HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024 - DCI Annual Report City of South Bend
COMMUNITY
INVESTMENT
2024 Annual Report
Building Department I Engagement& Economic Empowerment I Growth & Opportunity l
Neighborhoods I Planning&Community Resources I Office of Sustainability
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Bianca Tirado
City Clerk, South Bend, IN
LETTER FROM THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Neighbor,
In 2024, the Community Investment team continued the important work to spur growth in South
Bend that positively impacts all residents.
Our team made major strides in resolving longstanding blighted properties, developed new
programming to support small businesses, supported service providers who assist our most
vulnerable residents, and led planning processes to envision the long-term future of our
community.
Our team also worked on a daily basis to ensure our neighborhoods are safe, clean, and
prosperous.
During 2024, our team:
• Issued 13 low-interest loans totaling $2.5 million to support the growth of small businesses.
Most of the loan recipients are minority-owned and more than a third are women-owned.
• Unlocked $40 million in private investment through issuance of new tax phase-ins and created
or retained nearly 3,000 jobs from businesses that received tax-phase ins previously.
• Facilitated the adoption of 378 animals at the South Bend Animal Resource Center.
• Provided funding to operate emergency overnight shelter for unhoused residents during the
coldest months of the year through a partnership with the Center for the Homeless.
• Leveraged 2 forgivable loans to fund the construction of more than 120 infill housing units in
disinvested neighborhoods.
• Conducted 774 inspections to ensure basic habitability standards for tenants as part of the
Rental Safety Verification Program.
• Provided more than $420,000 in matching grants to activate and beautify business exteriors,
unlocking $967,000 in total project costs.
• Removed nearly 1.5 million pounds of litter and debris and assisted with 23 neighborhood
cleanups.
• Continued neighborhood planning processes with LaSalle Park and River Park residents and
held resident engagement sessions for planned redevelopment in the Portage Elwood area
and along Western Avenue.
• Facilitated more than $600,000 in public and private investment for energy efficiency and
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
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solar upgrades to nonprofit organizations and generated 90.05kW of solar energy generation
potential, the equivalent of saving over 9,824 gallons of gasoline from being consumed each
year, through four solar projects.
• Invested $81,000 in grassroots, neighborhood-led projects through the IGNITE program.
• Organized five Linden Avenue Farmers Markets attended by 1,500 people.
• Acquired several properties for strategic investments, including Union Station, the Portage-
Elwood shopping plaza, the River Glen Office Park, and more than 40 tax-sale lots that can be
used for new infill housing.
• Provided more than $1 million in home repairs for 76 households.
• Opened more than 10,000 environmental citation cases, with more than 60% being resolved
by the property owner.
• Led a robust engagement process for the Downtown Plan that included more than 500 people
who provided input on priorities and design ideas for the next two decades of investment
downtown.
• Demolished the remaining buildings at the former Drewrys Brewery site in preparation for
future redevelopment.
• Completed work on The Link Trail, connecting downtown to the University of Notre Dame.
To be truly successful, all projects must reflect community input captured through our
neighborhood planning processes and engagement with neighborhood associations.
• Ensuring our neighborhoods are safe, clean, and prosperous—and that changes are resident-
driven—is core to Community Investment's mission.
These are just a small selection of the many accomplishments of the Community Investment team
during the last year—and we look forward to all the new accomplishments in 2025 and beyond.
I am honored to lead such a talented team, and every day I am filled with gratitude and
admiration for the work they do on behalf of South Bend.
Thank you,
Caleb Bauer
Executive Director
Department of Community Investment
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
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COMMUNITY AMENITIES �; ' Ail
Casey Steinbacher kicks off Downtown Pion visioning ses- Let us know
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
NEIGHBORHOODS 6
PLANNING & COMMUNITY
RESOURCES 18
BUILDING DEPARTMENT 28
ENGAGEMENT & ECONOMIC
EMPOWERMENT 35
GROWTH & OPPORTUNITY 41
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABLITY 50
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
NEIGHBORHOODS DIVISION
7
NEIGHBORHOODS DIVISION
The Neighborhoods Division is composed of the Federal Fund Management,
Neighborhood Health & Housing (NHH), Neighborhood Services & Enforcement (NSE),
and South Bend Animal Resource Center(SBARC) teams. The staff works on a wide
breadth of programs and services: homeowner and rental housing repair, services
to the homeless, new housing construction, vacant and abandoned demolitions,
environmental/trash issues, and addressing animal endangerment, to name a few.
FEDERAL FUND MANAGEMENT
The annual allocation process for federal entitlement funding—covering the following
grants Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG),
and HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME)— includes requests for proposals,
review of eligibility, recommendations for awards, and required steps for submission
to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). While potential
recipients apply in one calendar year, the funding and contracting occur later in the
following calendar year.The following six graphs represent requests for funding the City
received per grant and the amounts awarded per category.The requests for funding for
PY 2024 were received in PY 2023.
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A duplex was built at DeMaude Ave and California Ave using CDBG funds and provides
additional affordable rental housing in the community.
NEIGHBORHOODS DIVISION ANNUAL REPORT 2024
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2024 CDBG Requests 2024 CDBG Allocations
$105,000 $410,000 $105,000
$294,835 $369,299
411111i111111
$279,835 .
(11) MI Administration
■ Housing
®■ Public Service (11111111)
Public Facilities
$2,407,250 L86250
2024 HOME Requests 2024 HOME Allocations
$108,000 $89,368.89
0 IIIAdministration
■ Housing
$998,000
$1,078,000
2024 ESG Requests 2024 ESG Allocations
$2,000 $12,480
$157,397
II Administration
IIRapid Rehousing $69,000
IIIII
■ Shelter Operations iiir
$332,600
$122,218
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT NEIGHBORHOODS DIVISION
9 1
In 2024, the Federal Fund Management team focused on project progression. Providing support to
subrecipients, offering training, and encouraging project progression ensures the City remains in
compliance with HUD regulations. CDBG, HOME, and ESG expenditures are shown in the graphs below.
$81,617 $155,653
$253,724 1111 Fr*
. Administration
CDBG IIHousing
. Public Services
. Public Facilities
•
$59,032 $45,058 0..
. Administration
. Rental Assistance HOME
. Housing
$1,044,997
11111
$72,869
%
. Administration
ESG II RapidRehousing
. Emergency Operations
$130,888
In addition to the annual allocation process for CDBG, ESG, and HOME funding, work and services continued
related to the additional but separate COVID (CV) funding for the CDBG program. In 2024, two subrecipients
expended $197,789 in CV-CDBG funds to help about 100 beneficaries with rent and utilites, food, and
supportive services for mental health.
NEIGHBORHOODS DIVISION ANNUAL REPORT 2024
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NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTH & HOUSING (NHH)
NHH programs and services facilitate the development of quality affordable housing through assistance
to eligible homeowners, first-time homebuyers, tenants, landlords, nonprofit partners, developers, and
builders.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Certified Housing Counseling
• 46 households completed pre-purchase housing counseling, preparing themselves to become potential
homeowners.
• 2 households were assisted with mortgage default counseling.
• 1 household completed non-delinquency post purchase counseling for financial management.
• The Housing Counselor provided 8 post-purchase counseling sessions with a total of 23 attendees in
2024.
Quality Affordable Housing & Infill Development
• Continued implementation of the Home Repair Program. There were 76 households that received
eligible repairs totaling over$1,000,000 of investment.
• Continued partnerships with affordable housing developers to support the construction and sale of new
housing units in South Bend'surban neighborhoods.
