Greater Fort Wayne Inc.: Allen County had record-breaking year

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Greater Fort Wayne Inc. says that Allen County had a record-breaking year in 2024. Preliminary data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals that Allen County’s population growth once again surpassed state and national averages, and Fort Wayne is the fastest-growing big city in the Midwest.

With over $2.6 billion in new private investments,1,050 new job commitments, and more than $74.7 million in new annual payroll with average wages exceeding Allen County’s current annual average by more than $13,000.

The following was released:

“2024 has been a truly record-breaking year for Allen County, demonstrating the strength and resilience of our community.”, said John Urbahns, president and CEO of Greater Fort Wayne Inc. “This year, we saw remarkable growth, with 1,000+ new jobs created, more than $74.7 in new annual payroll, and a staggering $2.6 billion in total private investment. These milestones reflect the hard work of our local partners, the dedication of our community leaders, and the vibrant ecosystem we’ve built together. As we celebrate this unprecedented success, we remain focused on continuing this momentum.”

Economic Development

Throughout the year, Greater Fort Wayne Inc. supported businesses that pledged to invest over $2.6B in Allen County. These commitments included:

• 21 business expansions and relocations.
• 1,000+ new jobs.
• More than $74.7 million in new annual payroll.

Companies making major expansion and relocation announcements included:

• Google
• Fort Wayne Metals
• L3Harris
• Dryer’s Grand Ice Cream, Inc.
• North American Cold Storage
• Medical Information Engineering
• Valbruna Slater Stainless, Inc.
• WaterFurnace
• CPI Card Group
• Van Eerden Foodservice
• Wayne-Vaugh Equipment
• Time2Line Dealer Services
• And more

Allen County issued more than $3.6 billion in building permits in 2024, making it the seventh consecutive year surpassing the $1 billion mark, the second consecutive year surpassing the $2 billion mark and the first year Allen County has surpassed $3 billion.

“Reaching the $3 billion mark in building permit valuation is a testament to the remarkable growth and prosperity of our community. This number, which is essentially the projected value of the construction work for which a permit is being requested, provides a reliable indicator for what lies ahead,” shared the Allen County Commissioners in a joint statement. “It reflects not only the thriving economy but also the trust and confidence people have in our county’s future. This milestone symbolizes a collective effort, where progress, innovation, and opportunity come together to shape a vibrant and flourishing community.”

Throughout 2024, GFW Inc. staff engaged with representatives from more than 800 businesses across Allen County and beyond. These meetings were strategically designed to support the growth and success of local businesses.

Highlighting the increasing significance of workforce development, GFW Inc. staff collaborated with local business leaders and schools to deliver presentations to more than 2,200 high school students across Allen County. These sessions, part of the MadeByMe skilled trades initiative, inspire students by highlighting career opportunities in skilled trades and advanced manufacturing, helping to build the next generation of talent for these vital industries. Additionally, MadeByMe facilitated 44 externships and hosted its first industry bus tour for Allen County educators, helping to bridge the connection between education and industry. Additionally, through a partnership with Questa Education Foundation and IFMA Northeast Indiana Chapter, 39 students pursuing careers in the skilled trades have received MadeByMe scholarships over the last three years.

In January 2022, GFW Inc. partnered with public and private sector leaders to launch the Allen County Together (ACT) economic development action plan. This ambitious 10-year strategy is focused on fostering a high-growth, innovative, and inclusive environment throughout Allen County. Developed over several months with valuable input from diverse stakeholders, the ACT plan continues to demonstrate meaningful progress three years into its implementation. Highlights from this year include:

• GFW Inc. hosted its third annual Economic Development Summit, bringing together more than 500 community leaders to explore and advance the Allen County Together (ACT) Plan.
• Riverfront Fort Wayne has seen over $330 million in completed and ongoing investments. With new projects like the Treeline District, The Eddy, and The Landing Exchange, we’re now halfway toward achieving our $1 billion goal for private investment in the Riverfront area.
• Construction is underway in southeast Fort Wayne on Google’s latest data center campus, set to become one of their largest and most advanced globally. Phase 1 represents a $2 billion investment and 200 new jobs. Their campus can accommodate additional future phases.
• Student housing development is rapidly expanding to meet demand, with 800 new beds recently completed or underway. Purdue University Fort Wayne’s $100 million project, Trace, will open in fall 2026, while Indiana Tech’s Troder Hall and nearby Greystone Landing apartments opened in 2024 and 2023, respectively.
• Junior Achievement, Allen County school districts, GFW Inc., and community partners are collaborating on the new JA Career Ignite event in April 2025—a career exploration fair for 11th and 12th-grade students.
• Backed by funding from the Capital Improvement Board and Airport Authority, GFW Inc. has engaged a consulting team to create a concept plan for modernizing the 122nd Indiana National Guard Fighter Wing base.
• Allen County secured $26 million in state funding to expand broadband access, bringing high-speed internet to more than 5,000 homes and businesses in rural areas of the county.
• Visit Fort Wayne launched the Tourism Master Plan, featuring key projects such as the Fields of Grace youth sports complex in New Haven, The Fairfield entertainment venue, and over $100 million for arts and culture, including Pearl Street Arts, renovations of the Scottish Rite and Arts United Center theaters, and the Philharmonic’s future downtown location.
• The ACT Plan set a goal of investing $100 million in southeast Fort Wayne within five years. As we conclude year three, we have exceeded that goal with $125 million in completed or underway projects, including Park’s Edge, Neighborhood Health, Legacy Office Centre, Pontiac Street Market, and Bridge of Grace Early Years Academy.
• Over $125 million in ongoing and completed projects at Indiana Tech, Manchester University, Purdue University Fort Wayne, and Trine University is expanding academic programming and opportunities for students throughout our community.
• Brightpoint received a $2.5 million commitment from the City of Fort Wayne Legacy Fund to expand its small business lending. GFW Inc. will continue expanding our small business programming in the coming year.

“Three years into the implementation of the Allen County Together (ACT) Plan, we are witnessing remarkable progress that reinforces our commitment to creating a high-growth, innovative, and inclusive environment in our community,“ said Ellen Cutter, Chief Economic Development Officer at Greater Fort Wayne Inc. “The recent achievements—from investments in our riverfront to the development of student housing—underscore the collaborative efforts of our public and private sector partners. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to ensuring that economic opportunity is accessible to all residents of Allen County, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.”

Talent Attraction / Retention

According to U.S. Census Bureau data released in March 2024, Fort Wayne again experienced population growth in 2023. Allen County’s population grew by 2,901 residents (0.74%) for the year, four times the annual population growth rate (0.18%) in the Midwest. Allen County’s growth rate also outpaced the state (0.44%) and nation (0.49%).

This growth positioned the community again as one of the fastest-expanding metro areas in the Great Lakes region.

Meanwhile, Allen County added 103 residents due to domestic migration in 2023. It was the seventh consecutive year in which the county posted positive net domestic migration. Net domestic migration measures how many people moved into a community from other U.S. locales, versus how many moved away to other U.S. communities. The data represents a significant turnaround within the past decade:

Net Domestic Migration Growth/Loss by Year

• 2012: -1,082
• 2013: -245
• 2014: -800
• 2015: -161
• 2016: -597
• 2017: +81
• 2018: +772
• 2019: +1,514
• 2020: +256
• 2021: +1,299
• 2022: +478
• 2023: +103

Quality of Place

Fort Wayne and Allen County continue to solidify their position as a premier destination for businesses and individuals seeking opportunity and growth. With a focus on enhancing quality of place, the region has embraced transformative redevelopment projects that not only drive economic expansion but also enrich the community’s appeal as a vibrant place to live, work, and thrive. These efforts play a pivotal role in retaining top talent, creating dynamic spaces that foster connection and innovation while supporting long-term prosperity for both residents and businesses. Projects include:

