Wayne and our other higher education institutions to meet the on- and off-campus student housing needs

        • Support initiatives that expand workforce housing availability across the region through zoning reforms, infrastructure investment, and targeted financing tools

        • Support the development of local and state relocation incentive programs to attract new talent including remote workers

        • Support workforce initiatives such as MadeByMe that connect educators and businesses to highlight skilled-trades career opportunities to students

        • Support workforce development initiatives that align with employer training and talent needs including programs like the Employer Training grant and local initiatives that reimburse businesses for hiring, training, and retaining workers

        • Advocate for policies that cultivate diverse talent and leadership, and address equality, inclusion, and equity through leadership development, economic development, and employment

        • Support initiatives that help businesses create workplaces that are more accessible to all people

        • Support incentives to attract and create significant job growth in southeast Fort Wayne and other areas of limited employment opportunities

        • Make Indiana the state of choice for retiring military veterans

        • Support modernization of the federal immigration system including annual quotas for employment-based immigrant and non-immigrant visas to help employers meet their critical workforce needs

          Government Efficiency & Tax Policy

          Government can foster a premier business environment by minimizing unnecessary regulations, reducing the cost of doing business, and delivering efficient, high-quality services. GFW Inc. supports a stable regulatory and tax environment to foster a strong business climate and drive economic growth. GFW Inc. will continue to collaborate with our government officials at all levels to move our community forward.

          • Support zoning updates at major gateways and along key corridors to better align with the vision of the community and redevelopment potential

          • Support a clear, concise, and predictable local tax phase-in policy for businesses

          • Support the review of local government staffing capacity to provide the essential resources to sustain a high-growth economy

          • Support the continued implementation of efficient and effective local permitting procedures to ensure the capacity to move at the speed of business

          • Support an annual review of local surplus and unused funds

          • Encourage efforts to diversify key revenue sources, expand voluntary efficiencies, and allow for more flexibility for local government

          • Support tax policies that encourage business growth, maintain Indiana’s competitiveness, and attract and retain talent

          • Engage with local governments to evaluate the fiscal impact of changing state tax policies and advocate for adjustments to new local tax structures that promote community growth, streamline implementation, reduce administrative burdens, and support long-term fiscal stability

          • Oppose overreaching administrative rulemaking and state and federal regulations that unduly burden small businesses

            Greater Fort Wayne inc. Legislative Agenda

            Explore our
            2026 Legislative Priorities

            Want to see last year’s priorities? Request a copy to explore the key areas Greater Fort Wayne Inc.’s Business Advocacy team championed. As a budget year, the 2025 Indiana legislative session created unique opportunities to elevate Allen County’s priorities.

            Download the 2026 Legislative Agenda