Achieving Greatness

ACHIEVING GREATNESS

2017 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

200 E. Main Street, Suite 800 Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Greater Fort Wayne Inc., is a nonprofit membership organization serving the business 260-420-6945 community in Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana. Policies and positions expressed in this [email protected] document do not represent those of any elected officials or government entities, and do not greaterfortwayneinc.com represent endorsement, recommendation or favoring by any such officials or entities. ACHIEVING GREATNESS Creating a nationally recognized economy

The decisions made at the Council table, in the chambers help increase the average wage, attract and Table of Contents of the Statehouse, and the halls of Congress have a direct retain business and talent, and grow the economy. The Road to One Million...... 3 impact on businesses’ ability to grow, produce great We are building on the excitement and momentum our jobs and create prosperity. We aggressively advocate for community is experiencing to improve our quality of place Opportunity on the Edge of Greatness...... 4 public policy that allows our community to grow into a and compete on a national level for jobs and talent. nationally-recognized economy. 2017 Legislative Priorities...... 5 Our year-round advocacy and public policy efforts Our legislative priorities are directly related to the vision are focused on five areas that will provide the best Economic & Community Development...... 6 and goals set by our business leaders to address the environment to capitalize on our momentum: Economic greatest challenge our community faces in growing the & Community Development, Transportation & Infrastructure, Transportation & Infrastructure...... 7 economy — attracting and retaining talent. Population Entrepreneurs & Business Development, Education & stagnation leads to a reduction in our labor force and Workforce Development, and Government Efficiency. Entrepreneurs & Business Development...... 8 slow growth in our gross domestic product and wages. The 2017 Legislative Agenda presents GFW Inc.’s, policy The goal of the region’s “Road to One Million” plan is to position statements and key legislative priorities. Education & Workforce Development...... 9 grow the regional population from 780,000 to one million In addition, we will use the agenda to take positions by 2031. GFW Inc.’s, 10-year vision, “Opportunity on the on issues that arise throughout the year. Government Efficiency...... 10 Edge of Greatness,” identified five key projects that will How a State Bill Becomes Law...... 11

Make Your Voice Heard: Contact Information...... 13

1 2 ARENA $85 million THE ROAD TO ONE MILLION opportunity on the 2016-2018 edge of greatness GROWTH IN POPULATION ADVANCES $60.5

THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT 2.1% We believe: THE AND INCREASES WAGES $39.9 $30.9 • People should have opportunities for higher paying jobs LANDING .7 $30 million % • Fort Wayne and the Northeast Indiana region are a “Best Kept Secret” 2016-2018 • 1.4 million people within a 60-mile radius depend on Fort Wayne POPULATION 2015 2031 2067 • The U.S. needs Midwest leaders, and as the second largest city in (BASED ON POPULATION GROWTH %) Indiana, Fort Wayne needs to grow and constantly improve • There are winners and losers in economic development, and we are RIVER 1 Million REAL GDP IN BILLIONS committed to win FRONT (BASED ON POPULATION GROWTH %) • We as leaders are responsible to continue the momentum, and foster $100 million 2.1% .7% community pride critical to growth 2017-2021 We support 9 key principles: 36 years of difference • Encourage bold vision, tenacious leadership and broad civic infrastructure with stagnant growth $23.6 GE

2.1% • Rally around our city $19.8 CAMPUS Current Population 789,015 $15.0 .7 • Engage and strengthen industry in a whole new way $283 million % • Invest regionally to support quality of place 2015 2031 2067 2018-2020 • Commit to visionary, market-based, and action-oriented transformation

If our population growth approximated best-in-class regions, growing at 2015 2031 2067 • Support public policy that creates a business-friendly climate and the 2.1 percent per year, our region would grow to 1,000,000 people by 2031. ability to attract and retain a strong talent base • Finance regional transformation through a multi-faceted approach STEAM • Build long-term partnerships with non-partisan thinking PARK TOTAL WAGES IN BILLIONS $180 million • Support higher education partners, which are critical for (BASED ON POPULATION GROWTH %) 2021-2025 regional transformation 3 4

O Quality s

p s p OF PLACE e o n 2017 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES t DEVELOPMENT r t a u n re ity f G on e o the Edg GFW Inc., is focused on attracting new businesses to our community, helping our existing businesses grow, and creating best-in-class amenities to attract and TO Local State Federal retain talent. We encourage creative uses of resources to improve quality of place, maintain infrastructure, and provide an environment for businesses to succeed. Support the advancement of Create a state dedicated funding Support the conversion to the downtown arena, riverfront source for the Regional Cities the F-35 at the Air National promenade, The Landing, GE Initiative to enhance local quality Guard Base Attract redevelopment, and STEAM Park of place TALENT Support the updated Downtown Blueprint plan Allow for more flexibility in the Regional Cities Support the repeal of the program to enable the program to grow and fit developments to build best-in- Encourage the passage of the .05% CEDIT, which Support local revenue enhancement Medical Device Tax the needs of the different regions class amenities to attract and will generate $4 million per year to support retain talent and business opportunities to give communities riverfront development Support the growth of tourism in Allen County the tools to adequately fund capital Oppose over-reaching TO through a 1% increase to the current Allen Encourage the passage of the improvement projects to grow jobs, administrative rule-making Support the advancement of the downtown arena, County Innkeeper’s tax rate with monies .05% CEDIT, which will generate grow wages, and grow the economy that unduly burdens small riverfront promenade, Landing, GE redevelopment, dedicated to Visit Fort Wayne to attract more and STEAM Park developments to build best-in-class national conventions, adaptive sporting events, $4 million per year to support businesses amenities to attract and retain talent and business and visitors riverfront development Maintain economic development tools and innovative programs Attract BUSINESS Support infrastructure investment for economic Maintain economic development tools and such as Tax Increment Financing, development purposes to achieve development- innovative programs such as TIF, Enterprise Enterprise Zones, Community ready sites Zones, CReD, and Tax Phase-Ins to increase Revitalization Enhancement economic growth and prosperity Support local revenue enhancement opportunities to Districts, and Tax Phase-Ins TO give communities the tools to adequately fund capital Support a local option sales tax that could to increase economic growth improvement projects to grow jobs, grow wages, generate $24 million through a local voter and prosperity and grow the economy referendum for specific community projects that includes a sunset date Support the ability for Certified Create a dedicated funding source for the Regional Cities Initiative to enhance local quality of place Tech Parks to provide resources Grow Support the repeal of the Medical Device Tax for entrepreneurs and startup BETTER J companies by increasing the o y b om s n $5 million dollar TIF fund cap Wages Eco 5 6 ENTREPRENEURS & TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Our airports, highways, railways, public transportation, broadband, trails, and Entrepreneurs are the core driver of new, emerging growth businesses. This is the basis infrastructure are the core of our economic strengths. To live up to our reputation as for a growing economy in which businesses can become national industry leaders. a city at the crossroads of America, we must employ innovative concepts to traditional GFW Inc., supports programs that promote entrepreneurship, accelerate the growth problems. GFW Inc., supports transportation and infrastructure projects and policies of innovative business, and enhance the development of early stage industries. that reflect the needs of our region and strengthen the ability to do business.

Support local and state road funding for projects identified with our local and Support the creation of development-ready business and industrial regional partners sites, including funding the Northeast Indiana Innovation Park site • Regional project – converting U.S. 30 to a limited-access highway to improvements and funding for the Downtown Trust to expand improve connectivity in Northeast Indiana shovel-ready sites in downtown Fort Wayne

• Local projects – Adams Center Road, Hillegas Rd., North Clinton to Diebold Support creating accelerator and co-working spaces downtown Support the continued study of a passenger rail line that will run from that offer incentives and resources to start a business Fort Wayne to Chicago Strengthen state and local resources to support a robust Support continued funding of the Public Mass Transit Fund to support Support entrepreneurial support system in Allen County Support the public transportation needs of workers and employers I s Support the ability for Certified Tech Parks to provide resources n PROJECTS START- UPS e c c Support increased accessibility to broadband for entrepreneurs and startup companies by increasing the e r n u T $5 million dollar TIF fund cap t o i s o ty v e Create a state dedicated funding source for airport capital construction projects Im vi es R p ti Recouple with the federal Domestic Production Activity Deduction ro nec W ce Support the utilization and expansion of air service in Fort Wayne. In a global ve Con which would allow Indiana manufacturers to claim the deduction ork Spa economy, it is essential for Fort Wayne International Airport to maintain and against their state taxable income for all manufacturing that occurs expand air service to business destinations in the state

Support the conversion to the F-35 at the Air National Guard Base Make the Venture Capital Investment Tax Credit transferable to incentivize investment in Indiana

7 8 EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY

Businesses depend on a qualified workforce with the knowledge and skills needed Businesses depend on a strong, stable, and vibrant community. Government can create for today’s high tech jobs. GFW Inc., supports education and workforce policies that a premier business environment by minimizing unnecessary regulations and providing prepares students to be college or career-ready, provides advance training for current sustainable and efficient high-quality services. GFW Inc., will continue to collaborate employees, and promotes collaboration among education institutions and business. with our government officials at all levels to move our community forward.

Align academic accountability standards for K-12 schools with the needs Support ordinances that require more efficient and of the community effective permitting improvements in Fort Wayne and Allen County Support legislative initiatives for early childhood education programs including

T expanding the pre-K pilot program Support s Encourage efforts to diversify the key revenue sources

o t l financing local government in Allen County, and support E TRAINING u Support Ivy Tech’s request for $17 million for capital improvements to Harshman Hall d d creation of legislation to expand voluntary efficiencies u A ca d for local government units Support equitable funding for public higher education institutions including adjusting te an Stu nts Support the funding matrix to account for longer completion rates for regional campuses and de Support tax reform that fixes an overly complex tax code rewarding IPFW for degrees granted in STEM fields TO Oppose over-reaching administrative rule-making that TAX REFORM Support unique STEAM educational opportunities, to allow students to connect school unduly burdens small businesses room education to real-world applications s Reduce regulatory burdens on community To e S od Support workforce development initiatives that provide training and education that aligns banks and credit unions im x C with the needs of employers including Skill-Link and On-The-Job training programs plify Ta Support changing the definition of full-time employment Maintain Skills Enhancement Fund appropriation for small business Increase to 40 hours in the Affordable Care Act

A p n WAGES a Support our community educational institutions from pre-K d G F to post-secondary as they strive for educational excellence ls ill il a Sk Growing

9 10 HOW A CITY HOW A STATE BILL BECOMES LAW CONFERENCE COMMITTEE COUNCIL BILL FLOWCHART BECOMES A LAW INTRODUCED IN 1 HOUSE OR SENATE The Ordinances and Resolutions are (House of Origin) GOVERNOR’S TO SENT BILL formally introduced with First Reading

INTRODUCED IN TO BECOMEDESK LAW on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays during 8 SECOND HOUSE City Council’s Regular Session; those ASSIGNED TO Bills move into Committees for 2 A COMMITTEE Did a Majority of The House YES further discussion. ASSIGNED TO of Origin Vote to Adopt The 9 A COMMITTEE NO Concurrence? A Bill that has been introduced is given HEARD IN its Second Reading during the Council’s IF BILL COMPLETES PROCESS IN SECOND Was The Bill NO 3 COMMITTEE Amended in the Committee meeting the following week,