• In a difficult housing market, five (5) Community Homebuyers Corporation (CHC) closings provided
$160,500 in forgivable second mortgages and down payment assistance and leveraged $525,700 of
private investment through the CHC financial partners.
• Through 2024, a total of 18 pre-approved plan homes were built or permitted, with 95 new units in the
planning and/or pre-construction phase.
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The pre-approved narrow house plans were used to construct two new homes in the
Near Northwest neighborhood. The available pre-approved plans support infill develop-
ment in the city's urban neighborhoods.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT NEIGHBORHOODS DIVISION
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Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction Grant
• Fourteen (14) households were enrolled in the program
with an additional thirteen (13) applicants working with 3 4 9 K
staff to submit completed applications at the end of the
year.
• Eleven (11) homes had lead remediation work LEAD REMEDIATION
completed with a total investment of$349,109.
INVESTED IN 11 HOMES
• Increased capacity to provide additional outreach
opportunities and provide more one-on-one support
through the application process.
774
Rental Safety Verification Program (RSVP)
RSVP INSPECTIONS
• Through the Rental Safety Verification Program (RSVP),
staff completed 774 inspections and certified 235 units. COMPLETED
• A total of$232,095.43 in RSVP penalties and fees were
collected.
• A total of 16 units were condemned through RSVP.
235
Landlord Registration RENTAL UNITS
Landlord registration is a tool used by the NHH and CERTIFIED
NSE staff to obtain up-to-date property owner contact
information for rental properties to allow for better
communication. In 2024, landlords registered a total of 491
units. 491
UNITS
REGISTERED JAN-DEC 2024
NEIGHBORHOODS DIVISION ANNUAL REPORT 2024
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NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES & ENFORCEMENT (NSE)
Property Cases Data
NSE assesses substandard housing and commercial property conditions along with
secondary or accessory structures.The preference is to work with property owners but
if enforcement actions are required, cases are opened to track and monitor issues and
often move to a hearing where a Hearing Officer presides. In 2024 NSE opened a total
of 140 new cases.
140 31 162 52 353
NEW PROPERTY PROPERTIES NEW SECURE SECURE ORDERS PROPERTY
CASES REPAIRED BY ORDERS ISSUED COMPLETED BY HEARINGS
OWNER OWNER
Environmental Cases Data
NSE processes environmental citations which can be grouped into 4 primary categories
(in order of prevalence):
1. Litter—trash/debris, appliances, furniture, demolition remains
2. Tall grass or weeds
3. Vegetation—removal or trimming, piles of debris
4. Graffiti
10, 717 6, 395
CASES INITIATED CASES COMPLETED BY OWNER
4, 642 4,975 1,059 40
LITTER GRASS&WEEDS VEGETATION GRAFFITI
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT NEIGHBORHOODS DIVISION
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Abandoned Vehicles Data
NSE tags abandoned vehicles with towing handled by a private company.
233 52
VEHICLES VEHICLES
TAGGED TOWED
Neighborhood Enforcement Action Team (NEAT) Crew Data
The NEAT Crew—one supervisor and three staff members— is tasked with removing
litter and vegetation violations. In 2024, the NEAT Crew removed 1,484,000 million
pounds of litter and debris. NEAT's work improves the appearance and cleanliness of
neighborhoods.
NSE coordinated 23 neighborhood clean-ups, working with neighborhood
organizations and citizens to remove trash from their neighborhoods. NSE staff
assistance, paired with the tools and supplies offered in the Tend the Bend trailer,
helps residents clean-up their neighborhoods.
23 337 1 .48M
NEIGHBORHOOD LOADS TO TOTAL POUNDS
CLEANUPS DUMP REMOVED
NEIGHBORHOODS DIVISION ANNUAL REPORT 2024
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The NEAT Crew addresses illegal dumping that negatively impacts neighborhoods. (Before)
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The NEAT Crew addresses illegal dumping that negatively impacts neighborhoods. (After)
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT NEIGHBORHOODS DIVISION
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SOUTH BEND ANIMAL RESOURCE CENTER (SBARC) /
ANIMAL WELFARE
The South Bend Animal Resource Center(SBARC) houses the staff of Animal Welfare
Officers and Assistants who serve the community by enforcing the animal control
ordinance and offering supportive animal services to animal owners in the community.
Adoptions
In 2024, 378 animals were adopted from SBARC.
SBARC participated in The Bissell Foundation's "Empty the Shelter" event four times. During these
events, 45 animals were adopted. Due to the success of the events, Bissell awarded SBARC$2,510 of
grant funds towards the shelter and its animals.
SBARC also hosted on site or participated in other adoption events through the city or surrounding
areas such as: Crooked Ewe Pet Food Drive, Waggin in the Woods, The Lauber Patio Pups, Drool at the
Pool at Kennedy Water Park, South Bend Police Department's Night Out, Dog Days of Summer,The
Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Halloween Event of Cops and Goblins, Fundraisers at Taphouse on the edge
and Texas Road House, partnership with Pigeon and Hen Pottery for multiple cat adoption events.
Through these events SBARC raised an additional $4,925.25 for the animals and shelter.
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Drool at the Pool at Kennedy Water Park. This event is held at the end of
every summer season to let the commmunity dogs cool off and enjoy a
final summer night.
NEIGHBORHOODS DIVISION ANNUAL REPORT 2024
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Shelter Outcomes
While outcomes for animals in the shelter vary based on circumstances unique to each
animal, the shelter was at capacity the entirety of 2024.
2,873 447 1, 120 378 873
INTAKES RETURN TO OWNER TRANSFER OUT ADOPTIONS EUTHANASIA
Licenses and Permits
SBARC issued a total of 1,274 pet licenses, Breeder Permits and Chicken Permits in
2024. Licensing allows for SBARC and animal owners to meet Indiana state mandated
rabies vaccine requirements, as well as acknowledge proper animal ownership.
Animal Welfare Cases
SBARC's Animal Welfare Officers handled 3,426 cases as shown in the following
table. Nine of these cases met the requirements for review by the Animal Welfare
Commission for enforcement decisions and actions.
• Bite: 229
• Cruelty Neglect: 154
• Emergency After Hours: 557
• Welfare Checks: 1055
• Strays: 1006
• Agressive Animal: 172
• Wildlife: 302
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT NEIGHBORHOODS DIVISION
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NON-PROFIT IMPLEMENTATION
PARTNERS
Community Homebuyers Corportation(CHC) shelter for 589 unique individuals. In November
Through a DCl/CHC agreement, NHH staff administer and December 2024, 340 unique individuals utilized
the First-Time Homeownership Program, provide weather amnesty,with an average of 57 people
housing counseling, and assist with board management. per night in November and 82 people per night in
Similarly,the Urban Enterprise Association of South December.
Bend, Inc. (UEA) is a city partner/fiscal agent contracting
with DCI to administer Matching/Vibrant Places Grant. •
Funds Oaklawn's City Outreach Team to help
unhoused individuals become aware of available
Urban Enterprise Assocation (UEA) resources, be placed on the Coordinated Entry list
In 2024,the UEA, in partnership with the City,awarded for housing, and gather the needed paperwork to
apply to a housing unit when one becomes available.
$50,000 to support the development of two new
rental infill housing.The purpose of this effort is to • Provides operating funding for Our Lady of the Road
help support urban neighborhoods by introducing new and Motels For Now to support transitional housing
housing, improving the quality of life,and promoting the for homeless individuals.
market potential to a broader audience.
