Project Description
The City of Fort Wayne's Department of Neighborhoods is working closely with stakeholders in the Northwest Neighborhoods Planning Area to develop a new ten-year strategic framework for project and program investment in the neighborhoods.
The following neighborhoods are a part of the Northwest Neighborhoods Planning Area:
- Bloomingdale Neighborhood Association
- Hamilton Neighborhood Association
- Lincoln Park Five Points Neighborhood Association
- Nebraska Neighborhood Association
- North Highlands Neighborhood Association
The City of Fort Wayne's Department of Neighborhoods is working with several Northwest area neighborhood associations, local organizations, and institutions to develop Northwest Neighborhoods 2035.
The expected outcome of this work is a 10-year neighborhood plan that provides a shared vision and direction for the neighborhoods, providing strategies for investing in growth, building community, and improving the quality of life for neighborhood residents, businesses, and organizations.
You may ask why a neighborhood plan is important. The neighborhood planning process offers local stakeholders the opportunity to come together and shape the future of your neighborhood.
Neighborhood plans do a lot for a community, including
- (1) engaging residents and businesses in identifying a future vision for the area and providing strategies and recommendations for achieving that vision,
- (2) providing detailed recommendations for the neighborhood to ensure neighborhoods grow as envisioned by the plan, and
- (3) provide a level of analysis, detail, and guidance on issues affecting local areas that a "comprehensive" citywide plan cannot.
In short, everyone! This plan involves anyone who lives, works, worships, and participates in the Northwest Neighborhoods Planning Area neighborhoods, and we want to ensure your voice is included.
Direct involvement from the neighborhood's stakeholders and residents is central to developing a neighborhood plan. To ensure that the neighborhood planning process goes smoothly, a team of steering committee members, made up of residents and business owners in the Northwest Neighborhoods Planning Area, meet regularly to provide feedback and guidance in the plan development process.
Northwest 2035 Plan
The following principles form the foundation of Northwest 2035 and establish a clear and compelling framework to drive the united long-term vision, strategies, and priorities for Bloomingdale, Hamilton, Lincoln Park Five Points, Nebraska, and North Highlands neighborhoods. Grounded in community input, these principles are a call to action, addressing the current challenges while embracing long-term opportunities, shaping a stronger, more connected, and more resilient future for all residents.
Northwest 2035 emphasizes proactive investment in environmental design and community partnerships to ensure every street, park, and gathering space is a place where residents can walk freely, children can play safely, and families can live with peace of mind.
Northwest 2035 puts people first by prioritizing infrastructure that makes it easy, and safe, to move throughout the community. By investing in walkable corridors, safer intersections, and accessible transit, the plan doesn’t just link parks, schools, and businesses—it links people to each other and to the heart of Fort Wayne.
Northwest 2035 focuses on revitalizing commercial corridors, parks, and civic spaces to create vibrant hubs of activity. When local businesses flourish, parks come to life, and institutions open their doors, the entire community benefits. These anchors aren’t just physical spaces—they’re the heartbeat of a thriving, connected neighborhood.
Northwest 2035 recognizes that the character and culture of a neighborhood are its greatest assets. That’s why the plan is committed to inclusive growth that respects what makes each area unique while balancing growth by expanding housing options, supporting affordability, and ensuring that long-term residents can benefit from investment, development, preservation, and placemaking.
Neighborhood Engagement
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Plan Recommendations
Neighborhood Identity
Vision Statement: Northwest Neighborhoods are proud and creative, where culture is visible, history is honored, and every street feels like home. Through bold public art, preserved landmarks, and vibrant connected spaces, Northwest 2035 celebrates what makes the neighborhoods unique while building a safer and resilient future for all.
GOAL 1: The Northwest Neighborhoods celebrate their unique culture and character through distinctive and engaging public spaces for residents and visitors
Strategy 1.1: Implement a public art and signage program that celebrates the neighborhoods’ culture, fosters community engagement, and attracts visitors
Strategy 1.2: Support the Northwest Neighborhoods in identifying, preserving, and celebrating its history and historic resources
Neighborhood Development
Vision Statement: Northwest Neighborhoods is a connected and growing community where residents can have a great quality of life and have ample access to opportunity. Through strategies of housing options, revitalized corridors, and strong links to the Riverfront and downtown Fort Wayne, Northwest 2035 strengthens neighborhood stability while ensuring that all residents can share in its progress.
GOAL 2: Northwest Neighborhoods enjoy active corridors, stable housing options, and cohesive connections to Fort Wayne’s riverfront and downtown development
Strategy 2.1: Expand equitable housing options to accommodate population growth while ensuring the stability and well-being of existing residents
Strategy 2.2: Revitalize commercial corridors to stimulate economic development and enhance neighborhood vibrancy
Strategy 2.3: Ensure that new development near Fort Wayne’s Riverfront maximizes connectivity between residents and public spaces
Neighborhood Infrastructure & Facilities
Vision Statement: Northwest Neighborhoods is a safe, walkable, and active community where residents can easily connect to parks, schools, public transportation, and opportunity to improve their quality of life. Through upgraded infrastructure, enhanced public spaces, and expanded options for mobility, Northwest 2035 strengthens daily life while ensuring residents can enjoy a healthy, connected and vibrant neighborhood.
GOAL 3: Northwest Neighborhoods have safe, connected, and reliable infrastructure
Strategy 3.1: Improve neighborhood connectivity by enhancing pedestrian, bicycle, and public transportation infrastructure
Strategy 3.2: Collaborate with Public Works to improve pedestrian safety on neighborhood streets
GOAL 4: Improve and expand park amenities, recreational opportunities, and trail access within Northwest Neighborhoods
Strategy 4.1: Improve and expand park amenities, recreational opportunities, and trail access within Northwest Neighborhoods
Neighborhood Safety
Vision Statement: Northwest Neighborhoods is a safe and connected community where residents feel secure, supported, and empowered. Through strengthened partnerships, thoughtful design, and targeted public safety investments, Northwest 2035 builds a neighborhood where people can live, work and be active with confidence, ensuring every resident shares in a safer, more vibrant future.
GOAL 5: Northwest Neighborhoods are a safe and secure place for residents and visitors to live, work, and explore
Strategy 5.1: Enhance safety and security by implementing Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Principles and strengthening community partnerships
Implementing the Plan
Implementation Framework
Successful neighborhood planning does not end with adoption; it begins with action. Implementation is the critical phase where ideas, priorities, and strategies are translated into visible improvements and community impact. The Northwest 2035 plan is designed as a vision for the future and a working document that guides ongoing decision-making, investment, and collaboration.
Implementation Strategy
While The Northwest 2035 plan outlines a long-term vision, its success depends on identifying and executing high-impact, short-term actions. These catalytic or momentum-building projects serve as visible demonstrations of progress, building trust within the community.
Share Your Input
Crucial to a good plan is the voices of the community. The Northwest Neighborhoods 2035 plan is seeking input through a variety of outreach opportunities, including the following:
