August 18, 2009 3:00 a.m.
City to join immigration project
Pooled resources keep program for at least 6 months
Angela Mapes Turner



Fort Wayne and the National League of Cities will pool resources to promote civic engagement and integration of the city’s immigrants and refugees.


Mayor Tom Henry announced the city’s participation in a pilot program Monday with a representative from the National League of Cities. Littleton, Colo., and a third city still to be named also will participate.


A startup program with a big name, the Municipal Action for Immigrant Integration program will last at least six months.


National League of Cities staff and local agencies will work with the city’s Hispanic and immigrant liaison to design a customized program for Fort Wayne.


Palermo Galindo became the first Hispanic and immigrant liaison under the Henry administration in June.


The program has two components. The CITYzenship initiative will create an action plan addressing integration challenges in Fort Wayne, Galindo said.


The NewCITYzen will help activists launch naturalization campaigns locally.


The National League of Cities began looking for pilot cities a year ago through visits and focus groups.


Ricardo Gambetta of the National League of Cities said he visited Fort Wayne three times in the last six months.


“Fort Wayne is becoming more international and more diverse,â€