• Supports Oaklawn's Crisis Center,which opened in
Housing Authority of South Bend(HASB)Partnership March.The Crisis Center provides a place for people
The City partnered with HASB to renovate vacant in a mental health or substance use crisis to go for
scattered site homes that are part of the public housing care and will complement the existing mobile crisis
program.Approximately$1 million in City funds has team and phone resources currently available. In
been dedicated to repairing these units so that families 2024,120 unique people came into the Center.
can move into them.Six homes were renovated in 2024,
and the partnership will continue in 2025. • Facilitates the Wash Wednesday and Senior Suds
Night Programs,a partnership with Burton's Laundry
Support for Persons Experiencing Homelessness that allows unhoused members of our community
and seniors living on fixed incomes to wash their
The City supports efforts to address homelessness clothes for free every other week. In 2024 they
through financial support for local service providers, washed the equivalent of 6,276 loads of laundry for
leverage for permanent supportive housing projects, 995 guests.
management of the Coordinated Entry tracking and
placement process,and supportive services.The City's The Coordinator of Homeless Outreach also convenes
Coordinator of Homeless Outreach works to align a monthly meeting of agencies that provide housing,
services across nonprofit partners. mental health, physical health,and recovery services
to discuss needs across the city.Separately,the City
Below is a description of some of the City's efforts to organizes 18 agencies that work specifically to address
address homelessness in 2024: substance use.They have developed a framework
to increase awareness,encourage reduction of use,
• Provided $350,000 to the Center for the Homeless connect people with treatment options, and create
(CFH)to operate weather amnesty for individuals supportive community.The Coordinator of Homeless
in need of emergency overnight shelter in the Outreach also provides training on mental health,
months of November-April. During the 2023-2024 trauma informed care, de-escalation strategies, and
weather amnesty program,CFH provided overnight policies for agencies, neighborhoods, businesses and
religious organizations.
NEIGHBORHOODS DIVISION ANNUAL REPORT 2024
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A1INflV\IVIOJ 'S DNINNV1d
19
Planning and Community Resources
The Planning &Community Resources team includes strategic planning — such as neighborhood
plans and streetscape improvements — as well as historic preservation and zoning.
STRATEGIC PLANNING
Downtown Plan
9 500 170
PUBLIC EVENTS PARTICIPANTS SURVEYS
After a one-year planning and design process the Downtown Plan is set to be completed in February
2025. The plan provides a vision for Downtown South Bend that will unify the urban core from the
Renaissance District to Leeper Park.The plan builds upon recent major investments and illustrates new
urban neighborhoods, creates an enhanced public domain connecting the City to the river and provides
a strategy to reinvigorate the downtown retail core.
During the planning process over 500 residents participated in various events including the kickoff
speaker series, visioning workshops, and design week. Online, over 170 surveys were submitted
generating 2400 ideas for downtown.
January 2024
Public Engagement Timeline Stakeholder Meetings
February 2024
DOWNTOWN Downtown Plan kick off
presentation &visioning
SOUTH . ...
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sessions
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June 2024
BEND ...
. , 1 Design Week- Pin up
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sessions, stakeholder
iirmeetings, and final
ideas presentations
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y�%>4 Final presentation and
A COMMUNITY-LED VISION ; 4r public feedback sessions
PLANNING&COMMUNITY RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2024
20
Active Transportation Plan
Retained BIRD as a shared mobility provider in 2024.
17,988 5, 158 25, 695
TOTAL RIDES UNIQUE RIDERS TOTAL MILAGE
Mayor Stephen J. Luecke Coal Line Trail
• In 2024, the City developed preliminary engineering plans for Phase III of the Coal
Line Trail. Phase III, which includes Lincoln Way West to Linden Avenue, will create a
continuous grade separated shared use path from the University of Notre Dame to the
new Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Center. Construction is scheduled for 2026-2027.
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Coal Line Trail Phase 3-College Street Perspective
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PLANNING&COMMUNITY RESOURCES
21
Policy Development
Completed ordinance to improve the alley vacation process for Spring 2025 filing.
Pre-Approved Housing Plans
Launched in 2022, the South Bend Pre-Approved Housing Plans program has become a model for
infill housing across the United States and Canada. The Community Investment Team has engaged
with over 50 towns and government agencies who are looking to South Bend for ways to address
the housing crisis in their hometowns. The South Bend housing catalog will soon grow from 7
to 10 contextually appropriate house plans that are free to use for individuals and developers.
Currently there are 18 Pre-Approved plans built or in progress. An additional 100+ homes are in
a predevelopment stage with partners from Advantix, Intend Indiana, South Bend Heritage, and
Property Brothers.
Pre-approved housing plans under construction or complete
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Side by Side Duplex(foreground),Stacked Duplex(back- Stacked Duplex-Rex Street, Tom Bard, Winner of Best in
ground)- West Wayne Street,South Bend Heritage Show and Best Floor Plan:St.Joseph County Parade of
Homes Spring 2024
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Stacked Duplex-Sherman Avenue, Property Bros LLC Standard House-33rd Street, Private Market Rate
construction
PLANNING&COMMUNITY RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2024
22
Portage/Elwood SB Thrive
In 2024, the City re-engaged with the South Bend Thrive was developed in
community to discuss the Portage/Elwood partnership with South Bend Heritage
neighborhood vision as the Drewrys site foundation. The development is 55%
progresses closer to "shovel ready." The City complete with construction completion
presented plans for housing and mixed-use targeted for August 2025. The development
development on the site and sought feedback has 54 apartments, including 13 permanent
from neighborhood residents. supportive housing units, across 17 multi-
family residential buildings with on-site
office for a total of 18 buildings. Full
occupancy is projected by January 1, 2026.
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In June, neighbors gather to discuss feedback on the •• :
updated Portage/Elwood neighborhood vision.
SB Thrive South Bend Heritage Construction Site
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PLANNING&COMMUNITY RESOURCES
23
Streetscape Projects
• Substantially completed The Link Trail,
connecting downtown South Bend to '.....re j
the University of Notre Dame via LaSalle .. z*`F''
Avenue, Hill Street, South Bend Avenue, 4 ,;A+
and Notre Dame Avenue. f,, a I i - ,
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• Completed Angela Boulevard +ti I—p' "' - N , , . _ ti,
streetscape project, including a shared1 _ '. ;
use trail along Burke Golf Course. �.4.1
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• Completed Linden Avenue streetscape " ' .---�
project at the new Martin Luther King, "
Jr. Dream Center.
• Completed High Street sidewalk
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improvement project.
. \
• Completed design and awarded ,ig
contract for Ewing Avenue streetscape/ The Link Trail
safety improvements at Walker Field for
2025 construction.
• Completed design for Mishawaka
Avenue streetscape improvements
in the Market District for 2025
construction.
• Worked on planning and design for FP , ,
Bendix Drive, Colfax Avenue, and .-- _ ,_
Greenlawn Avenue/Wall Street __ Ma ■ ,
streetscape improvements; Portage
Avenue-Elwood Avenue intersection I CM ra,,
improvement; Lincoln Way East-Miami 4;, �: �
Street intersection improvement; a K�` 1 ,. � �rr. { 1 -Al
Madison Street bike/pedestrian bridge; _' =Eft. '�;
-4,17111•1111111and Coal Line Trail Phase Ill. + _ r, ..r— -- .�} .,kit \x .
• Began formal planning on federally \ ,_ - -. '.� � .
funded RAISE grant project for potential Linden Avenue streetscape improvements near the MI K Dream
changes to Cloverleaf area street Center
connections.