1st HOUSE 1st 2nd HOUSE HOUSE, PROCEED TO CONFERENCE 14 second house? where it is discussed and given one of HEARD IN COMMITTEE FLOWCHART YES the following preliminary actions: 10 COMMITTEE RETURNS TO YES Did The Author Do Pass, Do Not Pass, THE FLOOR FOR Concur on The No Recommendation, 4 Amendments? Held or Tabled. AMENDMENTS RETURNS TO THE FLOOR FOR NO 11 AMENDMENTS A bill with a Do Pass, Do Not Pass, or AMENDED AND No Recommendation action moves to 5 ENGROSSED 1. A dissent is filed and adopted in the House of Origin. Regular Session either that Tuesday, AMENDED AND 2. Conferees and advisors are assigned from House and Senate Caucuses. the following Tuesday, or as designated, 12 ENGROSSED 3. Conference Committee meets to discuss changes made in second house. where it receives its Third Reading and 4. Conference Committee report drafted, including agreed-upon changes. is given Final Action. PASSES ON 6 THIRD READING “DIES” BILL YES Bills that have been given Final Action PASSES ON Was The Conference by City Council will either go to the 13 THIRD READING Was The Conference Committee Report Did a Majority of Mayor for signature, or “die.” REPEATS THE PROCESS IF ALL OF THESE STEPS Committee Report Signed Passed by Both House Both Houses Vote to IN SECOND HOUSE DO NOT OCCUR — BILL DIES by All Four Conferees? and Senate Rules Adopt The Report? A vetoed Bill must receive at least six 7 (House or Senate) YES Committees? YES votes by City Council to be overridden.

A Held or Tabled Bill returns for Committee Session discussion NO NO NO when specified by the Council. 11 12 Local Contacts State Contacts Federal Contacts MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD Allen County Commissioners City of Fort Wayne Mayor Senator for District 17 Representative Senator Todd Young 260 449-7555 260 427-1111 (TBD) Christopher Judy Citizens Square, Suite 410 Citizens Square, Suite 420 District 83, Fort Wayne 200 East Berry Street 200 E. Berry Street Senator Liz Brown [email protected] Senator Joe Donnelly Working for Your Business Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Fort Wayne, IN 46802 District 15, Fort Wayne 260 420-4955 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Representative Matt Lehman 203 E. Berry Street A healthy business environment is essential to advance our District 79, Berne Fort Wayne, IN 46802 community. GFW Inc., builds relationships and advocates Linda Bloom – 3rd District Tom Henry Senator Sue Glick [email protected] for public policy that supports business of all sizes, across [email protected] [email protected] District 13, LaGrange Representative all industries. [email protected] Representative Dan Leonard Jim Banks Therese Brown – 2nd District City Council District 50, Huntington 3rd District [email protected] [email protected] Senator Travis Holdman [email protected] Stay Connected District 19, Markle Get updates on issues that impact your business by subscribing to Nelson Peters – 1st District Jason Arp – 4th District [email protected] Representative Bob Morris the GFW Inc., weekly e-newsletter, GovConnect. [email protected] [email protected] District 84, Fort Wayne Senator Dennis Kruse [email protected] Allen County Council Michael Barranda – At-Large District 14, Auburn Get Involved 260 449-7233 [email protected] [email protected] Representative David Ober Meet and interact with elected officials by attending GFW Inc., Rousseau Centre, Suite 102 District 82, Albion Advocacy events. 1 East Main Street Dr. John Crawford – At-Large Senator David Long [email protected] Fort Wayne, IN 46802 [email protected] District 16, Fort Wayne [email protected] Representative Ben Smaltz Take Action Robert Armstrong – At-Large Tom Didier – 3rd District District 52, Auburn Contact your elected official on issues that affect your business. [email protected] [email protected] Representative [email protected] Martin Carbaugh Joel Benz – 3rd District Paul Ensley – 1st District District 81, Fort Wayne Representative David Wolkins [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] District 18, Winona Lake Melissa Beber [email protected] Director of Business Advocacy Tom Harris – 2nd District Tom Freistroffer – At-Large Representative Dave Heine District 85, New Haven Representative To find out who [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Dr. Dennis Zent your elected officials TBD – At-Large Glynn Hines – 6th District District 51, Angola are at the local, [email protected] Representative [email protected] state and federal Eric Tippmann – At-Large Phil GiaQuinta level, visit w s Russ Jehl – 2nd District District 80, Fort Wayne n w o Sharon Tucker – 1st District [email protected] [email protected] w ti .in lec [email protected] .gov/sos/e Geoff Paddock – 5th District [email protected] Contact information current as of November 15, 2016 13 14