IMPLEMENTING THE VISION Creating a Nationally Recognized Economy Greater Fort Wayne Inc. is driven to build a nationally Greatest Challenge recognized economy. To do that, we must grow jobs, grow Attracting and retaining talent is the greatest challenge our wages, and grow population. The decisions made at the community faces in growing our economy. That is why our Council table, in the chambers of the Statehouse, and in the year-round advocacy and public policy efforts are geared to halls of Congress have a direct impact on whether—and help us compete on a national level for jobs and talent. how—we achieve these goals. That is why we aggressively advocate for public policy that creates an environment for Specifically, our legislative priorities focus on these five areas: business growth, talent recruitment, and community strength. • Economic & Community Development Community Pride • Transportation & Infrastructure • Entrepreneur & Business Development Successful communities take pride in—and invest in— • Education & Workforce Development themselves. If our community is to succeed, we must invest • Government Efficiency in our future by building strong, innovative partnerships between the private and public sectors. We need to The 2018 Legislative Agenda presents GFW Inc.’s policy redevelop distressed properties, reinvigorate our urban core position statements as well as our key legislative priorities. and neighborhoods, and create conditions for new, high- This agenda unites and advocates with one voice on behalf of wage job opportunities. By thinking strategically and acting Allen County’s business community. intentionally, we can build on our momentum and increase our community pride. 1 Table of Contents Reversing the Trend ............................................................................. 3 Opportunity on the Edge of Greatness ....................................... 4 2018 Legislative Priorities .................................................................. 5 Economic & Community Development ...................................... 6 Transportation & Infrastructure ...................................................... 7 Entrepreneur & Business Development ..................................... 8 Education & Workforce Development ......................................... 9 Government Efficiency ....................................................................... 10 How a State Bill Becomes Law ....................................................... 11 Make Your Voice Heard: Contact Information .......................... 13 Photo of: The Landing 2 REVERSING THE TREND 3 ELECTRIC WORKS opportunity on the $410 million 2017-2020 edge of greatness We believe: THE • People should have opportunities for higher paying jobs LANDING $35 million • Fort Wayne and the Northeast Indiana region are a “best-kept secret” 2017-2018 • 1.4 million people within a 60-mile radius depend on Fort Wayne • The U.S. needs Midwest leaders, and as the second-largest city in Indiana, Fort Wayne needs to grow and constantly improve • There are winners and losers in economic development, and we are RIVER committed to winning FRONT • As leaders, we are responsible for continuing the momentum, and $100 million fostering community pride critical to growth 2017-2021 We support nine key principles: • Encourage bold vision, tenacious leadership, and broad civic infrastructure • Rally around our city EVENT • Engage and strengthen industry in a whole new way CENTER $105 million • Invest regionally to support quality of place 2019-2021 • Commit to visionary, market-based, and action-oriented transformation • Support public policy that creates a business-friendly climate and the ability to attract and retain a strong talent base • Finance regional transformation through a multifaceted approach STEAM • Build long-term partnerships with nonpartisan thinking PARK $180 million • Support higher-education partners, which are critical for 2021-2025 regional transformation 4 ©2016 DESIGN DesignCollaborative.com COLLABORATIVE STEAM PARK ARCHITECTS + E N GINEE R S 2018 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES Local State Federal Support the advancement of Support the adoption of the Regional Support the military presence Electric Works redevelopment, Development Tax Credit (RDTC). The in Northeast Indiana, including riverfront development, the RDTC would give every community maintaining a combat fighter Landing, a downtown event center, a tool to promote the revitalization mission for the 122nd Fighter and STEAM Park to build best- and redevelopment of distressed Wing at the Fort Wayne Air in-class amenities to attract and properties, enhancing quality National Guard Base retain talent and businesses of place Support the repeal of the Medical Support converting U.S. 30 into a Support local revenue enhancement Device Tax limited-access highway to improve opportunities to give communities connectivity in Northeast Indiana the tools to adequately fund capital Oppose overreaching improvement projects such as administrative rulemaking that Electric Works and a downtown unduly burdens small businesses event center to grow jobs, grow wages, and grow the economy Enhance economic development tools and innovative programs such as Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Tax Phase-Ins, and Certified Tech Parks to increase economic growth Photo of: Electric Works 5 ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 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 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 adoption of the Regional Development Tax Credit (RDTC). The RDTC Support the continued efforts to update the would give every community a tool to county/city comprehensive plan and the promote the revitalization and redevelopment Downtown Blueprint plan of distressed properties, enhancing quality of place Support art and cultural institutions as they are part of our community identity that attracts and retains Create a dedicated funding source and allow talent, leverages tourism dollars, and helps sustain a for more flexibility for the Regional Cities positive quality of life for our residents Initiative to continue incentivizing regionalism throughout the state Support the advancement of Electric Works redevelopment, riverfront development, the Landing, Support the growth of tourism in Allen County a downtown event center, and STEAM Park to build through a 1 percent increase to the current best-in-class amenities to attract and retain talent Allen County Innkeeper’s tax rate with monies and businesses dedicated to Visit Fort Wayne to attract more national conventions, adaptive sporting Support local revenue enhancement opportunities to events, and visitors give communities the tools to adequately fund capital improvement projects such as Electric Works and a Maintain economic development tools and downtown event center to grow jobs, grow wages, innovative programs such as TIF, Tax Phase- and grow the economy Ins, and Certified Tech Parks to increase economic growth and prosperity Support the repeal of the Medical Device Tax 6 TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE To live up to our reputation as a city at the crossroads of America, we must invest in our infrastructure: airports, highways, railways, public transportation, broadband, and trails. GFW Inc. supports transportation and infrastructure projects and policies that reflect the needs of our region and strengthen the ability to do business. Support converting U.S. 30 into a limited-access highway to improve connectivity in Northeast Indiana Support the continued study of a passenger rail line that will run from Fort Wayne to Chicago Support continued funding of the Public Mass Transit Fund to support the public transportation needs of workers and employers Support increased accessibility to broadband Support the utilization and expansion of air service in Fort Wayne. In a global economy, it is essential for Fort Wayne International Airport to maintain and expand air service to business destinations Support the military presence in Northeast Indiana, including maintaining a combat fighter mission for the 122nd Fighter Wing at the Fort Wayne Air National Guard Base 7 ENTREPRENEUR & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Entrepreneurs are the core drivers of new, emerging growth businesses. This is the basis for a growing economy in which businesses can become national industry leaders. GFW Inc. supports programs that promote entrepreneurship, accelerate the growth of innovative businesses, and enhance the development of early-stage industries. Support the creation of development-ready business and industrial sites Strengthen state and local resources for initiatives that promote innovation and entrepreneurship Support the ability for Certified Tech Parks to provide resources for entrepreneurs and startup companies by increasing the $5 million fund cap Support initiatives to make our region a national destination for the development of autonomous vehicles, including leveraging our assets for testing facilities Photo of: Superior Lofts 8 EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT A diverse and talented workforce is critical to sustainable economic development and business growth. GFW Inc. supports education and workforce policies that prepare students to be college- or career-ready, provide advance training for current employees, and promote collaboration