PLANNING&COMMUNITY RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2024
24
ZONING
Major Projects Facilitated through the ,;row .- '
y
Development Process so ss i f'L
• Diamond View/Stadium Flats _,
60 affordable units+ 90 market-rate units E ,..a i .�
/
• Five Corners \ =- , -`I
Apartment building and mixed-use condo N r
building totaling 112 residental units ,,,,
• JC Hart Project at Riverfront West Diamond View/Stadium `�
291 units and a parking garage in two
buildings
• Parisi's
Approximately 30 condo units 1
• Four Winds Field Expansion '
Upper deck seating, amenity relocation, i
left-field building i, a r
• Raclin Murphy Encore Center 1 e
20,000-square-foot expansion of Morris JC Hart at Riverfront West
Performing Arts Center rimilimPrimir
• Veldman Family Psychology Clinic
University of Notre Dame's mental health / VrA
services location
• Supermercado San Miguel
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Full grocery store with restaurant and - fff : III ` �'��!
bakery tenant spaces on Western and
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• Marion Street Cottage Court r _L .,_
10 cottage court units and 6 additional Veldman Family Psychology Clinic
housing units
• Sherman Avenue Duplexes
3 duplexes offering 6 affordable units - ...=
• Affordable Home Matters (Intend Indiana)
92 affordable housing in Lincoln Park c I:_
neighborhood, with 5 foundations Fs I % —
complete ,�
Supermercado San Miguel construction progress
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PLANNING&COMMUNITY RESOURCES
25
Plan Commission 2
• Reviewed and approved
9
29 subdivisions
4 Lot Line Adjustments arr." "SION_
24 Minor Subdivisions APPROVED
1 Major Primary Subdivision
• 13 Rezoning petitions reviewed and processed
• 2 Annexation request reviewed and approved 13
• 1 Special Exception request
• 11 Variances requested REZONINGS
• 3 TIF expansions reviewed and approved j PROCESSED
Board of Zoning Appeals 58
• 58 Board of Zoning Appeals applications reviewed
and processed:
74 variance requests
°'" ^rTITIONS
10 special exception requests PROCESSED
1 use variance request
$229M
Zoning Administration
• $228,937,794 in total construction COMMERCIAL
$118,489,625 in new construction PLAN REVIEW
$110,448,169 in additions and/or VALUE
alterations
• 156 Commercial Plan Review projects reviewed
• 97 new single family housing units reviewed and 156
approved
• 121 sign permit applications reviewed
• 39 zoning verification letters issued COMMERCIAL
PLAN REVIEW
PROJECTS
Other Accomplishments
• Approved 16 housing units in 11 buildings built 97
using the City's preapproved plans
• Provided zoning guidance on the River Park and
LaSalle Park Neighborhood Plans NEW SINGL
FAI"!\r 1 ,mITS
APPROVED
PLANNING &COMMUNITY RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2024
26
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Established in 1973, the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is a joint board serving the City of
South Bend and the unincorporated areas of St.Joseph County.
2024 Project Review Data
COUNTY CITY TOTAL APPROVED* DENIED
Administratively 3 89 92 92 0
Approved Projects
Commission Agenda 6 30 36 34 2
Projects
Total Reviewed 9 119 128 126 2
Projects in 2024
*NOTE: For comparison: the Commission reviewed 28 projects in 2023 (approving 21 projects and denying
7), while staff administratively approved 96 projects.
Staff track projects based upon the following parameters: Doors, Windows, Fences, Flatwork, Gutters,
Landscaping, Masonry, Porch, Roofs, Siding, Signage, Utilities, New Construction, and Demolition.
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The Poledor house begins a turn onto its new lot at the corner of Portage Avenue and Navarre Street in South Bend. The house was
built in 1913 at 211 Marion Street.Indiana Landmarks took on the project to move the house because it is one of the city's best
examples of American Craftsman architecture. The house was moved into The Chapin Park Local Historic District.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PLANNING&COMMUNITY RESOURCES
27
Number of Projects
Windows 19
Utilities INN 2
Trees - 7
Singage 2
Siding 16
Roof •13
Porch 12
Masonry 7
Landscaping 11
Gutters 15
Flat Work 10
Fences 10
Doors 13
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
■Number of Projects
National Register Nominations
Staff reviewed and the Commission Approved 4 Nation Register Nominations. Two (2) individual sites,J.D.
Oliver House, and Bowman Creek Stone Arch Culvert; and two (2) Districts; Lincoln Way East Historic District
and North St. Joseph-Riverbend Historic District.
Section 106 Review (Preliminary)
Staff conducted 67 preliminary Section 106 Reviews in support of other City of South Bend departments
efforts to deploy Federal moneys. This includes programs administered on behalf of the HUD, including lead
remediation grants, the Rebuilding Together program, rental assistance programs, as well as the first-time
homebuyers program.
Top Ten Most Endangered List
The Comission compiled a list of the top 10 most endangered properities- to advocate for their preservation
& encourage collaboration &action.
Appeals
There were zero appeals to the Common Council or County Council.
PLANNING&COMMUNITY RESOURCES ANNUAL REPORT 2024
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
29
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
COMMISSIONER'S REPORT
SUCCESSES
2024 was another record-breaking year for the Building Department as the Residential sector re-
mained constant and the Commercial sector boomed in all areas. We have achieved all-time highs
in permit issuance revenue and construction valuation. We work with both city and county depart-
ments,from data collection and analysis, assisting with daily issues, to helping solve issues with our
aging building scape. We continue to develop permit processes accommodating developers and
contractors of all sizes, using all available technologies.
We issued 12,350 permits, performed 16,502 inspections, and traveled 114,719 miles in serving
the residents of St.Joseph County and the City of South Bend. Additionally, we performed 269 Plan
Reviews and processed our measured building permits in an amazing average of 2 minutes and 56
seconds.
Certification is a measure of quality and professionalism in the building industry. Our inspectors and
administrative staff are active in continuing education and have obtained new and renewed certi-
fications in a continuing effort to become cross trained in all code disciplines. We encourage addi-
tional training and certification for everyone in the department. There have been 5 International
Code Council Certifications earned in 2024.
FORECAST ISSUES - MOVING AHEAD
We predict 2025 will be more of the same.The Residential sector will remain constant as interest
rates level off or decrease. The Commercial sector will continue to be strong with large-scale proj-
ects planned throughout our jurisdiction.
We have effectively implemented community outreach through relationship building activities with
home builders, schools, unions, developers, and governmental entities. We have done multiple
presentations to help create building code awareness and communicate the benefits of a robust
Building Department. We continue to better serve the public with growing expertise and efficien-
cy. We strive to make sure the Building Department continues with an atmosphere of Excellence,
Accountability, Innovation, Inclusion and Empowerment.
Randy L James, C.B.O
Building Commissioner
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2024
30
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
SERVICES AREAS OF JURISDICTION (APPROX.
