HomeMy WebLinkAboutDCI Annual Report 20241
ANNUAL REPORT 2023
COMMUNITY
INVESTMENT
2024 Annual Report
Building Department | Engagement & Economic Empowerment | Growth & Opportunity |
Neighborhoods | Planning & Community Resources | Offi ce of Sustainability
City of South Bend
2
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
LETTER FROM THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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 adopƟ on 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 construcƟ on of more than 120 infi ll housing units in
disinvested neighborhoods.
• Conducted 774 inspecƟ ons to ensure basic habitability standards for tenants as part of the
Rental Safety Verifi caƟ on Program.
• Provided more than $420,000 in matching grants to acƟ vate and beauƟ fy business exteriors,
unlocking $967,000 in total project costs.
• Removed nearly 1.5 million pounds of liƩ er and debris and assisted with 23 neighborhood
cleanups.
• ConƟ nued 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 effi ciency and
Dear Neighbor,
In 2024, the Community Investment team conƟ nued the important work to spur growth in South
Bend that posiƟ vely impacts all residents.
Our team made major strides in resolving longstanding blighted proper Ɵ es, 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.
3
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Caleb Bauer
ExecuƟ ve Director
Department of Community Investment
solar upgrades to nonprofi t organizaƟ ons and generated 90.05kW of solar energy generaƟ on
potenƟ al, 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 fi ve Linden Avenue Farmers Markets aƩ ended by 1,500 people.
• Acquired several properƟ es for strategic investments, including Union StaƟ on, the Portage-
Elwood shopping plaza, the River Glen Offi ce Park, and more than 40 tax-sale lots that can be
used for new infi ll housing.
• Provided more than $1 million in home repairs for 76 households.
• Opened more than 10,000 environmental citaƟ on 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 prioriƟ es and design ideas for the next two decades of investment
downtown.
• Demolished the remaining buildings at the former Drewrys Brewery site in preparaƟ on for
future redevelopment.
• Completed work on The Link Trail, connecƟ ng downtown to the University of Notre Dame.
To be truly successful, all projects must refl ect community input captured through our
neighborhood planning processes and engagement with neighborhood associaƟ ons.
• 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 selecƟ on 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 fi lled with graƟ tude and
admiraƟ on for the work they do on behalf of South Bend.
Thank you,
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
Casey Steinbacher kicks off Downtown Plan visioning ses-
sions on Feb. 20th with her talk, “Hey Downtown, Are you
Surviving or Thriving?”.
Residents providing insights on the Western Ave.
TransformaƟ on Plan.
Chef preparing meal with fresh herbs at Linden Ave Farmer’s
Market.
4
5
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
NEIGHBORHOODS 6
PLANNING & COMMUNITY
RESOURCES 18
BUILDING DEPARTMENT 28
ENGAGEMENT & ECONOMIC
EMPOWERMENT 35
GROWTH & OPPORTUNITY 41
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABLITY 50
NEIGHBORHOODS DIVISION
7
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
NEIGHBORHOODS DIVISION
FEDERAL FUND MANAGEMENT
The annual allocaƟ on process for federal enƟ tlement funding – covering the following
grants Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solu Ɵ ons Grant (ESG),
and HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) – includes requests for proposals,
review of eligibility, recommendaƟ ons for awards, and required steps for submission
to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). While potenƟ al
recipients apply in one calendar year, the funding and contracƟ ng 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.
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 construcƟ on, vacant and abandoned demoliƟ ons,
environmental/trash issues, and addressing animal endangerment, to name a few.
NEIGHBORHOODS DIVISION
A duplex was built at DeMaude Ave and California Ave using CDBG funds and provides
addiƟ onal aff ordable rental housing in the community.
8
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
$12,480
$69,000
$122,218
$410,000
$2,407,250
$294,835$105,000
$89,368.89
$998,000
$369,299
$1,786,250
$279,835
$105,000
$2,000
$332,600
$157,397
$108,000
$1,078,000
2024 CDBG Requests 2024 CDBG AllocaƟ ons
2024 HOME Requests 2024 HOME AllocaƟ ons
2024 ESG Requests 2024 ESG AllocaƟ ons
NEIGHBORHOODS DIVISION
Public FaciliƟ es
AdministraƟ on
Public Service
Housing
AdministraƟ on
Housing
AdministraƟ on
Shelter OperaƟ ons
Rapid Rehousing
9
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
$130,888
$72,869
$45,058
$1,044,997
$59,032
$155,653
$976,545
$253,724
$81,617
In 2024, the Federal Fund Management team focused on project progression. Providing support to
subrecipients, off ering training, and encouraging project progression ensures the City remains in
compliance with HUD regulaƟ ons. CDBG, HOME, and ESG expenditures are shown in the graphs below.
