FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO) – Visit Fort Wayne aims to attract visitors’ spending to boost our economy, sustain jobs and enhance the city.

Wednesday, the development firm announced their full support of the riverfront tax proposal.

The firm stated in a release,

“It will add another space to attract and entertain visitors in Fort Wayne. We believe a new riverfront would be a ‘game changer’ for our destination, as it has been for Des Moines, Chattanooga and Greenville. When these cities developed their riverfronts they experienced a huge jump in tourism, as well as growth in civic pride, attracting a youthful workforce and a significant amount of additional private sector investment in their downtowns with new housing, commercial and entertainment places.”

Visit Fort Wayne’s Board of Directors voted last week in support of Dr. Crawford’s proposal to increase the Allen County Local Option Income Tax by .15%. The tax proceeds will help develop the riverfront as well as repair the city’s sidewalks and alleys.