• Building related questions 440 SQUARE MILES)
• Building related permitting • City of South Bend
• Required Building Inspections • Unincorporated areas of St. Joseph
• Floodplain Questions County
PERMITS • Towns of Indian Village, Lakeville, North
• Building, construction, and remodeling Liberty, Roseland and Osceola
• Signs
• Moving of structures POPULATION (2020 CENSUS)
• Plumbing, Heating, Electrical • City of South Bend 102,136
• Air Conditioning • St. Joseph County (except New
114,734
• Ventilation Carlisle, Walkerton, Mishawaka)
• Demolition • Total 216,870
• Fences
• Floodplain
• Solar
ADDITIONAL
• City and County Plan Review—commercial buildings
• Licensing of Electrical and Heating Contractors
• Registration of General, Plumbing, Excavator and Demolition Contractors
INSPECTION REPORT
4,231 3,844 3,702 3,777 921 114,719
BUILDING ELECTRICAL PLUMBING HEATING COMPLIANCE MILEAGE
INSPECTION REPORT DETAILS
St. Joseph County covers approximately 440 square miles. Our
inspectors cover the entire county five days per week: fifty-two
weeks per year. Not only do we emphasize efficiency in planning daily
inspections, but we also highlight safe driving as part of our daily
duties.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT BUILDING DEPARTMENT
31
INSPECTION REPORT
2,012 $251, 150
TOTAL PRE-LICENSING TOTAL AMOUNTS
REGISTRATIONS
PRE-LICENSING REGISTRATIONS
Registration of the following contractor groups is required in order
to work in St.Joseph County: General contractors, homebuilders,
general remodelers, concrete contractors, framing contractors, siding
contractors, roofing contractors, drywall contractors, masons,trim
contractors, steel erectors, fire protection sprinkler contractors,
fencing contractors, swimming pool contractors, commercial hood
installers, lawn sprinkler contractors, water softener contractors and
sign contractors.
SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING UNITS
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
TOTAL 264 215 312 244 203 249
COUNTY 179 170 223 162 141 150
CITY 85 45 89 82 62 99
BUILDING DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2024
32
COMMERCIAL NEW BUILDINGS
VALUATION IN THOUSANDS
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Commercial 89,737 25,803 44,778 58,838 298,140 735,605
Manufacturing 860 21,445 12,037 20,632 2,930 1,865,582
Public/Semi Public 82,727 45,810 34,183 37,875 28,904 217,108
PLAN REVIEW
Weekly Plan Review is performed on proposed construction projects
within the City of South Bend and St.Joseph County. These Plan
Reviews are a good example of City and County departments working
together to provide the most efficient and expedient service to our
customers.
The Plan Reviews are attended by representatives of our department,
Local Fire Departments, County and City Engineering Departments,
Water Works, Health Department, and County and City Zoning. The
following is a breakdown of Plan Reviews performed in 2024.
156 112
CITY PLAN REVIEWS COUNTY PLAN REVIEWS
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT BUILDING DEPARTMENT
33
VALUATION REPORT
COUNTY CITY
Single Family Dwellings 150 $82,239,100.42 99 S39,272,460.26
Duplexes 0 $0.00 10 $1,803,787.80
Multi-Family 79 $16,237,259.18 10 S51,578,910.69
Residential Garages 39 $1,629,739.24 24 $393,541.39
Residential Swimming Pools 48 $3,752,655.02 10 $511,308.28
Utility Buildings 140 $7,570,420.12 9 $147,435.96
Commercial Buildings 40 $710,902,058.92 18 $24,702,596.31
Manufacturing Buildings 14 $1,865,581,703.45 0 $0.00
Public/Semi-Public 8ldgs. 7 $217,060,415.00 1 $48,000.00
Foundations 6 S41,718.90 4 $31,588.00
Solar 0 $0.00 0 $0.00
ADDITIONS AND/OR ALTERATIONS
Residential Dwellings 1823 $42,327,389.31 1840 $33,631,528.90
Commercial Buildings 96 $58,982,623.12 162 S50,018,728.26
Manufacturing Buildings 6 $2,019,700.00 6 $2,448,144.00
Public/Semi-Public Bldgs. 8 $5,668,705.65 7 $24.349,464.65
TOTALS 2456 53,014,013,488.33 2200 $228,937,794.50
COMBINED TOTAL S 4656 $3,242,951,282.83
BUILDING DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2024
34
FINANCIAL REPORT
COUNTY CITY
Building Permits 2477 $1,520,523.91 2218 $417,780.22
Improvement Location Permits 25 51,080.00 18 51,200.00
Fence Permits 199 59,950.00 300 $16,096.10
Electric Permits 1266 $708,852.57 1048 $135,588.00
Plumbing Permits 705 $100,358.00 849 $85,493.00
Heating Permits 1237 $403,687,00 1441 $136,417.00
Demolition Permits 101 58,074.16 128 $10,436.45
Sign Permits 23 52,455.00 120 $12,325.00
Moving Permits 0 50.00 3 $375.00
Penalties 37 59,449.92 99 $21,357.30
Design Guidelines 0 50.00 0 50.00
NE Neighborhood Plan Review 0 50.00 0 50.00
Filing Fees 0 50.00 0 50.00
Zoning Documentation Fees 25 51,250.00 3 $260.00
Violation Fines 5 5350.00 23 51,750.00
Sub Total 6100 52,766,030.56 6250 $839,078.07
Contractor Licenses 445 $55,625.00
Regist abens 333 $41,250.00
Test Filing Fees 72 53,600.00
Contractor Registrations 1234 $154,250.00
miimiiiiiiiime
Sub-Total 2084 $254,725.00
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT BUILDING DEPARTMENT
ENGAGEMENT & ECONOMIC
EMPOWERMENT
36
ENGAGEMENT & ECONOMIC
EMPOWERMENT
The Engagement and Economic Empowerment (EEE)team's mission is to empower South Bend residents
through access to opportunities. The EEE team accomplishes this mission through three priorities:
1. Promoting meaningful civic engagement;
2. Removing barriers to opportunities; and
3. Facilitating community partnerships.
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS
Neighborhood associations continue to be the
backbone of organizing and engaging residents Active South Bend
in South Bend. 2024 saw the creation of one Neighborhood Assocations
new association, Woodlawn, bringing the total • Woodlawn Neighborhood Assoc.
number of associations to 27. EEE staff attend • Linden Legacy Neighborhood Organization
neighborhood association meetings across the Corp.
City on a monthly basis. • Near West Side Neighborhood Org.
• LaSalle Park Neighborhood Alliance
To share resources and neighborhood • Council Oak
information across the City, eleven • Monroe Park Neighborhood Assoc.
Neighborhood Reports were distributed, • Far Northwest Side Neighborhood Assoc.
with a total of over 6,900 views via email. • Miami Village
Neighborhood reports provide neighborhood • Rum Village
updates, upcoming City events, new City • Southeast Organized Area Residents
resources, and other events and resources in • River Park
South Bend in a newsletter-formatted email. • Northeast Neighborhood Council
• Near Northwest Neighborhood
The Neighborhood Toolkit continues to serve • Northshore Triangle
Neighborhood Associations with necessary • Twyckenham Hills
resources, grant opportunities, and tips to • Chapin Park
run and organize a successful Neighborhood • Kennedy Park Neighborhood Assoc.
Association. Featured as an online information • Lincoln-Bendix Park
guide, the Neighborhood Toolkit contains • Howard Park Neighborhood Assoc.
services for Neighborhood Associations that • Lincolnway Neighbors for Change
need a Zoom account, information on becoming • McKinley Terrace
a 501(c)(3) organization, and funding for printing • Sunnymede Neighborhood Assoc.
and signage.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT ENGAGEMENT&ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
37
IGNITE
i
r V
NEIGHBORHOOD CONSORTIUM IGNITE GRANT
To encourage inclusive civic participation The IGNITE (Innovation Grants for
citywide, the Neighborhood Consortium Neighborhood Information, Transformation,
collaborates and exchanges knowledge across and Enhancement) Grant Program provides a
Neighborhood Associations and serves as a $15,000 grant to South Bend Neighborhood
representative body on behalf of Neighborhood Associations to design and implement a
Associations to City administration, City programs, neighborhood-based project with community-
and other City initiatives. wide benefit. New in 2024, two neighborhoods
can apply in a joint application for a total of
Comprised of leadership from Neighborhood $30,000 for a collaborative project. In 2024,
Associations, the Neighborhood Consortium held the City had 9 neighborhoods apply with 7
four meetings in 2024, featuring representatives single applications and 1 joint application. The
from over fourteen neighborhoods. Featured IGNITE Grant helps South Bend Neighborhood
speakers for these meetings included Venues, Associations to develop neighborhood-based
Parks, and Arts, Public Works, MACOG, Transpo, projects, including beautification, neighborhood
and the Mayor's Office. signage, public art, public space enhancement,
and more. In its first two years, the IGNITE
In June, the neighbirhood associations held a Grant program has distributed $170,000 in
roundtable event to share best practices, hear grants to Neighborhood Associations.
from city departments, and identify common
areas of interest.
