Fort Wayne City Council has extended its contract with the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership for another year, at a cost of $125,000.
The partnership’s primary objective is to “increase business investment” in the Northeast Indiana region by bringing its 11 counties together to address shared goals and needs.
Partnership CEO John Sampson says its work has made a tangible impact on the region, highlighting the completion of 19 of 28 capital projects to a total investment of $264 million.
Sampson adds that while the region has become significantly more attractive as a place to live because of the industry and affordability, it continues to have one major problem.
“Access to broadband internet services. We still have to confront that challenge with significant infrastructure investment, particularly in some of the rural communities, but also here in Fort Wayne.”
He also says there’s “anecdotal evidence” suggesting that current low interest rates on homes and the spread of COVID-19 in metropolitan areas is making rural living more appealing to buyers, which could benefit many counties the partnership represents.
6th District Democrat Sharon Tucker pointed out that no members of the partnership at this moment in time represent the “voice” of Fort Wayne’s southeast side; Sampson says his team is hoping to change that with outreach efforts throughout the summer.
Council agreed to extend the contract on a 7-2 vote.
