Fort Wayne Proposal Would Tie Art To Business Tax Breaks

Associated Press

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) — Officials in Indiana's second-largest city have drafted a proposal that would require businesses getting government tax breaks to contribute to a public art fund.

The ordinance proposed by Fort Wayne's mayor and two city council members would require businesses applying for tax increment financing to contribute an amount equal to 1 percent of that incentive, or up to $100,000.

City Councilmen Tom Freistroffer says integrating public art throughout the city of about 250,000 residents would help "appeal to professionals who want to live in a vibrant and interesting community." He says public art is essential to economic growth.

The Journal Gazette reports the proposal would establish a public art program and a Public Art Commission.

The proposal will be introduced Tuesday and discussed March 20.

Tags:Fort Wayne

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