11-14-2006 City of South Bend Receives National Code Enforcement Award

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Mayor Luecke said "We believe that a Clean City is key to the success of our community and to providing the quality of life that our residents demand. No one wants to see trash and litter in our neighborhoods or on our streets. Together,we can partner to not only keep our city clean, but to renew our pride in our hometown." "We congratulate the residents who participate in this program and the Code Enforcement staff on a job well done and we encourage all of our neighborhood residents to become involved and to "Adopt-A-Block." Adopt-A-Block was first established by South Bend's Code Enforcement, in conjunction with the Near Northwest Neighborhood Coalition,to help tackle the problem of excess litter and debris that was plaguing neighborhoods. The program's goal is to encourage neighborhood residents,with the help and resources of the City,to adopt a certain block and pledge to clean its streets, alleys, and curbs at least six times from March through November. South Bend's Adopt-A-Block Program was also selected by The National League of Cities (NLC) as a Finalist for the 2006 Award for Municipal Excellence. The award recognizes outstanding programs that have significantly contributed to the quality of life in their city. This year, cities and towns from 38 states and Washington, DC sent in nominations. "South Bend has demonstrated its leadership and creativity and is being recognized as a Finalist for the Awards for Municipal Excellence," said Don Borut, NLC's Executive Director. "The Adopt-A-Block program,under the leadership of the South Bend Code Enforcement Department, is illustrative of the type of projects that are improving the lives of residents and neighborhoods in cities and towns across the country." Nominated programs were judged on the following criteria: successful public- private partnership ventures; productive citizen and community collaborations; effective management of municipal resources (public or private); innovative government policies; project implementation with tangible results; and/or the ability to replicate the project in other cities. "I am proud that the City of South Bend's Adopt-A-Block Program has been recognized by two national organizations," stated Mayor Stephen I Luecke. "Our Code Enforcement staff is committed to implementing a community improvement program that effectively helps to enforce codes while building camaraderie between neighbors. South Bend's Adopt-A-Block program plays a major role in helping to establish South Bend as a 21"Century City, and leading the way as an example of good government in our region and nationally as well,"he further commented. -30-