Fort Wayne residents now have a golden chance to turn their ideas into real change. Starting this month, the city is rolling out a powerful four-part workshop series called Neighborhood Power Lab that teaches everyday people how to raise money, speak up, and actually get things done in their own streets and blocks.
The free program, run by the city’s Department of Neighborhoods, begins March 26 and runs one Thursday evening each month through June. Every session happens at the downtown Allen County Public Library from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., making it easy for working parents and shift workers to attend.
Why the City is Betting Big on Resident-Led Change
City leaders say too many good ideas die because people simply don’t know where to start. Whether it’s getting a new stop sign installed, starting a block watch, or turning a vacant lot into a community garden, most projects stall without money, public speaking skills, or the know-how to work with government.
“We kept hearing the same thing: ‘I want to help my neighborhood, but I don’t know how,'” said Community Development Director Nancy Townsend. “These workshops give people the exact tools they need to lead, not just complain.”
What You’ll Actually Learn in Each Session
Workshop 1 – March 26
Building Commitment and Organizing Your Team
How to rally neighbors and keep everyone motivated when the work gets hard.
Workshop 2 – April 30
Fundraising That Actually Works
Real strategies that have brought in $5,000 to $50,000 for local projects, from crowdfunding to small grants.
Workshop 3 – May 28
Public Speaking and Telling Your Story
Learn to speak confidently at city council, neighborhood meetings, or in front of the news cameras.
Workshop 4 – June 25
Advocacy and Getting Government to Say Yes
Step-by-step playbook for turning ideas into approved projects and funded plans.
Real Results From Past Participants
Last year’s pilot group proved the training works. One southeast side team raised $18,000 and built a new playground at their local park. A north side neighborhood association used the advocacy tools to finally get speed humps installed on a dangerous street after years of asking.
“I went from being scared to even talk at meetings to leading my block club,” said Maria Rodriguez, who attended the 2025 series. “Now we have lights on our street for the first time in 20 years.”
Easy to Join, Impossible to Ignore
Every workshop is 100% free. Childcare is not provided, but kids aged 12 and up are welcome to attend with parents. Light dinner and drinks are served so no one has to rush home from work and cook.
Spots are filling fast. As of this morning, March 26 and April 30 were already at 80% capacity.
Registration is simple: Just visit engage.cityoffortwayne.org/nhd-power-lab or call the Department of Neighborhoods at (260) 427-1127.
Fort Wayne is sending a clear message: the next great community leader isn’t waiting to be elected. They’re sitting on their porch right now, they just need the tools to get started.
If you live in this city and care about your block, your park, or your kid’s walk to school, this spring is your moment. Sign up tonight, show up ready to work, and watch what happens when regular people finally get real power.
What will you change in your neighborhood this year? Drop your thoughts in the comments and tag a friend who needs to see this.
