‘Strong neighborhoods build strong cities’: Fort Wayne's ground-up approach to community development

It’s not an oversimplification to say that cities flourish when neighborhoods thrive. But neighborhoods are more than the sum of their parts in Fort Wayne –  and that’s a good thing if you ask residents and city officials.

Take, for example, Harvester, a small residential neighborhood of about 500 homes in southeast Fort Wayne. The area took root in 1923 when the International Harvester plant was established. The company manufactured agricultural and construction vehicles and anchored the city’s economy for generations. The plant was named “The Heavy-Duty Truck Capital of the World” and produced more than a million trucks during its operation. However, many families had their lives upended when the location closed in 1983, costing the area more than 2,000 jobs. The surrounding neighborhoods suffered a similar fate due to the economic blow. 

With its neighborhood association inactive for years, long-time community member and now Association President Margaret Machlan stepped up to rebuild Harvester’s neighborhood group in 2022.

Harvester neighborhood residents took part in a beautification effort to improve the neighborhood’s quality of place.“I kept complaining about the lack of sidewalks and crumbling infrastructure,” Machlan says. “But I realized if I wanted change, I’d need to be part of the solution.”

Fast-forward to today, and the Harvester neighborhood in the 46803 zip code, once considered forgotten and struggling with engagement, is now thriving with events like movie nights and clean-ups. The neighborhood has even caught the attention of a local filmmaker, who recently released a documentary chronicling the area’s plight and trajectory.

Working closely with the city’s community development department, Machlan was able to revive the neighborhood group. On the city’s end, staff will enthusiastically tell you how the city is elevating its approach to community development through a unique planning framework called Embedded Planning. This practice puts planners directly into communities, rather than relying on plans made behind office desks.

The city is elevating its approach to community development through a unique planning framework called Embedded Planning. This practice puts planners directly into communities, rather than relying on plans made behind office desks. 

“We’re out in the neighborhoods as much as possible," Neighborhood Planner and Community Development Administrator Dan Baisden says. “Whether we’re at coffee shops, during neighborhood walks, or even standing at local markets, our goal is to build authentic relationships.” 

Rachel Von StroupDan Baisden talks with residents during the Packard Area Planning Alliance retreat at the Boys and Girls Club on Fairfield Ave.
Baisden says that the element of authenticity is one reason why his department has embraced embedded planning as a “core principle” since its formation in 2022. The concept's originator, Jonathan Pacheco Bell, inspired Baisden during his studies at Arizona State and later Penn State.

When his career path led him to the city of Fort Wayne, Baisden says the concept resonated with him and aligned with his experiences working in neighborhood engagement. He notes that implementing embedded planning seemed less of a risk at the time and more about recognizing that a critical piece was missing in conventional practice. 

“While few were doing it then, I believed we could become a national model by bridging the gap between planners and the neighborhoods they serve,” he says. “Our team often says, 'Planning moves at the speed of trust.’ We're using embedded planning to build trust one neighborhood at a time. Thankfully, I have a fantastic team that shares this vision, and we use empathy to guide what we do.”

Rachel Von StroupAn information table during the Fall Fest event at Harvester Missionary Church.Baisden reports that Fort Wayne is currently the only city in the Midwest and possibly the country to officially adopt embedded planning as a municipal practice. Since its adoption, city officials have garnered a renewed sense of trust and collaboration between local government and its residents.

The intangibles have translated into tangible outcomes. For example, Baisden explains that crime rates in areas like the Nebraska, Hamilton, and Bloomingdale neighborhoods have dramatically decreased due to new initiatives, such as Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). Through this pilot project, High Street has seen a 53.7% drop in crime from its 10-year high, according to city data.

CourtesyRéna BradleyThe results of these efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. This approach has received recognition for its impact on revitalizing neighborhoods. In June 2024, Réna Bradley, neighborhood planner and FORT-ify program manager, accepted an award from the nonprofit Neighborhoods, USA (NUSA) for “Best Neighborhood Program.” The distinction acknowledged Bradley’s efforts to develop and implement the FORT-ify Neighborhood Accelerator, working with the East Central Neighborhood and the Harvester Neighborhood associations.

