In September 2025, members of the Downtown Fort Wayne (DTFW) team attended the 71st Annual International Downtown Association (IDA) Conference & Marketplace in Washington, D.C. The event, themed ‘Interwoven: The Power of Passion, Place & Purpose,’ brought together urban leaders to discuss downtown management. The conference focused on sharing experiences, challenges, and solutions for urban centers, with attention to the history and culture of Washington, D.C.
The DTFW team noted a shift in thinking about downtown development. Traditionally, downtowns prioritized office space, making up about 70% of the area, with 30% for residential use. The IDA now recommends reversing this ratio to support more vibrant and livable downtowns. This approach is reflected in House Bill H.R. 2410, the Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Street Act, introduced in March 2025. The bill proposes incentives for converting non-residential buildings into affordable housing, which could change urban centers nationwide.
DTFW staff observed that many downtown districts face similar challenges, such as vacant office spaces and lower daytime foot traffic. The conference discussed solutions like converting unused office space into housing and extending retail hours to attract more visitors in the evening. The DTFW team found that their current efforts to maintain a clean, art-focused, and family-friendly downtown are consistent with practices in other cities…