• The Pearl – $72 million luxury mixed-use development, developed by Surack Enterprises, including 76 apartments, five live-work units, a 300-person event space, and 12,000 square feet of commercial space. Commercial space includes Crescendo Café, Amoré, an Italian steak and seafood restaurant, and Ducky’s, a full-service family restaurant and duckpin bowling.
• Pearl Street Arts – $24.5 million arts center with 37,000 square feet of auditorium space, practice rooms, and classrooms for community members and Pearl Arts Music Academy students. The center is a one-of-a-kind community hub for arts and entrepreneurship. This represents phase one of the redevelopment of the former Perfection Bakery site.
• The Fairfield – Renovated 125-year-old historic building has become an entertainment center on the southern edge of downtown Fort Wayne, featuring: Pinhouse Social, a full restaurant and bar, an area for bocce ball, and eight lanes for duckpin bowling, Urban Golf, eight bays of golf simulators, full bar, and a pro shop with golfing accessories, and The Fairfield Wedding & Events, a premier wedding venue with a full catering kitchen, a full bar, and bridal suite.
• The Landing – Phase 2 – $11.9 million project includes the historic preservation of three buildings on West Columbia Street, as well as new infill construction on two empty lots, including 21,326 square feet of commercial and retail space along with 21 housing units that include a mix of affordable and market-rate units. Led by Be Better Hospitality, three dining and retail concepts occupy the space formerly used by Columbia Street West and Bourbon Street Hideaway. These concepts are Blue Bottle Shop, Night Train and Dana’s.
• Park’s Edge – Located near South Anthony Boulevard and McKinnie Avenue, phase one is a $50 million investment and includes 208 apartments, a clubhouse, various on-site amenities, and supporting infrastructure. Future phases will include approximately 50 affordable apartments for individuals 55+, market-rate townhomes, 12 single-family homes, and an early learning center.
• Indiana Tech Zollner Engineering Center – Major expansion and renovation of the Engineering Center, this $21.5 million project unfolded in three phases. The first phase of the project included the construction of a 30,000-square-foot addition to the east side of the existing facility. The next phases of the project included a complete renovation of the existing Zollner Center space, resulting in an all-new, 70,000-square-foot, three-floor facility that is now a centerpiece of Indiana Tech’s main campus.
• Manchester University Fort Wayne expansion – $20 million expansion has added more than 32,000 square feet of space and state-of-the-art capabilities to Manchester’s Fort Wayne health science hub. New features include advanced research laboratories, specialized classrooms and a walk-in clinic.
• Trine University College of Health Professions – $42.5 million, 120,000 square foot academic facility housing programs in its College of Health Professions. In addition to state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories, the facility features an innovative Simulated Patient Care Center (SimCenter) including mock surgery and Emergency Room suites and exam and patient rooms. The building also contains ample resources for student support, including a library, bookstore, gathering area, academic support and counseling services.

“Fort Wayne and Allen County continue to grow and succeed at levels that position our community for a bright and meaningful future filled with new opportunities,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker. “The collaboration with Greater Fort Wayne Inc. helps ensure that large and small businesses and current and future employers know that our city and county are ready to be great partners to enhance the quality of life for all.”

Chamber of Commerce

Key achievements of GFW Inc.’s investor services and programs in 2024 include:

