Overview
Choice Neighborhoods (CN) is a program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) represents the next generation of neighborhood revitalization policy, as it builds upon the HOPE VI public housing revitalization program launched in 1993. HOPE VI provided funding to redevelop severely distressed public housing and create stable, mixed-income communities. Choice Neighborhoods takes this approach further by expanding the focus beyond housing. The program supports redevelopment that promotes neighborhood stability, attracts investment, and creates opportunities for residents and communities. This broader approach has been associated with reduced poverty, crime, and unemployment, as well as increased income, property values, investment, business growth, and local jobs.
The three core goals of CN are:
THE PLANNING GRANT takes place over a 24-month period (2 years) in which the planning partner develops a transformation plan for the neighborhood boundary submitted during the planning grant stage. The transformation plan will be built by the residents of the PHA, neighborhood, education officials, law enforcement, public housing agency, city, and planning partners. The planning grant maximum award is $500,000.
“This award will provide Fort Wayne Housing Authority, the City of Fort Wayne, residents, and stakeholders an opportunity to bring the community and planning partners together to create a viable and actionable Transformation Plan for southeast Fort Wayne.” “The board and staff of Fort Wayne Housing Authority see this as a unique once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to revitalize an important neighborhood in our community through housing investments, enhanced services for our residents, and physical neighborhood improvements.” – George Guy, Former CEO/Executive Director
The Southeast Fort Wayne Choice Neighborhoods Transformation Plan
The Southeast Fort Wayne Choice Neighborhoods (SEFW CNI) Transformation Plan was approved by HUD in August 2025, which serves as the long-term roadmap for revitalizing Southeast Fort Wayne. The Plan was developed through extensive resident engagement and collaboration with community partners, the plan focuses on creating a neighborhood where residents have access to quality housing, economic opportunity, educational resources, healthy living, and vibrant public spaces.
Housing
Goal 1: provide more varied housing options
Goal 2: Homeownership program awareness and execution
People
Goal 3: Improve access to quality education for all ages
Goal 4: Expand adult education and skill development opportunities
Goal 5: Provide positive and engaging opportunities for youth
Goal 6: Support youth employment and career readiness
Goal 7: Improve access to health and wellness services
Goal 8: Improve employment opportunities for residents
Goal 9: Support entrepreneurship and small business development
Neighborhood
Goal 10: Improving policing and security efforts
Goal 11: Improve pedestrian-friendly routes for all abilities
Goal 12: Access to alternative options for mobility and connectivity
Goal 13: Encourage responsible land use and energy practices
Early Action Activity
Early Action Activities are physical neighborhood improvements that demonstrate visible progress while long-term planning is underway. HUD requires Planning Grantees to dedicate a portion of their Planning Grant funds to these improvements so residents can experience tangible benefits before larger redevelopment projects begin.
Through resident engagement at Tall Oaks Apartments, pedestrian safety and access to fresh, healthy food were identified as key priorities. The SEFW CNI Early Action Activities included pedestrian safety improvements near Tillman Road and Decatur Road including solar-powered pedestrian signals, sidewalk improvements, neighborhood signage and the Community Garden at Tall Oaks. The Community Garden at Tall Oaks was successfully completed in June 2026 as one of the SEFW CNI Early Action Activities.
Community Garden at Tall Oaks
The SEFW CNI Community Garden at Tall Oaks was selected based on residents’ interest in healthier neighborhoods, fresh food, and stronger community connections. The garden includes accessible raised beds, walkways, seating areas, an entry pergola, and landscaping.
After community planning, the garden was completed and officially opened on June 17, 2026 by residents, community partners, elected officials, and the Fort Wayne Housing Authority. The completed garden is now a lasting community space where residents can grow fresh produce, build relationships, participate in community activities, and strengthen neighborhood connections as the SEFW CNI moves into implementation of the HUD-approved Transformation Plan.
Past Events
SEFW CNI Community Garden at Tall Oaks
On June 17, 2026, The ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together residents, the Fort Wayne Housing Authority, community partners, and local leaders to celebrate the Community Garden at Tall Oaks.
The SEFW CNI’s Community Garden at Tall Oaks Newsletter is available to view/download below in ‘Important Documents’ section.
SEFW CNI Community Meeting
On February 4, 2026 Community meeting was held to provide information about the Implementation process.
If you couldn’t attend, please see the event presentation under the ‘Important Documents’ section.
SEFW CNI Transformation Plan
On August 2025, The SEFW Choice Neighborhoods Transformation Plan was approved by HUD.
Never got a chance to see the Transformation plan? You can find the SEFW CNI Transformation Plan under the ‘Important Documents’ section.
SEFW CNI Transformation Plan Draft
On September 20th, 2024, the SEFW CNI Transformation Plan Draft was submitted to HUD.
Never got a chance to see the draft plan? You can find the SEFW CNI Transformation plan Draft under the ‘Important Documents’ section.
SEFW CNI Community Meeting
On September 12th, 2024, the Fort Wayne Housing Authority hosted a community meeting where SEFW CNI residents, stakeholders and partners were able to review the SEFW CNI Transformation Plan Draft. We’d like to thank Legacy One for hosting the event and the SEFW CNI community for coming out and providing their feedback!
If you couldn’t attend, please see the event presentation under the ‘Important Documents’ section.
SEFW CNI TOWN HALL VISIONING SESSION II
On February 15th, 2024, the Fort Wayne Housing Authority hosted the second visioning session for the SEFW CNI program. We’d like to thank the McMillen Park Community Center for hosting the event and the SEFW CNI community for coming out and sharing their thoughts and opinions with us! The collected information will be used to formulate the SEFW CNI Transformation Plan.
If you couldn’t attend, please see the event presentation under the important documents section.
HUD Site Visit
On May 4 and 5, 2023, staff from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) conducted a site visit meeting in conjunction with the FY 2022 Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant for the Southeast Fort Wayne Neighborhood. During the site visit, HUD staff met with the staff from Fort Wayne Housing Authority (FWHA) and key partners to discuss our Transformation Plan process and tour the targeted site and neighborhood.
Focus Group Meetings
From August to October 2023, the SEFW CNI Focus Groups virtually met to discuss a variety of topics. The eight focus groups consisted of field experts and Tall Oaks Apartments Residents who provided their opinions about the topics.
The focus groups were:
1. Housing & Development
2. Neighborhood Housing
3. Economic Development
4. Youth & Education
5. Health & Wellness
6. Environment & Sustainability
7. Mobility & Connectivity
8. Doing While Planning
Town Hall Visioning Session
On November 8th 2023, the Fort Wayne Housing Authority hosted the first visioning session for the SEFW CNI program. The event gave the SEFW community a better outlook of the Choice Neighborhood program and an opportunity to voice their opinion about what the SEFW CNI neighborhood needed and what their vision for their community is.
This will not be the last chance to give us your opinion! We shall have another session in 2024 to capture your views!
Committee Meetings
In December 2023, the Fort Wayne Housing Authority met with the Steering, Advisory and Resident committees to discuss the data collected from the SEFW CNI community and how best to use their expertise in our efforts to revitalize the SEFW CNI neighborhood.
Upcoming Events
More events coming soon!
Where is Fort Wayne Moving Towards?
We have completed the Planning Grant process and are now organizing the steps needed to begin implementing the SEFW CNI Transformation Plan.
More information and events coming soon!
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
MORE INFORMATION
For questions or more information, please email us at [email protected]