A group of local neighborhood leaders and several staff members from the City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division today left for the Regional Neighborhood Network Conference (RNNC) taking place today-Saturday in Evansville. This year’s theme is “Neighborhoods: Where Life Happens.”

The RNNC is comprised of neighborhood representatives from Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee. It’s designed for grassroots, corporate, government, foundation, faith-based and non-profit leaders who are dedicated to improving the quality of life in their communities.

The conference offers community leaders the opportunity to obtain training and access information needed to reinforce their leadership skills and make suggestions to city government.

The RNNC is in its 31st year of providing best practices workshops for neighborhood advocates and representatives. In addition, keynote speakers share concepts to move cities forward in a meaningful way.

“Neighborhoods are the backbone of Fort Wayne, and I continue to be encouraged by the dedication of our neighborhood leaders as they work together to enhance each neighborhood in our City,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “We appreciate their commitment and desire to make a meaningful difference in our community.”

Fort Wayne is home to more than 400 neighborhood associations.