Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Tom Henry, Mayor of Fort Wayne. We hope you enjoy Mayor Henry’s wisdom and perspective.
Engage, innovate, and perform. Those three words have helped serve as my mission and vision since becoming mayor in 2008. Engagement, innovation, and performance also drive my leadership staff and the future leaders we’re developing among our 1,800 City of Fort Wayne employees.
I’m passionate about moving Fort Wayne forward as a point of destination. A place where businesses and residents want to be. Where neighborhoods grow and thrive.
We’re seeing results. Since 2012, 18,300 jobs have been retained, 5,050 jobs have been created, and private investment has exceeded $2.1 billion. We’ve expanded our greenways and trails system to nearly 100 miles. The creation of the Fiscal Policy Group has resulted in additional funding for more police officers and firefighters, maintenance projects throughout the Parks and Recreation system, and a record amount of neighborhood infrastructure improvement projects in all four quadrants of the City. Since 2014, $75 million has been invested in neighborhoods to enhance streets, sidewalks, and curbs. And the SmartGov transparency initiative uses new methods and technologies to make government more open, effective, and responsive.
As you can see, we’ve made a lot of strides. But there’s more work to be done. As a leader, it’s critical to be accessible and approachable. It’s how we demonstrate leadership and accountability in city government. It isn’t always easy, but leadership isn’t easy. As mayor, I’m tasked with making difficult decisions on a daily basis. I enjoy it and know I’ve been elected to serve as a leader.
How are we accessible and approachable? Well, a number of programs are making a difference. For example, Mayor’s Night In sessions provide residents the opportunity to spend 10-15 minutes with me to share what’s on their minds. We also participate in neighborhood and business walks. We’re able to meet residents and small business owners where they’re comfortable to learn more about their concerns and success stories. The walks are some of the most enjoyable times I’ve had as mayor. Facebook Live sessions, tweets, and Instagram are helping us reach a wide range of constituents. It’s an important, but mostly fun, way to share information and get feedback.
I also meet regularly with business and community leaders. I have a Kitchen Cabinet comprised of men and women in our city who are passionate about making Fort Wayne the best. I depend on them for guidance and recommendations. I’ve learned a lot about leadership from them and about how different leadership styles work. Their feedback and viewpoints are invaluable.
Leadership also requires fiscal responsibility. For instance, at the end of this year, we project to have cash reserves in the $6-$7 million range. By the end of 2018, it should grow to $8-$10 million. Successful cities must have a financial structure that’s viable now and in the future. Our successes have resulted in being named the 5th best run city in the country by WalletHub.
As we’re experiencing positive momentum and investments in Fort Wayne like never before, it all comes back to engagement, innovation, and performance as a way to be leaders in a way that brings out the best in our community.
What’s The Risk?
Without risks, nothing would happen. We’d be a stagnant city. In order to be engaging, innovative, and a high performer, you have to take risks. I would rather take risks for the betterment of the residents of Fort Wayne than be risk-adverse. The worst thing we can do as a community is stop and be satisfied with what we’ve accomplished. It’s simply not an option. We have to keep going forward. We need to build upon today for our next generation.
Take a look at some recent “risks” in Fort Wayne. Parkview Field, The Harrison mixed-use development, the Courtyard by Marriott hotel downtown, Ash Skyline Plaza, downtown living at Cityscape Flats, Anthony Wayne Building and Randall Lofts, the Legacy fund, and Fort Wayne’s purchase of the Aqua Indiana water system. All are examples of what some might consider risky and not worth it. Well, I’m proud and encouraged by recent investments throughout Fort Wayne.
In whatever role you have within your organization, be bold and imaginative. Be engaging, innovative, and work each day to be a high performer. Take a risk today to make a lasting and meaningful impact for your company and career.
This content was written and shared by guest blogger, Tom Henry.
Tom Henry is serving in his third term as mayor of Fort Wayne. Mayor Henry has a strong record of successes in neighborhood infrastructure improvements, downtown development, job creation, business expansions, advances in public safety, and enhancements to Fort Wayne’s world-class park system.
Before being elected mayor, he served from 1983-2003 on Fort Wayne City Council, representing northwest Fort Wayne.
Mayor Henry has lived in Fort Wayne almost all his life and began his career in the private sector as CEO of a group purchasing organization serving hospitals. He then went on to become a successful small business owner of a local insurance agency and healthcare consulting firm.
A 1970 graduate of Fort Wayne Central Catholic High School, Mayor Henry earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and his MBA from the University of Saint Francis. He is also an Army veteran. One of 17 children, Mayor Henry and his wife, Cindy, have been married since 1975. They have two grown children and three grandchildren and are members of Most Precious Blood Church.
Connect with Mayor Henry on Twitter.