NEIGHBORHOODS DIVISION
CDBG
HOME
ESG
AdministraƟ on
Housing
Rental Assistance
Public FaciliƟ es
AdministraƟ on
Public Services
Housing
AdministraƟ on
Emergency OperaƟ ons
Rapid Rehousing
In addiƟ on to the annual allocaƟ on process for CDBG, ESG, and HOME funding, work and services conƟ nued
related to the addiƟ onal but separate COVID (CV) funding for the CDBG program. In 2024, two subrecipients
expended $197,789 in CV-CDBG funds to help about 100 benefi caries with rent and u Ɵ lites, food, and
supporƟ ve services for mental health.
10
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTH & HOUSING (NHH)
Quality Aff ordable Housing & Infi ll Development
• ConƟ nued implementaƟ on of the Home Repair Program. There were 76 households that received
eligible repairs totaling over $1,000,000 of investment.
• ConƟ nued partnerships with aff ordable housing developers to support the construc Ɵ on and sale of new
housing units in South Bend’surban neighborhoods.
• In a diffi cult housing market, fi ve (5) Community Homebuyers CorporaƟ on (CHC) closings provided
$160,500 in forgivable second mortgages and down payment assistance and leveraged $525,700 of
private investment through the CHC fi nancial partners.
• Through 2024, a total of 18 pre-approved plan homes were built or permi Ʃ ed, with 95 new units in the
planning and/or pre-construcƟ on phase.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
CerƟ fi ed Housing Counseling
• 46 households completed pre-purchase housing counseling, preparing themselves to become poten Ɵ al
homeowners.
• 2 households were assisted with mortgage default counseling.
• 1 household completed non-delinquency post purchase counseling for fi nancial management.
• The Housing Counselor provided 8 post-purchase counseling sessions with a total of 23 a Ʃ endees in
2024.
NEIGHBORHOODS DIVISION
The pre-approved narrow house plans were used to construct two new homes in the
Near Northwest neighborhood. The available pre-approved plans support infi ll develop-
ment in the city’s urban neighborhoods.
NHH programs and services facilitate the development of quality aff ordable housing through assistance
to eligible homeowners, fi rst-Ɵ me homebuyers, tenants, landlords, nonprofi t partners, developers, and
builders.
11
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Lead Based Paint Hazard ReducƟ on Grant
• Fourteen (14) households were enrolled in the program
with an addiƟ onal thirteen (13) applicants working with
staff to submit completed applicaƟ ons at the end of the
year.
• Eleven (11) homes had lead remediaƟ on work
completed with a total investment of $349,109.
• Increased capacity to provide addiƟ onal outreach
opportuniƟ es and provide more one-on-one support
through the applicaƟ on process.
Rental Safety Verifi caƟ on Program (RSVP)
• Through the Rental Safety Verifi caƟ on Program (RSVP),
staff completed 774 inspecƟ ons and cerƟ fi ed 235 units.
• A total of $232,095.43 in RSVP penalƟ es and fees were
collected.
• A total of 16 units were condemned through RSVP.
Landlord RegistraƟ on
Landlord registraƟ on is a tool used by the NHH and
NSE staff to obtain up-to-date property owner contact
informaƟ on for rental properƟ es to allow for beƩ er
communicaƟ on. In 2024, landlords registered a total of 491
units.
LEAD REMEDIATION
INVESTED IN 11 HOMES
$349K
RSVP INSPECTIONS
COMPLETED
774
RENTAL UNITS
CERTIFIED
235
UNITS
REGISTERED JANͳDEC 2024
491
NEIGHBORHOODS DIVISION
12
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES & ENFORCEMENT (NSE)
NSE assesses substandard housing and commercial property condi Ɵ ons along with
secondary or accessory structures. The preference is to work with property owners but
if enforcement acƟ ons are required, cases are opened to track and monitor issues and
oŌ en move to a hearing where a Hearing Offi cer presides. In 2024 NSE opened a total
of 140 new cases.
