Lindsey Maksim has been appointed as the City of Fort Wayne’s new grants specialist and will lead the Commercial Façade Grant and Brownfield programs. Maksim takes the position previously held by Aliza Tourkow, who recently accepted a position out of state.

Maksim is a Fort Wayne native and holds a bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Saint Francis and previously worked in the City’s Neighborhood Code Enforcement Department.

Mayor Henry introduced the Commercial Façade Grant program in 2008 as part of his ongoing commitment to help local businesses thrive and expand, particularly in the heart of the City. The program is designed to assist business owners in making improvements to the exterior of their commercial properties. Since 2008, 82 façade improvement projects have been completed or are in the process of being completed, generating a private investment of almost $4.6 million. The application period is closed for this year and will re-open again in November.

The City of Fort Wayne has limited funding available to revitalize brownfield properties, defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as abandoned, idled, or under-used industrial and commercial sites where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination.
The City of Fort Wayne has grant opportunities dedicated to addressing brownfields in the community.
Applications are accepted year-round.

Maksim may be contacted about the facade and brownfield programs by calling 311.