The Consortium also created an online map
showing neighborhood boundaries in South Bend
and a scannable QR code for residents to find the
Neighborhood Association to which they belong.
ENGAGEMENT&ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2024
38
IGNITE Grant 2024 Awardees:
$81,000 was awarded to 8 awardees in 2024.
• LaSalle Park Neighborhood ' ,�
Pole Banner Signs: Installation of Pole Banner k' Y 14r0
signage welcoming residents and visitors to .—'' , r
the neighborhood. f• IF
I
• Miami Village Neighborhood `! ,t ` r —
Signage: Installation of second permanent ` - 1
•
neighborhood signage welcoming residents 1
and visitors to their neighborhood. r i .•w
• North Shore Triangle Neighborhood —
Park Improvements: Tables at two nearby
parks and a mower to keep up with the
-:3
ground maintenance at the Unity Garden.
• Near Westside Neighborhood -"- --- ---- --
Greenway: Greenway project connecting f
Washington St to Colfax. Monroe Park Tool Trailer
• Monroe Park Neighborhood
_ -.�� _ter
Signage and benches: Installation of -
permanent signage identifying and welcoming
residents and visitors to the neighborhood and Miami village , 1 i
NeIghlar hood -_ - -i -
benches. As«,.,,ofl
• Far Northwest Neighborhood and Lincolnway __.
Neighborhood for Change -•-- -- —
s Lawn tool trailer: 2 trailers filled with lawn
tools for neighbors to borrow. ,atr„t.4 - -5'"
• SOAR Neighborhood
Miami Village Welcome Sign
Covered Bus Stop: Installation of a covered bus
shelter at the bus stop in front of the Boys and
Girls Club.
• Twyckenham Hills Neighborhood 1
Pocket Park Upgrade and sign: Installation ______
of new park equipment and 5th sign at the -
entrance of the neighborhood. , t "`
Imo _ _ 1 ,_ . ' i • -
River Park Wrapped Electrical Box
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT ENGAGEMENT&ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
39
LINDEN AVENUE FARMER'S MARKET
4
:.. .a,,
r
. d
Linden Avenue 288 market attendees
aII1lCIS participated in a survey during
the LAFM. The survey found
Ill rket the following information about
market attendees:
The Linden Avenue Farmers Market (LAFM) is A 65 YEARS AND OVER
seasonal initiative of the City of South Bend, [} 0
Engagement and Economic Empowerment (EEE)
team. The LAFM brings together food vendors, 73 IDENTIFY AS BLACK OR
local and regional farmers, and health and wellness 0 AFRICAN AMERICAN
organizations who are all dedicated to addressing
food insecurity in the community. JC 0% ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD
INCOME OF $15,000 OR LESS
• The Linden Avenue Farmers Market served over
1500 people throughout the months of June-
October. p UTILIZE SOME FORM
• This was the last year of the LAFM being held 99 / OF FOOD ASSISTANCE
at the Charles Black Center. It will move back to PRIMARILY SNAP/EBT or
the new MLK Dream Center on Liden Avenue in
2025. FOOD PANTRIES
42% LIVE WITHIN 1 MILE OF
i i THE CHARLES BLACK
4 i
COMMUNITY CENTER
^t -- C �I ATTENDED LAFM FOR THE
m ., V 1 FIRST TIME
/. �► a .
,( - —: O O% RATED THIER OVERALL
LAFM EXPERIENCES AS
,,Y" it (A "GOOD" OR "EXCELLENT"
Fresh produce available at Linden Ave Farmer's Market
99/ SAID THEY WOULD ATTEND
ANOTHER LAFM
ENGAGEMENT&ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2024
40
•
ADDITIONAL OUTREACH AND -; ,..! .",; , .,
ENGAGEMENT _ ' , ,
• Home Repair Program Canvassing _ , : ' , •
• Western Ave Transfromation Plan Engagement • �.
• Street Light Initiative Canvassing ' 4�.- erea�' "a" \
• Neighborhood Plan Engagement
1.1 ,.. ._.,
• Portage/Elwood Neighborood Vision Update ,,., '
r 1
•
•
•44,
Canvassing for the Linden Avenue Farmers Market, at the
intersection of Ford& Lake Street.
C1 1 `".,g ,ki•
I
t tip"fit s,
}a
.04
•
•
. 'i�� - t a � `1 � .,. writ ,� a-�.
aAil
y
} _ .''+, r?- u 4 AT'r ,!
1R
_- io'ir4 'L •�i - ! Residents enjoying Linden Avenue Farmer's Market.
(yam Y�
Linden Ave Farmers Market, at Charles Black Recreational ,, „ ' ;' 4"�' • c _
Center s • • y -
I 1 ",
,ds1
Chef preparing a resh meal or attendees at Linden `___
Avenue Farmer's Market.
A . -
; ,. -
Executive Director, Caleb Bauer& VPA Program Coordina-
tor, Cynthia Taylor at the Linden Avenue Farmers Market.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT ENGAGEMENT& ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
GROWTH & OPPORTUNITY
42
GROWTH & OPPORTUNITY
The Growth & Opportunity Team promotes economic development
throughout the City and offers a range of programs and incentives that
support South Bend businesses. The Team administers several programs
designed to provide eligible South Bend businesses loans at below-market
rates and provides small developers and others access to financial tools that
help unlock traditional financing. Other financial incentives include grants
to promote exterior activation and tax abatements to incentivize job growth
and capital investment. The Growth & Opportunity team also provides
access to job training that strives to place both residents and businesses on
a pathway to success.
REVOLVING LOAN PROGRAM
The City of South Bend operates two revolving are performing well with minimal delinquency.
loan programs: the Revolving Business Enterprise Altogether in 2024, the City collected principal
Fund and the Revolving Loan Fund II. In 2024, payments of$3.9 million and nearly $608,000 in
under the two programs, the City issued 13 loans interest and fees. These funds are reinvested back
totaling$2.5 million in direct financial support for into the loan programs and are made available to
South Bend small businesses. more South Bend businesses in need of support.
Through the loan programs, the City continues its
mission of providing support to small businesses
and expanding our local economy. Aligned with
the City's focus on assisting businesses that may
have challenges accessing traditional financing,
particularly in historically underserved areas, 92
percent of loan recipients in 2024 were minority-
owned and 38 percent were women-owned.
Of the 52 active loans managed by the City, 62
percent are for minority-owned businesses and
35 percent are for women-owned. Also, despite
the headwinds that businesses have been facing
over the past few years, both loan portfolios
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT GROWTH&OPPORTUNITY
43
Igo
..,. TAX ABATEMENTS
Through tax abatements in 2024, the City of South
°'``�` Bend is supporting existingand pendingprojects
��, , � { p P g P 1
4., that will result in an estimated $40.63 million
in private investment. In addition, new projects
supported through tax abatements will result in
%r���� N 427 new and retained jobs.