NEIGHBORHOODS DIVISION
Property Cases Data
NEW PROPERTY
CASES
PROPERTIES
REPAIRED BY
OWNER
NEW SECURE
ORDERS ISSUED
SECURE ORDERS
COMPLETED BY
OWNER
PROPERTY
HEARINGS
140 31 162 52 353
NSE processes environmental citaƟ ons which can be grouped into 4 primary categories
(in order of prevalence):
1. LiƩ er – trash/debris, appliances, furniture, demoliƟ on remains
2. Tall grass or weeds
3. VegetaƟ on – removal or trimming, piles of debris
4. Graffi Ɵ
Environmental Cases Data
LITTER GRASS & WEEDS VEGETATION GRAFFITI
4,642 4,975 1,059 40
10,717 6,395
CASES COMPLETED BY OWNERCASES INITIATED
13
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
NSE tags abandoned vehicles with towing handled by a private company.
Abandoned Vehicles Data
VEHICLES
TAGGED
VEHICLES
TOWED
233 52
The NEAT Crew – one supervisor and three staff members – is tasked with removing
liƩ er and vegetaƟ on violaƟ ons. In 2024, the NEAT Crew removed 1,484,000 million
pounds of liƩ er and debris. NEAT’s work improves the appearance and cleanliness of
neighborhoods.
NSE coordinated 23 neighborhood clean-ups, working with neighborhood
organizaƟ ons and ciƟ zens to remove trash from their neighborhoods. NSE staff
assistance, paired with the tools and supplies off ered in the Tend the Bend trailer,
helps residents clean-up their neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Enforcement AcƟ on Team (NEAT) Crew Data
NEIGHBORHOOD
CLEANUPS
LOADS TO
DUMP
TOTAL POUNDS
REMOVED
23 337 1.48M
NEIGHBORHOODS DIVISION
14
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT NEIGHBORHOODS DIVISION
The NEAT Crew addresses illegal dumping that negaƟ vely impacts neighborhoods. (Before)
The NEAT Crew addresses illegal dumping that negaƟ vely impacts neighborhoods. (AŌ er)
15
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
SOUTH BEND ANIMAL RESOURCE CENTER (SBARC) /
ANIMAL WELFARE
The South Bend Animal Resource Center (SBARC) houses the staff of Animal Welfare
Offi cers and Assistants who serve the community by enforcing the animal control
ordinance and off ering supporƟ ve animal services to animal owners in the community.
In 2024, 378 animals were adopted from SBARC.
SBARC parƟ cipated in The Bissell FoundaƟ on’s “Empty the Shelter” event four Ɵ mes. 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 parƟ cipated in other adopƟ on events through the city or surrounding
areas such as: Crooked Ewe Pet Food Drive, Waggin in the Woods, The Lauber PaƟ o 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 PoƩ ery for mulƟ ple cat adopƟ on events.
Through these events SBARC raised an addiƟ onal $4,925.25 for the animals and shelter.
AdopƟ ons
NEIGHBORHOODS DIVISION
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
fi nal summer night.
16
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT NEIGHBORHOODS DIVISION
While outcomes for animals in the shelter vary based on circumstances unique to each
animal, the shelter was at capacity the enƟ rety of 2024.
Shelter Outcomes
INTAKES RETURN TO OWNER TRANSFER OUT ADOPTIONS EUTHANASIA
2,873 447 1,120 378 873
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.
Licenses and Permits
SBARC’s Animal Welfare Offi cers 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 acƟ ons.
• Bite: 229
• Cruelty Neglect: 154
• Emergency AŌ er Hours: 557
• Welfare Checks: 1055
• Strays: 1006
• Agressive Animal: 172
• Wildlife: 302
Animal Welfare Cases
17
ANNUAL REPORT 2024NEIGHBORHOODS DIVISION
NON-PROFIT IMPLEMENTATION
PARTNERS
Community Homebuyers CorportaƟ on (CHC)
Through a DCI/ CHC agreement, NHH staff administer
the First-Time Homeownership Program, provide
housing counseling, and assist with board management.
