Regional Collaboration

Partners in Collaboration

Our collaborative partners play a critical role in the transformative growth and success of our region by shaping the economic future of the Fort Wayne area. As we work to build, market, and sell the region, our partners’ involvement in the community’s development and economic growth ensures that we can overcome any odds and succeed as a unit.

Regional Opportunities Council 

• The ROC is the investor board of the Regional Partnership, which oversees our regional initiatives. This group works together to assess the region and develop initiatives to strengthen Northeast Indiana’s economy. More than 120 leaders from regional businesses, educational institutions, foundations, and the public sector form the ROC.

LEDO Council

• We work closely with the 11 local economic development organizations (LEDOs) in the region to address the needs of companies looking to expand or relocate to Fort Wayne or the surrounding area. With the common goal of improving the business climate in Northeast Indiana, leaders from the 11 organizations meet monthly to address common topics, such as business development strategies, available sites and buildings, and workforce training.

Mayors and Commissioners Caucus

• The Caucus, which includes elected officials from each of the 11 counties in Northeast Indiana, meets regularly to address economic development issues, legislative advocacy, and other matters of common concern within the region. Key focuses include transportation funding, local food and beverage tax ability, and criminal sentencing reform.

The Northeast Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) 

• The RDA serves as the fiscal agent responsible for allocating funds from the state’s Regional Cities Initiative grant to fast-track quality of life projects within the region. Only the RDA may apply for matching grants and loans from the new state-funded Indiana Regional City Fund, administered by the Indiana Economic Development Council (IEDC). It may also accept loans, grants, and other contributions from federal, state, and private sources. 

Northeast Indiana Colleges and Universities

• The Northeast Indiana Colleges and Universities network is a collaborative effort among 10 unaffiliated higher education institutions. This unique consortium is designed to ensure that employers considering a relocation or expansion in Northeast Indiana have access to the talent they need. We work collectively to give site selectors, economic developers and business decision-makers swift responses to requests for information and to directly connect employers to Northeast Indiana’s robust talent pipeline. 

Emerging Leaders Alliance

• Today's young professionals are risk takers, innovators, doers, and creators. We are a generation of young leaders just like you, and we are influencing the progress of Northeast Indiana. The Emerging Leaders Alliance (ELA) is a network of young professionals committed to developing a community of future leaders and together creating opportunities for action, growth, and regional pride.