Build South Bend Incremental Development workship at the
Technology Resources Center
In 2024, active tax abatement holders reported
INCREMENTAL DEVELOPMENT 2,060 created and retained jobs for real property
South Bend's small developer community is strong projects and 922 jobs for personal property
and growing, and the City supports residents projects. Total private investment for these
and others committed to the vibrancy of our City supported projects was a reported $346.2
neighborhoods. Through the Build South Bend million. For real properties subject to active
initiative, local small developers and entrepreneurs tax abatements, the 2024 assessed value was
have access to technical assistance and resources $199.9 million combined, up from $17.5 million in
which provides the opportunity to gain a deep assessed value before the projects began.
understanding of the development process. Build
South Bend and City-supported programming
is focused on local control and development,
connection to resources, and helping advance a
resident-driven future for South Bend. .'I1 —a r„ !i
il. ■-
In 2024, the City hosted two multi-day events 1,t y �I ■'
that featured networking events, workshops, $ L_'
and one-on-one coaching.The workshops, which r
featured over 60 attendees, focused on the _ _-- .-
Momentum Entrepreneurship Hub-Corner of Main Street
fundamentals of incremental development and and Monroe in south Downtown(Before)
topics such as financing, acquisitions, sustainability,
using proformas, design, and more. City staff
and coaching partners assisted small developers . _
directly by conducting 18 in-depth one-on-one J41 ```�4`'
coaching sessions, with nine active development = —
projects receiving support. Upon completion, these •-; i
�fdl n :�_
projects will represent more than $30 million in JJ
i,;' _ i 1 1
investment in South Bend. =
I -. -- _
Momentum Entrepreneurship Hub-Corner of Main Street
and Monroe in south Downtown(After)
GROWTH&OPPORTUNITY ANNUAL REPORT 2024
44
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Through the Pathways Program, the City of In 2024, Upskill SB supported 7 members in
South Bend provided funding for workforce pursuing the NABCEP Solar PV Associate credential
development training for 103 South Bend and 1 member pursuing LEED certification and
residents in 2024. Upon completion, participants facilitated a workshop for 16 members of South
received certificates from their perspective Bend Realtors for its National Association of
trainings and once again have the potential Realtors (NAR) Green Designation.
to advance their careers to the next level and
all-around improvement in their quality of life
through hard work and learning additional
skills. Trainings were provided by Purdue MEP, BUSINESS LICENSING
and participants were afforded the opportunity
to select from a variety of courses, including The Department of Community Investment
Leadership Skills for Success (targeting both business license team aids small business owners
frontline and management levels),Transfer of and professionals with the tools needed to
Knowledge, Fundamentals of Electricity and succeed and operate lawfully in the services they
Troubleshooting, Artificial Intelligence. There was provide. The City provides resources to help new
also a "boot camp" for residents at the South establishments through the process of opening
Bend Community Reentry Center to assist them
a business by providing federal, state, and local
with their transition back to the community after regulations as well as providing resources for small
incarceration. business incentives, training, and counseling. In
2024 there were 1,019 business and occupational
In 2024, the City rolled out a program to assist
licenses issued, resulting in a total of$123,926.30
residents seeking a Commercial Drivers License
in revenue.
(CDL-A) and looks to expand and enhance
workforce development programs in 2025.
Upskill SB is a workforce development program
launched and co-administered by DCI and I&T.
Upskill SB subsidizes training and exam costs for
professional, industry-standard certifications
in information technology, business and
management, healthcare, and solar and energy
efficiency.
In 2023, the Office of Sustainability worked
with the Growth and Opportunity team and the
Civic Innovation team to add solar training to
the course list and expand the climate-related
offerings for the second cohort.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT GROWTH&OPPORTUNITY
45
VIBRANT PLACES
The Department of Community Investment administers Vibrant Places, a citywide matching grant
program to support the exterior activation of commercial buildings. Through the program, businesses
and building owners have access to professional design services and financial support for real property
improvements and other exterior enhancements. The program also provides additional resources for
environmentally friendly projects. In 2024, 21 grants totaling $424,232 were paid out, which helped
unlock$967,370 in total project costs.
•
C as
11
_f
./-z.,-a. ___,,,,. 21
/ r .,:,
GRANTS
ii
$424,232
South Bend Farmer's Market(Before)
IN MATCHING
GRANT FUNDS
$967,370
IN TOTAL
' 4. 11111111111111111111111111"TN PROJECT COSTS
to 1f ..
w
South Bend Former's Market(After)
, v
_ �me tp �ldca ,, c��►�tr�
� a , a
11
X
trio i. IF '1j
Miami and Ewing St. Riley HS Mural(Before) Miami and Ewing St. Riley HS Mural(After)
GROWTH &OPPORTUNITY ANNUAL REPORT 2024
46
OPPORTUNITY FUND FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT
In the fall of 2024, the City announced a new In February 2024, the City announced a
initiative--the South Bend Opportunity Fund-- Request for Proposals (RFP), for qualified
designed to provide local small businesses with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to serve as
increased access to capital and essential business the financial counseling provider for the new
support services. The program, developed by the Financial Empowerment Center (FEC). The RFP
City in partnership with 1st Source Bank and the reviewed organizations that could effectively
North Central Indiana Small Business Development implement high-volume, quality, one-on-one
Center (ISBDC), will be available to businesses financial counseling services to all South Bend
located within the City of South Bend in early residents. Following a competitive application
2025.The City is committing$1 million over the process, the City selected the Near Northwest
next three years to support the Opportunity Neighborhood Inc. to operate the South Bend
Fund, reinforcing its commitment to fostering FEC at its future permanent home, the new
economic growth and entrepreneurship within the Martin Luther King,Jr. Dream Center opening in
community. The program provides participating 2025.
businesses with personalized coaching from ISBDC
and access to affordable small business loans (up In September 2024, the National Cities for
to $30,000) through 1st Source Bank. Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE) awarded
the City of South Bend a $150,000 grant to
support the launch of the South Bend FEC.
Throughout the Fall, FEC counselors underwent
rigorous training to meet national CFE Fund
training standards to be able to provide free
one-on-one financial counseling.
The South Bend FEC is set open in April 2025
and will be accessible to all City residents over
the age of 18. To learn more about the South
Bend FEC, visit www.southbendfec.org .
South Bend
Financial
Empowerment
Center
Free One-on-One
Financial Counseling
South Bend FEC logo
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT GROWTH&OPPORTUNITY
47
PROPERTY ACQUISITION
• Kelly's Pub
The City purchased the former Kelly's Pub on
Mishawaka Avenue to aid in neighborhood
safety in addition to supporting the street 1`Y :__
improvements scheduled to take place on t ,-i
Mishawaka Ave in 2025.
• River Glen Office Park , 7
The City purchased the former River Glen Office ```* "-
Park to encourage new development along the • -,__ I `�
St.Joseph River.
I
• Main/Wayne Parking Garage ``�
• Hoffman Hotel Parking Lot *� ,% ,-1;
City acquired land from the Hoffman Hotel in 1= , , \ 'it%'`
order to support the construction of the Raclin �tit�`' MA
Murphy Encore Center and proposed future 1 44 '01
public parking garage. -' ! a ' \
,`
• Old YMCA Northside The City Purchased the Leighton Building in Downtown South
The City and YMCA partnered in a donation of Bend in the spring of 2024. The City's proactive action led to the
YMCA opening a new Health and Fitness Center downtown in
their former facility along Northside Blvd. to the the Leighton Building, ensuring a full-service gym downtown.