Similarly, the Urban Enterprise AssociaƟ on of South
Bend, Inc. (UEA) is a city partner/fi scal agent contracƟ ng
with DCI to administer Matching / Vibrant Places Grant.
Urban Enterprise AssocaƟ on (UEA)
In 2024, the UEA, in partnership with the City, awarded
$50,000 to support the development of two new
rental infi ll housing. The purpose of this eff ort is to
help support urban neighborhoods by introducing new
housing, improving the quality of life, and promoƟ ng the
market potenƟ al to a broader audience.
Housing Authority of South Bend (HASB) Partnership
The City partnered with HASB to renovate vacant
scaƩ ered site homes that are part of the public housing
program. Approximately $1 million in City funds has
been dedicated to repairing these units so that families
can move into them. Six homes were renovated in 2024,
and the partnership will conƟ nue in 2025.
Support for Persons Experiencing Homelessness
The City supports eff orts to address homelessness
through fi nancial support for local service providers,
leverage for permanent supporƟ ve housing projects,
management of the Coordinated Entry tracking and
placement process, and supporƟ ve services. The City’s
Coordinator of Homeless Outreach works to align
services across nonprofi t partners.
Below is a descripƟ on of some of the City’s eff orts to
address homelessness in 2024:
• Provided $ 350,000 to the Center for the Homeless
(CFH) to operate weather amnesty for individuals
in need of emergency overnight shelter in the
months of November-April. During the 2023-2024
weather amnesty program, CFH provided overnight
shelter for 589 unique individuals. In November
and December 2024, 340 unique individuals uƟ lized
weather amnesty, with an average of 57 people
per night in November and 82 people per night in
December.
• Funds Oaklawn’s City Outreach Team to help
unhoused individuals become aware of available
resources, be placed on the Coordinated Entry list
for housing, and gather the needed paperwork to
apply to a housing unit when one becomes available.
• Provides operaƟ ng funding for Our Lady of the Road
and Motels For Now to support transiƟ onal housing
for homeless individuals.
• Supports Oaklawn’s Crisis Center, which opened in
March. The Crisis Center provides a place for people
in a mental health or substance use crisis to go for
care and will complement the exisƟ ng mobile crisis
team and phone resources currently available. In
2024,120 unique people came into the Center.
• Facilitates the Wash Wednesday and Senior Suds
Night Programs, a partnership with Burton’s Laundry
that allows unhoused members of our community
and seniors living on fi xed incomes to wash their
clothes for free every other week. In 2024 they
washed the equivalent of 6,276 loads of laundry for
995 guests.
The Coordinator of Homeless Outreach also convenes
a monthly meeƟ ng of agencies that provide housing,
mental health, physical health, and recovery services
to discuss needs across the city. Separately, the City
organizes 18 agencies that work specifi cally to address
substance use. They have developed a framework
to increase awareness, encourage reducƟ on of use,
connect people with treatment opƟ ons, and create
supporƟ ve community. The Coordinator of Homeless
Outreach also provides training on mental health,
trauma informed care, de-escalaƟ on strategies, and
policies for agencies, neighborhoods, businesses and
religious organizaƟ ons.
PLANNING & COMMUNITY
RESOURCES
The Planning & Community Resources team includes strategic planning — such as neighborhood
plans and streetscape improvements — as well as historic preservaƟ on and zoning.
Planning and Community Resources
STRATEGIC PLANNING
Downtown Plan
PUBLIC EVENTS
9 500 170
PARTICIPANTS SURVEYS
AŌ er 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 connecƟ ng the City to the river and provides
a strategy to reinvigorate the downtown retail core.
During the planning process over 500 residents parƟ cipated in various events including the kickoff
speaker series, visioning workshops, and design week. Online, over 170 surveys were submi Ʃ ed
generaƟ ng 2400 ideas for downtown.
Public Engagement Timeline
January 2024
Stakeholder MeeƟ ngs
Downtown Plan kick off
presentaƟ on & visioning
sessions
Design Week - Pin up
sessions, stakeholder
meeƟ ngs, and fi nal
ideas presentaƟ ons
PLANNING & COMMUNITY RESOURCES
February 2025
Final presentaƟ on and
public feedback sessions
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
19
February 2024
June 2024
20
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
TOTAL RIDES
17,988 5,158 25,695
UNIQUE RIDERS TOTAL MILAGE
Retained BIRD as a shared mobility provider in 2024.