The signature neighborhood program is designed to empower local leaders. Bradley says FORT-ify is about taking grassroots solutions and turning them into actionable projects. FORT-ify includes workshops on strategic planning, governance, civic engagement, and fundraising. It also connects participants with resources like website development, branding help, and funding to turn plans into reality. 

“The big idea here is to provide neighborhoods with the tools and knowledge they need to achieve their goals,” says Bradley. “Whether it’s creating safer streets or hosting events, we want to help them build on their assets.” 

So far, FORT-ify has graduated four neighborhood associations, each receiving over $20,000 in investments to fund revitalization projects. The funds have helped offset the cost of expenses like LED light installations, block parties, and clean-up initiatives. 

One of the main ideas behind FORT-ify is to teach people to fish, so to speak. FORT-ify workshops provide neighborhood leaders with training on how to develop strategic plans, for instance. Bradley says 90% of participants reported increased confidence in navigating issues like funding and advocacy.

Perhaps most notably, Bradley says that Fort Wayne has seen an influx of younger, more diverse groups taking lead roles in neighborhood associations. Associations such as Hamilton and Crestwood Colony have completely overhauled their leadership, involving younger families who are enthusiastic about shaping their communities.

Whether young, old, or somewhere in between, Bradley maintains that resident investment and involvement are the common denominators among thriving neighborhoods. Harvester neighborhood is a strong example of FORT-ify in action. Bradley says Harvester residents credit the program for fostering a sense of unity and purpose within the neighborhood.

The Harvester bus shelter under construction.Thanks in part to Machlan’s involvement and participation in programs like FORT-ify, Harvester has transformed into a hub of pride and activity. Most recently, the neighborhood installed a new bus shelter at 3615 New Haven Ave on Jesus Name Church’s property.

“Beyond the practical aspect, the shelter represents that we aren’t forgotten,” Machlan says. “Seeing a tangible improvement lifts our spirits and shows us what’s possible when we work together.”

With the goal of unity, Machlan says Harvester organizes several annual events, including their popular Party in the Park held at McCormick Park. This summer gathering includes food, games, and music, bringing together residents of all ages. The numbers at the event have grown each year. While some neighbors simply come for the food, others stick around to sign up for updates, share ideas, and get involved.

Speaking of the park, Machlan says the neighborhood asset represents Harvester’s connection to its historic identity. The park was originally donated by the McCormick family, founders of International Harvester. Machlan shared the association’s intentions to enhance the park further. Their vision is to install specialized playground equipment inspired by Harvester’s industrial history, a new drinking fountain, and a historic marker to educate residents about the park’s origins.

“These updates honor the past while giving residents a space to come together,” she says. “We’re blending our history with our future.”

Similarly, the Hamilton neighborhood, just northwest of the city center, has seen impressive success. Known for its hallmark Halloween events, the neighborhood has grown its community participation, drawing more than 200 people to its fall celebration last year.

Hamilton’s neighborhood block party is a tradition that draws droves of families.Following more than three decades of inactivity, Hamilton’s neighborhood association was revived just two years ago. According to Hamilton’s President Travis Barman, the process began when a few passionate residents saw the potential to rebuild the sense of community. Today, one of the cornerstones of Hamilton’s resurgence is its commitment to bringing neighbors together through events like the annual Halloween Bash.

“The kids absolutely loved it,” says Hamilton Neighborhood Association Vice President Brenda Holse. “From fire trucks to costumes, games, and prizes, it was a joy to see the neighborhood come alive.”

Looking forward, Hamilton plans to host more engaging events, including a potential summer block party carnival. These gatherings not only provide entertainment but also foster stronger bonds among residents. 

"Knowing your neighbors’ names makes a huge difference," says Barman. "It builds trust, reduces crime, and strengthens the overall culture of the neighborhood."

Baisden and Bradley agree, adding how they’re proud of the hard work residents have invested in taking ownership of their neighborhoods. However, these joint efforts only tell part of the story. For instance, the city recently released “Neighborhood 101 Guides,” a resource available in English, Spanish, and Burmese to help residents learn about city processes, like forming neighborhood associations. 

“As we continue to grow and learn, we hope our work inspires others,” says Bradley. “Strong neighborhoods build strong cities, and that’s something worth striving for everywhere.”