• In October, Leadership Fort Wayne (LFW) proudly celebrated the graduation of 59 individuals from its Class of 2024, marking the 42nd cohort in the program’s rich history. With this class, the total number of LFW alumni has grown to over 1,600 since the program’s inception in 1983. These graduates have made significant contributions to the community, serving as leaders on nonprofit boards, holding elected positions, and driving success in businesses across Allen County.
• The Onboard Fort Wayne initiatives supported 69 new residents in settling into the Allen County community. Newcomer Socials provided networking opportunities for mid-career professionals new to Fort Wayne, fostering connections with fellow newcomers and seasoned community leaders. Meanwhile, C-Suite Socials welcomed new executives and their spouses, highlighting Fort Wayne’s iconic landmarks and introducing them to the GFW Inc. executive team. Together, these programs strengthen efforts to help local companies attract and retain top talent in the region.
• In 2024, the Intern Experience saw over 500 collective attendees across five events, with participants coming from 23 states, 3 countries, and 52 colleges and universities, all interning at 56 different Allen County-based businesses. This marked a significant increase in engagement compared to last year’s 241 collective attendees. Throughout the summer, the program showcased the best of what Fort Wayne and Allen County have to offer, with 84% of interns expressing that they could see themselves living in the area post-graduation.
• Greater Fort Wayne Inc. launched the Best-in-Class program to engage high-achieving high school seniors from across Allen County and inspire them to return to the region after college. In its inaugural year, the program registered more than 200 students from local high schools and hosted the first annual Best-in-Class Summit. The event welcomed more than 140 guests, showcasing the exciting opportunities and developments happening in the area.
• Greater Fort Wayne Inc. celebrated a record-breaking year, assisting with 37 ribbon-cutting and groundbreaking events—more than the combined total of the past two years—highlighting the growth and success of businesses in our community.
• GFW Inc. celebrated a milestone year of membership growth in 2024, welcoming more than 200 new investors—the largest annual increase in new members since the organization’s founding. Our investor base currently averages over 1,300 members, reflecting strong community engagement. With a member retention rate of more than 90%, Greater Fort Wayne Inc. continues to demonstrate exceptional member loyalty, ranking among the strongest chambers of commerce nationwide.

“It is a privilege to champion our vibrant business community, from innovative startups to our most established organizations,” said Brenda Gerber Vincent, Chief Impact Officer at GFW Inc. “Watching GFW Inc. members connect, collaborate, and achieve remarkable milestones is deeply gratifying. Their successes fuel the growth and vitality of our entire community. In 2024, we celebrated significant accomplishments, with increases in membership, event engagement, program participation, and milestone achievements. Together, we are building a brighter future for Fort Wayne and Allen County.”

Looking Ahead

Allen County is poised for continued growth, with numerous business expansions and attractions steadily progressing. Our economic development team continues to work with more than 125 leads and 14 active projects, representing a strong pipeline of potential investment for this year.

In 2025, several major building projects are anticipated to be underway, including:

Project Currently Under Construction/Renovation

• Arts United Center Renovation
• IU Hospital
• Lofts at Headwaters Park
• Meridian Health (Southeast) – Park’s Edge Phase II
• Neighborhood Health (Southeast) – Ward Elementary
• Project Gateway/FWA – Phase II
• Purdue University Fort Wayne student housing complex: Trace
• Schaab Riverfront Plaza (Riverfront)
• St. Joeseph School of Nursing adaptive reuse
• Surack – Sweetwater Music Industry Building at Purdue University Fort Wayne
• The Elex (Electric Works)

Projects Announced

• Fields of Grace
• Indiana Tech – Junction 36 (Electric Works)
• Ivy Tech Nursing & Health Sciences Building
• Scottish Rite/Former USF Performing Arts Center Renovation
• The Eddy (Riverfront)
• The Landing Exchange Treeline District (Riverfront)

According to Urbahns, “2024 was a record-breaking year for Fort Wayne and Allen County, and Greater Fort Wayne Inc. is honored to have been part of that success. As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited to continue fostering the partnerships that drive progress and make great things happen”

About Greater Fort Wayne Inc.

Greater Fort Wayne (GFW) Inc. serves Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana, as its primary point of contact for economic growth. GFW Inc. focuses on prosperity and community vibrancy through economic development, advocacy, programs, and resources that support business success, leadership development, graduate retention, and community engagement. To learn more, visit gfwinc.com.