City in exchange for opening a downtown YMCA
facility in the now City owned Leighton Building.
• 42 Lots Transferred from County to BPW from •.f
Commissioner's Sale including Old Fun FX &
South Bend Range sites r
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The City partnered with the County to qc,r
proactively take problem properties from
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the county tax sale list to set them up for a 1i��t\
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productive future. .
• Union Station -
The city acquired Union Station to preserve
a local landmark and set up the possibility of ••1
h.
returning passenger rail service to downtown 1 ,
South Bend.
r
Union Station
GROWTH&OPPORTUNITY ANNUAL REPORT 2024
48
PROPERTY ACQUISITION (cont.)
• 2117 & 2113 S. Lafayette Donated by Studebaker Museum
• 4022 Old Cleveland Road for New Intake Center
City acquired property for the site of the proposed low barrier intake center, a long-held City and
community goal.
• Elwood Shopping Center
City acquired the declining shopping center to ensure investment and a positive future for the node and
neighborhood.
PROPERTY DISPOSITIONS
The City transferred more than 50 infill lots to nonprofit developers for the construction affordable
housing.The developers include 466 Works, Intend Indiana, Near Northwest Neighborhood, Inc., Property
Bros., South Bend Heritage Foundation, and South Bend Mutual Homes Cooperative. Collectively,these
organizations have committed to building 108 affordable housing units on these lots in the City's northwest,
near west, and southeast neighborhoods.
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The City of South Bend partnered with Habitat for Human- The City of South Bend partnered with Property Bros.LLC
ity and provided the above lots on Harrison Street for the and provided the above lots on Sherman Avenue as well
construction of six new affordable homes seen here under as financial assistance for the construction of affordable
construction. housing.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT GROWTH &OPPORTUNITY
49
PROPERTY AGREEMENTS
• Beacon Health Lease for 1st Floor of Leighton Building
• YMCA Lease for 2nd-5th Floor of Leighton Building
• Tree Nursery Agreement in Ignition Park with Parks Board
• Avant Group Lease for Union Station
• 1547 CSR Lease for Union Station
• South Bend Bike Garage Lease for Main/Wayne Parking Garage Retail Space
ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS
• Drewrys
In 2024, the City completed Phase 1 and Phase 2 of site demolition and clean up, expending$1.7
million to continue progressing toward a shovel ready site. The City received an additional $273,159
in state funds from the Indiana Finance Authority's Petroleum Orphan Site Initiative to remove eight
underground storage tanks and contaminated soil. The City will begin Phase 3 in 2025.
• Real America
The City received a 128(a) Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Incentive for over $225,000 to remove
over 400 tons of contaminated soil from the Real America development site during early 2025,
preparing it for a new 150-unit apartment building.
• South Bend Range
In partnership with MACOG,the City continued work on identifying the extent of contamination on
site and at neighboring properties, including Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments as well as
additional testing.
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The City has demolished and site prepared at the former Drewrys site.
GROWTH&OPPORTUNITY ANNUAL REPORT 2024
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY
51
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY
The Office of Sustainability's mission is to mobilize the community to address climate
change. We do this by illuminating ways to reduce pollution and adapt to a changing
environment, collaborating with the community and existing climate action, and
designing, developing, and delivering climate solutions. In 2024, we primarily focused on
designing, developing, and delivering climate solutions that reduced our pollution from
the energy and transportation sectors based on strategies outlined in our Climate Action
Plan, Carbon Neutral 2050.
ENERGY ASSISTANCE AND SOLAR SAVINGS
INITIATIVEE (EASSI)
EASSI (pronounced "easy") provides subsidized • 4 solar projects resulting in 90.05kW of solar
energy assessments, matching grants, and energy generation potential, the equivalent
optional low-interest loans to nonprofit of saving over 9,824 gallons of gasoline from
community organizations to complete energy being consumed each year.
•
efficiency and/or solar projects. EASSI aims 9 energy efficiency projects, including
high- efficiency HVAC systems, insulation
to reduce buildings' carbon emissions, make improvements, LED Lighting replacements,
community organizations more resilient by and electrification.
reducing their energy bills, and increase • 10 energy audits conducted.
awareness of energy efficiency and renewable • A combined total of more than $600,000
energy. We partner with IFF, a CDFI and real estate in public and private investment in energy
consultant for nonprofits, and CDFI Friendly South efficiency and solar: $258,000 in matching
Bend to administer the program. In its third year, grants awarded to EASSI nonprofits leveraged
EASSI supported 13 organizations, including eight $344,000 in private investment.
•
located in areas with the highest levels of social Roughly, every$1 dollar invested by
EASSI grants generated $2.333 in building
vulnerability in the city, according to the CDC's investments for energy efficiency and solar.
Social Vulnerability Index. EASSI project results
include:
"We decided to explore the EASSI Grants available through the Office of Sustainability. Limited by
our budget but wanting to weatherize at lease one aspect of our building, we also decided to pursue
replace our four large and rickety factory style windows on the east side of the building with energy
efficient treatments. EASSI provided a matching grant to help with these much needed improvements.
The Sustainability team has been so supportive throughout this whole process. In-person and webinar
style meetings throughout the grant period have been invaluable." -EASSI Participant
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY ANNUAL REPORT 2024
52
UPDATING THE CLIMATE . Ter'
ACTION PLAN 2050
The Climate Action Plan (CAP) was approved in
November 2019, meaning the updated plan is
intended to be updated by 2025. Since then, the
Office of Sustainability has made efforts to update
.n;
the plan. In 2024,the Office of Sustainability
E $'
Y y CM OF Sol rH Bell
reached over 1,000 people through events,
its Climate Action Ambassador program, and COMMUNITY ELECTRIC VEHICLE(EV)
Together South Bend. INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN
November 2023
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SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY ELECTRIC
CLIMATE ACTION PLAN VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE
PLAN
In 2023, the Office of Sustainability led the
development and adoption of the Community
Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Plan. The
Plan identifies strategic needs and opportunties
to improve eqitable charging acess and support
progress towards South Bend's EV future. In 2024,
,,, the City was part of MAGCOG's application to the
Charging Fuel Infrastructure federal grant, which
2025 2030 was the only application awarded in the state of
Indiana. The award will lead to the installation
of charging stations at 13 new locations in South
Bend.The Office of Sustainability in collaboration
with Public Works is also installing charging
stations at three seperate locations. The Office of
Sustainability has also procured additional stations
to support areas with charging needs.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY
53
GREENER HOMES URBAN & COMMUNITY
In 2024, the Office of Sustainability in collaboration FORESTRY GRANT
with enFocus and the Community Foundation of St.
Joseph County launched the Greener Homes retrofit Through the Office of Sustainability, the City
pilot program that assists low to moderate income received in 2024 a 5-year, $1.87M grant from the
homeowners with subsidized energy-efficient home USDA Forest Service. The Office of Sustainability
upgrades.The program has assisted 13 homes for is currently facilitating the implementation of
HVAC, weatherization, and electrification projects, the grant with next being the consolidation and
enhancement of nursery sites to allow for scaled
tree production in 2025.
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re: USDA Tree Grant Nursery
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EASSI Assessment:IFF representative Donna Sink
using a thermal imaging camera to check for vari-
ations in temperature while conducting a building
energy assessment of the History Museum.
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EASSI Ribbon Cutting-Ceremony at Fire Arts celebrating the energy
efficient upgrades completed on their building. They received a building
energy assessment and over$8,500 in matching grants from the EASSI
program to install new LED lighting and energy efficient windows.
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY ANNUAL REPORT 2024