Hey Locals,

You’ve probably heard Allen County is considering changing its voting system just in time for the May 2026 primary. We fill you in on what to know about the changes and the upcoming election. Plus, how you can make your voice heard.

In Briefs, we update you on the status of projects making Fort Wayne more connected and explain why your water bill might be a little higher.

This weekend, catch annual festivals, like Fiesta Fort Wayne and Taste of the Arts, or try something new, like yoga at the zoo.

Don't forget: We have a deal with The Berry in August for paid members, offering BOGO scoops of their real fruit ice cream at Union Street Market.

Now, let's get started!

NOTE: Links to Journal Gazette articles are marked(*) and may be behind a paywall.

Election Board plan reduces voting locations by 65%. 

Here’s what to know for the next public meeting – and election.

What’s happening?

Last week: the bipartisan Allen County Election Board announced it’s considering changing the way citizens vote before the May 2026 primary election – which promises to be a significant one locally and nationally. 

• For years, local Democratic and Republican parties have wanted to transition to a system of universal community voting centers (open to everyone) instead of the current assigned precinct voting locations (based on where you live). They claim this would be more convenient for voters – and could save the parties money staffing the polls.
• Disputes center on the number of universal voting centers Allen County would have. The Election Board’s plan reduces the number of locations from the current 111 precincts to only 39 universal voting centers countywide. That’s about a 65% reduction, which assumes only one voting location for every 6,800 residents, potentially resulting in longer lines here than in other parts of the state. DeKalb County (Auburn) and Marion County (Indianapolis), which use voting centers, have one for every 3,000-3,400 residents.
• Citizens are pushing back at public meetings. Last Friday, more than 40 citizens attended a public meeting held by the Election Board to discuss the change, and none of the 20-some residents who spoke favored the plan.* The Election board will hold another public meeting on Sept. 15 at 9 a.m. at Citizens Square (Room 030) after which it will likely act on the proposal.

In Thursday’s newsletter for paid members only: We share what to know for the next meeting – and election.

• City Council approved a “reasonable” City Utilities rate increase, funding a five-year plan to improve “neglected infrastructure” for stormwater, drinking water and sewer services. Utilities officials say the average customer (two adults and two children) using 3,600 gallons of water per month would see their average bill increase by $1.32 per month this year. This figure is expected to increase by $1.70 per month by 2029. While council acknowledged no one enjoys paying more for services, they agreed the proposed updates are justified to improve water infrastructure, which affects everything from drainage and potholes to sanitation and public safety.
• City officials withdrew their proposal for the next stretch of the Urban Trail at City Council last week, citing a lack of support from council for the current plan. Deputy Director of Redevelopment Alec Johnson issued a statement saying the department will “redesign the trail to accommodate the revised scope preferred by most City Council members,” focusing on constructing a trail and streetscape around the new Lofts at Headwaters development. Councilwoman Michelle Chambers is assisting and says she doesn’t know when the proposal will return to council, but likely not this year. Johnson and trail advocates say “many local business owners, non-profits, and residents” support the Urban Trail as a key connector of pedestrian-friendly areas Downtown, like The Landing, Promenade Park and Electric Works.
• Allen County Council plans to discuss moving some jail and court services out of Downtown to the site of the new $300M jail at its Sept. 10 meeting. County commissioners are requesting more than $5M to move select services,* like Community Corrections Day Reporting Center, freeing up what's become prime real estate near the riverfront. Council wants to see “an actual firm plan” from the commissioners before approving additional spending.
• Plans for the $18 million Coldwater Commons shopping center near Northrop High School are moving forward. Last week, the project team presented plans for 43,500 square feet of high-end retail space in three buildings, a splash pad, more than 290 parking spaces, and three other lots for future development. The Plan Commission is expected to act on the proposal at its business meeting Monday at 5:30 p.m. at Citizens Square (Room 030).
• Northeast Indiana Passenger Rail Association (NIPRA) is encouraging residents to take a brief public input survey. The survey is conducted by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) to create a State Rail Plan (SRP) with “a common goal of optimal rail transportation in the state.” Fort Wayne is one of many communities seeking funding from the federal Department of Transportation for its Midwest Connect Rail Corridor project to restore passenger rail to the city – one of four proposals from the state of Indiana. NIPRA President Jack Daniel says: "We would encourage EVERYONE to go online to complete this survey and ask for support for all four projects…. If all four projects were to move forward, almost half of all Hoosiers could be within a 30 minute drive to board a train.”
• Students in Indiana (and Allen County) achieved the largest year-over-year increase in literacy this year since IREAD began in 2013. Every district in Allen County improved, with Fort Wayne Community Schools recording the greatest gains – nearly 83% of third graders had proficient reading skills, up from 76%. This year’s rate is also the first to surpass the district’s pre-pandemic rate of 79%, The JG reports. State education secretary Katie Jenner called Indiana’s progress “extraordinary,” crediting the collaboration of educators, parents, families, students and local communities.
• Fort Wayne United relaunched its Ten Point Coalition program, which was paused by Mayor Sharon Tucker in 2024 for liability concerns. The Ten Point Coalition, which organizes neighborhood walks to reduce violence, began in 2018 under former Mayor Tom Henry. Following Tucker’s recommendation, Fort Wayne UNITED and the Ten Point Coalition relaunched as a nonprofit this year.

• Get outside: for a Nature Break at the Fort Wayne Zoo, featuring an hour of guided yoga in the Australian Adventure on Aug. 24, 7:45 a.m.-8:45 a.m. ($25)
• Watch: a free screening of Happy Gilmore 2 at Urban Golf on Aug. 21, 6-8 p.m. as part of a social mixer movie night.
• Eat: authentic tacos, pupusas, arepas, and more Latino food at Fiesta Fort Wayne on Aug. 23, 11 a..m.-10:30 p.m. at Headwaters Park Lincoln Pavilion. The event includes folkloric dancers, pinatas, live music, games and more.
• Shop: women-owned businesses as part of She Means Business at Electric Works on Aug. 23, 4-6 p.m. The free market celebrates women and mom-owned businesses with a bounce house, local vendors and more in Dynamo Alley.
• Explore: Taste of the Arts Festival on Aug. 23, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The festival includes local vendors and food from local restaurants as well as visual art, kids activities, live performances and more.
• Meet: new friends at the Everybody’s Lonely comedy show by Broken Pencil Improv at Cinema Center on Aug. 23, 8-9:30 p.m. The show includes conversation and connection exploring the unscripted highs and lows of relationships. ($10-17)
• Sample: whiskey at Science Central’s Whiskey-whiskey fundraiser on Aug. 23, 5:30-9:30 p.m. The evening includes a whiskey tasting session with Scotish native Graham Carson, including food, auctions, cigars and more. ($99, proceeds benefit Science Central)
• Perform: at Improv Jam at Swizzle Mart at Jefferson Point on Aug. 24, 5-6:30 p.m. where performers of all experience levels can join the interactive experience (or just watch). (free-$12)
• Sign up: your teen (grades 9-12) for Mark Cuban’s AI Bootcamp in Fort Wayne, hosting free classes at Amp Lab at Electric Works on Nov. 1, 8 and 15. Classes include free food and transportation, and applications are available online.

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Have a great week, Locals!

-Your Editor, Kara Hackett