UPDATE (February 12, 2026):
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker delivered her 2026 State of the City address on Wednesday.
The speech outlined successes from 2025 and looked ahead to plans for 2026. The theme for this year’s speech was “Fort Wayne – Investing in Ourselves.”
(More from the speech below)
The address also included very welcome news for residents of downtown Fort Wayne. Mayor Tucker shared that Surack Enterprises plans to open a grocery store on Pearl Street. It is expected to open in early 2027.
The following was released by the City following the speech on Wednesday:
Highlights of successes from 2025:
*Fort Wayne continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in the Midwest
*Implementation of the Mayor’s Mental Health Commission
*Mayor’s Young Adult Council launched
*Opioid Settlement Fund Committee was established and more than $1 million has been allocated in the community
*Mayor’s Youth Violence Prevention Program was set up with $125,000 distributed to organizations involved in curbing teen violence
*Connected Neighborhoods initiative
*Neighborhood grant program
*Completion of the East Central Forward and Northwest 2035 neighborhood plans
*Led by the Fort Wayne Police Department, there were double digit reductions in overall, violent, and property crimes, and the homicide clearance rate is well above the national average for medium and large cities
*The Fort Wayne Fire Department’s newest recruit classes will result in more firefighters protecting the public than ever before
*The Public Works Division oversaw the investment of $41.4 million in local neighborhood infrastructure projects
*City Utilities completed the 18-year Long Term Control Plan to reduce basement backups and restore the health of our rivers
*Parks and Recreation led the completion of the redevelopments of Brewer and Packard parks
*Economic development growth through public-private partnerships with Bombardier and the Tippmann Group’s new corporate headquarters as examples
*Riverfront and downtown growth with The Eddy, The Landing Exchange, and Schaab Riverfront Plaza
Highlights of plans for 2026:
-North River District
-Possibility of a casino
-Downtown grocery store
-Work of the Mayor’s Fiscal Task Force in response to Senate Enrolled Act 1
-More housing opportunities
-Addressing the challenge of homelessness
Heart of the City award:
Kody Tinnel was named the first recipient of the Heart of the City award. The award recognizes a resident who demonstrates active, positive community engagement and has made a significant difference in the lives of others. Tinnel’s many efforts have resulted in tangible improvements to neighborhoods, enhancing the quality of life for residents and fostering a sense of pride and belonging.
Award-winning community:
In the past year, Fort Wayne has been named the 10ᵗʰ best run city in the country by WalletHub; 3ʳᵈ best city in the country for first time homebuyers by Consumer Affairs; 4ᵗʰ most affordable city to
live in by Extraspace.com; and a top housing market by The Wall Street Journal and Realtor.com.
“The time to invest in ourselves is now, and I know we’re ready to seize the moment,” said Mayor Tucker. “I can’t wait to see where our collective determination, steadfastness, and resolve will lead our community. Our best days as a growing and thriving city are ahead of us.”
FULL PRESENTATION
SPEECH TRANSCRIPT
ORIGINAL POST:
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker will deliver her 2026 State of the City Address at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at the Grand Wayne Center.
The event is free and open to the public. Guests should plan to be seated by 11:45 a.m. The City says that desserts will be available for guests following the speech.
Mayor Tucker will highlight successes from 2025 and look ahead to plans for 2026. The theme for this year’s speech is “Fort Wayne – Investing in Ourselves.”
The speech will be available on the following platforms:
City of Fort Wayne Facebook pageMayor Sharon Tucker’s Facebook page
City of Fort Wayne YouTube page
An ASL interpreter will be present at the speech.
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