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5 0 U u APRIL 2008 B"Z14"j Mayors Snpkriv J. LuFC:kf Letter from the Mayor Dear Friends and Neighbors, Each year it is my duty and privilege to report on the progress of the City of South Bend to members of the Common Council and the community. For the next three months, I'm going to highlight portions of my 2008 State of the City address. You may view the complete address on our website, www.southbendin. ,aov I'm proud to report that the State of the City of South Bend is strong. We are moving forward with good planning, a dedicated team and a vision for the fu- ture. We are poised for our greatest growth in ages. With the foundation set by City Plan, our citizens are engaged, we have a clear focus on our priorities and we are making good progress. Although we face challenges, we have the talent and determination to address them. The City of South Bend is strengthened by the expertise, efficiency and effectiveness of its municipal government, which goes the extra mile. With strong fiscal stability, technological innovation and great partnerships, City government keeps South Bend moving forward. Our City government is a model of efficiency in time, money and allocation of resources. In 2000, the City of South Bend had 1,341 employees. Today, we have 1,246 — a decrease of 95 employees, or 7 percent. Our government strives to be more efficient, doing more with less. This creates savings for us — and you. Whether it's nearly $2 million in avoided electrical and operational costs by converting our traffic signals from incandescent lights to energy- saving LEDs, or saving as much as $25 million since 1998 by managing our own self - insurance liability program, the City of South Bend is a good steward of its re- sources. As we build a 21st - Century City in South Bend, we use technology to shape a distinctive advantage for our community. We use technology to keep moving forward. One of the biggest tools in our technological infrastructure is the St. Joseph Valley Metronet, which provides redundant and reliable connectivity for organizations. No other city our size has the capacity to move large amounts of data as safely and securely. With the Metronet, South Bend has the infrastruc- ture to compete for high -tech businesses that often look to much larger metro- politan areas. The Metronet has been key in attracting new businesses to South Bend.g Next month, I'll describe the key initiatives that are the basis for my optimistic outlook, despite a dire national economy. Then, in May, I'll describe how the City of South Bend will respond to changes in the state's property tax system — changes that threaten the promise of progress that I've detailed. Sincerely, Mayor Steve THIS MONTH... Mayor's Letter Solid Waste Program Tips Potawatomi Zoo Green Tips Lamppost Lighting Silverhawks Schedule POTAWATOMI Spring is finally here, that means Potawatomi Zoo is open for the Season!! Come out to visit the animals and see what is new at the Zoo. Admission is only $7 for adults and $5 for children 3 - 14 and seniors over 62! For more information, please call 235 -9800 or visit their web- site: www.potawatomizoo.org. ��►1►1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.'� 2008 Lamppost 1 .. Lighting 1 Protect 1 The City of South Bend lights up S neighborhoods by helping 1 residents install lampposts in 1 their front yards since the pro- 1 *+, j ect started M2004. With 1 4 over 440 lampposts in- 1 stalled, we are bringing this 1 program to you again in 2008. For more information, 1 1 please visit the website 1 www.southbendin.gov or call 1 235 -9251. `��,,00,,,00,,e-*