How do we collaborate county-wide to attract economic development that delivers high-quality tourism assets and experiences to enhance the quality of life for residents, spreads visitor impact, and celebrates our community's unique personality and flavors?
ACTIVE
Goal: Continue to position Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) as the region’s first choice for air travel, retaining current air service routes while expanding available seats and flight frequency in the Fort Wayne / Allen County market.
Points of Progress
June 2026
In 2025, the Fort Wayne International Airport saw 983,042 passengers fly in and out of the airport – an increase of 14.7% over 2024.
December 2025
Fort Wayne International Airport welcomed Allegiant’s new route to Fort Lauderdale.
2025
The Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) continues to add flight capacity with additional frequencies with American and United to Chicago and the return of Delta’s Detroit route.
Project Gateway construction continues, with the new restaurant, coffee shop, and market area opening as part of the East Terminal Expansion.
FUTURE
Goal: Establish Fort Wayne / Allen County as a premier culinary, craft beverage, and wine destination that offers a diverse and exceptional experience for residents and visitors, showcasing the city's local flavors, innovation, and vibrant food and beverage culture.
Points of Progress
December 2025
Led by local chefs, farmers, and providers, a group is working to build a Culinary Council to uplift and support the local food scene through advocacy, resources, and peer support.
Goal: Develop and position Fort Wayne / Allen County as a premier tourism destination renowned for its unique and authentic collection of tourism assets, events, and festivals.
Points of Progress
Through Allen County’s Bicentennial celebrations, 15 “I AM” Allen sculptures were placed throughout the county.
The City of New Haven is partnering with Harvester Homecoming and Card and Associates to preserve Indiana’s manufacturing legacy with the Harvester Homecoming Museum at the planned Fields of Grace Complex.
Leo-Cedarville unveiled a new holiday light display in Riverside Gardens, which Visit Fort Wayne marketed through its holiday lights campaigns.
Goal: Establish Fort Wayne / Allen County as a premier Midwest destination for unique and authentic, universally accessible retail and commercial districts that enhance the quality of life for residents and create a memorable experience for visitors.
Goal: Establish Fort Wayne / Allen County as a premier destination for inclusive outdoor enthusiasts by providing exceptional hiking, biking, and water trail experiences that promote health, well-being, and environmental stewardship.
Points of Progress
June 2026
In 2025, the trails in the City of Fort Wayne had 910,410 trail uses (defined as when someone walks, runs, or rides by one of the infrared counters).
We celebrate the completion of the following trail developments -
Amstutz Road - State Road 1/Leo Road to Hosler Road
Bass Road – Hadley Road to Scott Road
Grabill Road Bridge over St Joe River-bridge replacement with enhanced bicycle and pedestrian facilities
Bluffton Road Bridge over St Marys River-bridge replacement with enhanced bicycle and pedestrian facilities
Wheelock Road Trail – Stellhorn Rd to Jefferson Middle School
Urban Trail – Harrison St from Main St to Washington Blvd
Maplecrest Rd/SR 930 intersection project with trail – from SR 930 to 700’ s/o SR 930
Mechanic St Bridge
Woodburn Trail – from Ash St to Fahlsing Rd on north side of railroad
December 2025
We celebrate the completion of the following trail developments -
The Pufferbelly Trail “Golden Spike” section from Ice Way to Washington Center Road
Hanna St Trail - Decatur to Burns
Carroll Rd Trail – Bethel Rd to Millstone
Carroll Rd Trail – SR 3 to w/o Shearwater Run
Lincoln Hwy Trail – Green to Minnich Rd
Anthony Blvd Streetscape/Trail – Pontiac St to Creighton Ave
July 2025
We celebrate the completion of the following trails -
Along Covington Road (Hadley Rd to Getz Rd)
Cedar Creek Parks Trails (Halter Rd from Hursh to Hosler and Hosler Rd from Halter to Main St/SR 1)
2025
Our trails continue to grow with a current total of 140 miles of connected trails, and the announcement of the Pufferbelly Trail Bridge connecting trails over Coliseum Blvd.
