Fort Wayne offers “an outstanding quality of life and amenities attractive to employees and employers alike…[and] an ample work force, low operating costs, aggressive business assistance and excellent geographic positioning are just a few of [its] competitive advantages.”

The city’s financial fitness, however, appears to be a current challenge, following an economic downturn in the manufacturing industry in the early part of this decade. Fort Wayne’s unemployment rate is also above the U.S. average, and has almost doubled since 2000. Other factors negatively impacting Fort Wayne’s economy and job growth include turmoil in the domestic automotive industry and a slump in housing construction.

In regard to broadband/wireless initiatives, residents and businesses in Fort Wayne have many choices for high‐speed Internet access. The city has a fiber optic network and wireless services that resulted in programs such as a citywide broadband initiative that was developed in 2001 and free Wi‐fi in the downtown area since 2006. Investment in broadband and fiber optic technology has also been significant across Indiana, where statewide, regional, and county initiatives focus on networking educational institutions, in addition to promotion of overall economic and workforce development.