Economic Development

Amani Family Services’ Naturalization and Legal Assistance program turns immigration support into economic strength

By directing immigrants toward pathways for long-term success, a naturalization and legal assistance program can increase stability for local families and help maintain a strong economy.

Latest in Economic Development
At an event on July 9, 2025, Matt Crouch, vice president of community economic development at Brightpoint, talks to community leaders about CDFIs.
Community leaders want to change Fort Wayne’s status as a CDFI desert

“We have parts of the population here in Fort Wayne that have been systematically left behind — and this is not a new issue, but we could come up with new solutions.” 

Calhoun St. is within the Downtown DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) boundary.
What Downtown Fort Wayne’s potential reauthorization means for the city’s next chapter

“The main thing, in my opinion, would be one single voice that has one mission — that is to concentrate and make sure that we’re continuing to develop, protect and advocate for our downtown.”

Brandon Johnson receiving a small business loan from Brightpoint, via the Legacy Fund.
Meet the carpenter opening doors in the trades, one house at a time

“I don’t think there’s a shortage of talent. I think it’s a shortage of educational opportunities. A lot of guys want to learn, but they need an environment where they feel supported.”

The exterior of Charley Creek Inn
The Charley Creek Inn: Where timeless elegance meets state-of-the-art comfort

“This isn’t just about preserving the past; it’s about giving people a reason to experience Wabash in new ways.”

The Pearl
#PlacesofNEI: The Pearl prepares to provide retail space, apartments and more in downtown Fort Wayne

Scheduled to open its doors in September, The Pearl, a Surack Enterprises development, promises to be a dynamic addition to our cityscape.

Construction on the north side of the riverfront in Downtown Fort Wayne continues.
#PlacesofNEI: Riverfront development continues on the north side

Phase 2B of the riverfront development will extend the public space from Promenade Park along the St. Marys River west to Ewing Street and east to Clinton Street. 

The Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards
How immigrants are positively impacting local economies

“Something we’ve seen trending across not only the country — and especially in Fort Wayne — is that immigrants are more likely to be entrepreneurs and business owners than their U.S.-born counterparts, which creates jobs and spurs local economies."

Citizen Robotics, a nonprofit that makes 3D-printed housing.
How can Fort Wayne address the need for housing?

“From an economic development perspective, if you’re growing jobs and attracting people, your housing market needs to be growing as well. Housing is a key component of our economic growth.”

The Riverfront at Promenade Park is designed of all glass windows on one side with 25,000 square feet of office space, 15,000 square feet of retail space, and a 900 space parking garage.
#PlacesofNEI: A look inside The Riverfront at Promenade Park

Located next to Promenade Park, The Riverfront at Promenade park features apartments, office space, retail space and a parking garage.

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