Tom Freistroffer

Biography

Tom Freistroffer, a native of Fort Wayne, was elected to the City Council in 2015 as a member At-Large. Tom earned a BA in social studies at the University of Notre Dame and a Masters's Degree in Education from Indiana University. Tom has 15 years of experience in teaching and education, along with extensive experience in running two businesses, which he finds invaluable while serving on the council. Tom is married to Beth, and they are the proud grandparents to 12 grandchildren. Tom has sat on the Board of Zoning Appeals for the City of Fort Wayne along with serving as Chairman of the Regulations Committee on Council in 2016 and Chairman of the City Utilities in 2017. Tom served as the City Council Vice President in 2017 and 2023 and as Council President in 2018 and 2024. Tom has served for two years as the City Council representative on the Plan Commission and has served as President of the Joint Permitting Oversight Board working with Business Permits and City /County Departments. Tom has served as the Council Representative for GFW on Downtown improvement, along with working diligently with the Greater Comprehensive Plan and the Department of Community Development. Tom served on the Greater Fort Wayne board and the Downtown Improvement board in 2024. He has worked with the Greater Comprehensive Plan and the Department of Community Development. Tom has served on the Plan Commission for seven years. Here Tom works with zoning, new projects, and housing regulations. With his background in business, real estate, and education, Tom hopes to bring valuable assets to the City Council table. Paramount for Tom as an elected official, is to bring business and economic development to Fort Wayne; progressing with our riverfront development, and supporting public safety and neighborhood infrastructure. As a member of the Fort Wayne Board of Realtors and a Certified residential appraiser- Tom feels it is important to maintain a strong housing market. Other issues important to Tom are maintaining a strong, balanced budget, local government transparency, communication, and working diligently with all members of the City Council. Tom has collaborated with his council colleagues on the following legislation: Chronic Property Legislation, design and implementation of greater concentrated investment in sidewalks alleys, and the riverfront, Legacy debt reserve, updated noise ordinance, as well as supporting funding for The Landing and the Clyde Theatre. Tom has also been instrumental with the Arts community in Fort Wayne, as he introduced the Art Ordinance formulating an Art commission active today in Fort Wayne. Today Tom is an active member of St. Jude's Parish, and his hobbies include working out, reading, walking, and spending as much time as possible with his wife Beth, children, and grandchildren. Councilman Freistroffer is currently serving as the Co-Chair of the City Utilities Committee.

Contact

Phone

260-414-5288

Email

thomas.freistroffer@cityoffortwayne.org