AIM Board Hosts Productive June 24–25 Summit under President & Mayor David Wood

AIM Board Hosts Productive June 24–25 Summit under President & Mayor David Wood

On June 24 and 25, the AIM Board of Directors gathered in Mishawaka for a two-day summit hosted by AIM President and Mayor David Wood. The event, officially titled the “Summer Leadership Forum,” focused on strengthening Indiana municipalities through shared expertise in innovation, infrastructure, and governance.

• Opening Remarks: Mayor Wood kicked off the event by emphasizing the importance of municipal collaboration. As AIM President, he highlighted a renewed vision for supporting cities of all sizes across Indiana.

  Member Spotlights: Several municipalities shared recent successes, including Mishawaka’s downtown revitalization and infrastructure upgrades—underscoring Mayor Wood’s commitment to place-based innovation.

🔗 Why It Matters

By convening municipal leaders, AIM fosters a proactive network primed to tackle challenges collaboratively—from infrastructure bottlenecks to workforce shortages. Mayor Wood leveraged his dual role to emphasize that empowering individual cities ultimately strengthens statewide communities.

Next Steps & Outlook

• AIM will compile materials and presentations from the Summit to share with all member cities district-wide.

• A follow-up webinar is planned for mid-July to deepen strategies on grant writing, legislative advocacy, and infrastructure funding.

• Mayor Wood and AIM leadership will aim to roll out new collaborative initiatives this fall, including peer mentorships and shared service pilots.

Quote from Mayor Wood:

“It’s not just about Mishawaka — it’s about building a blueprint that every Indiana city can replicate. Together, we amplify our impact and elevate quality of life statewide.”

This successful gathering not only showcased Mishawaka’s municipal leadership under Mayor Wood, but also reinforced AIM’s mission: to equip Indiana’s cities and towns with the tools, partnerships, and vision to thrive—both now and in the years ahead.

Itinerary Highlights

• AIM Board Meeting: Of course, we’ll convene in one of Mishawaka’s top-notch venues—but that’s only the beginning.
• First-Class Dinner at Jesús Latin Grill: Savor vibrant Latin flavors and handcrafted cocktails.
• Live Concert at Ball Band Biergarten: Sip a local brew while grooving to “Lake Bed,” our up-and-coming hometown band.
• DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) Experience in Ironworks Plaza: Your official wristband unlocks Tastings at Social Cantina, Sun King Brewing, and Public House.
• Bumper Cars in Ironworks Plaza: Because why should kids have all the fun?
• Bonney Doon Dessert Fair: Sample sweet treats from our favorite food cart.
• Bus Tour of City Landmarks & New Parks: See the Mishawaka you know—and the exciting developments on the horizon.
• Rose Park “Lawn Games” Demo: Test your mettle at Belgian bowling and bocce ball—adult beverage in one hand, bowling ball in the other, what could go wrong?!

Why Mayor Wood hopes that you loved Mishawaka
Mishawaka isn’t just a place to meet—it’s a place to experience. We hope that you experienced genuine hospitality, forged unforgettable memories, and a deep appreciation for the quality-of-life that makes our community thrive.