Fort Wayne Council Approves $11.6 Million in 2027 Budget Cuts

Fort Wayne City Council approved $11.6 million in cuts to the proposed 2027 budget after considering 66 possible reductions totaling about $19 million, with many votes split along party lines. The largest reduction, $4 million for the North River District, drew opposition from supporters who say the development could spur investment, jobs and future tax revenue; council members backing the cut cited the lack of a detailed project plan and concerns about committing taxpayer funds. Cuts also eliminated about $67,000 for installing and maintaining a downtown public restroom and reduced funding for other items, while a proposed Hanna Homestead Park plan cut was withdrawn. Supporters of the cuts said they would strengthen the city’s fiscal position amid uncertainty over state tax changes, while Mayor Sharon Tucker called the reductions unnecessary and argued that council members were cutting projects only to ask the administration to seek the money again later.