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
conƟ nuous grade separated shared use path from the University of Notre Dame to the
new MarƟ n Luther King Jr. Dream Center. ConstrucƟ on is scheduled for 2026-2027.
Coal Line Trail Phase 3 - College Street PerspecƟ ve
AcƟ ve TransportaƟ on Plan
PLANNING & COMMUNITY RESOURCES
21
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Pre-Approved Housing Plans
Launched in 2022, the South Bend Pre-Approved Housing Plans program has become a model for
infi ll 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 addi Ɵ onal 100+ homes are in
a predevelopment stage with partners from AdvanƟ x, Intend Indiana, South Bend Heritage, and
Property Brothers.
Side by Side Duplex (foreground), Stacked Duplex (back-
ground) - West Wayne Street, South Bend Heritage
Stacked Duplex - Rex Street, Tom Bard, Winner of Best in
Show and Best Floor Plan: St. Joseph County Parade of
Homes Spring 2024
Stacked Duplex - Sherman Avenue, Property Bros LLC Standard House - 33rd Street, Private Market Rate
construcƟ on
Policy Development
Completed ordinance to improve the alley vacaƟ on process for Spring 2025 fi ling.
PLANNING & COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Pre-approved housing plans under construcƟ on or complete
22
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
Portage/Elwood
In 2024, the City re-engaged with the
community to discuss the Portage/Elwood
neighborhood vision as the Drewrys site
progresses closer to “shovel ready.” The City
presented plans for housing and mixed-use
development on the site and sought feedback
from neighborhood residents.
In June, neighbors gather to discuss feedback on the
updated Portage/Elwood neighborhood vision.
SB Thrive
SB Thrive South Bend Heritage ConstrucƟ on Site
South Bend Thrive was developed in
partnership with South Bend Heritage
foundaƟ on. The development is 55%
complete with construcƟ on compleƟ on
targeted for August 2025. The development
has 54 apartments, including 13 permanent
supporƟ ve housing units, across 17 mulƟ -
family residenƟ al buildings with on-site
offi ce for a total of 18 buildings. Full
occupancy is projected by January 1, 2026.
SB Thrive Homes
PLANNING & COMMUNITY RESOURCES
23
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Streetscape Projects
• SubstanƟ ally completed The Link Trail,
connecƟ ng downtown South Bend to
the University of Notre Dame via LaSalle
Avenue, Hill Street, South Bend Avenue,
and Notre Dame Avenue.
• Completed Angela Boulevard
streetscape project, including a shared-
use trail along Burke Golf Course.
• Completed Linden Avenue streetscape
project at the new MarƟ n Luther King,
Jr. Dream Center.
• Completed High Street sidewalk
improvement project.
• Completed design and awarded
contract for Ewing Avenue streetscape/
safety improvements at Walker Field for
2025 construcƟ on.
• Completed design for Mishawaka
Avenue streetscape improvements
in the Market District for 2025
construcƟ on.
• Worked on planning and design for
Bendix Drive, Colfax Avenue, and
Greenlawn Avenue/Wall Street
streetscape improvements; Portage
Avenue-Elwood Avenue intersecƟ on
improvement; Lincoln Way East-Miami
Street intersecƟ on improvement;
Madison Street bike/pedestrian bridge;
and Coal Line Trail Phase III.
• Began formal planning on federally
funded RAISE grant project for potenƟ al
changes to Cloverleaf area street
connecƟ ons.
The Link Trail
Linden Avenue streetscape improvements near the MLK Dream
Center
PLANNING & COMMUNITY RESOURCES
24
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
ZONING
Major Projects Facilitated through the
Development Process
• Diamond View/Stadium Flats
60 aff ordable units + 90 market-rate units
• Five Corners
Apartment building and mixed-use condo
building totaling 112 residental units
• JC Hart Project at Riverfront West
291 units and a parking garage in two
buildings
• Parisi’s
Approximately 30 condo units
• Four Winds Field Expansion
Upper deck seaƟ ng, amenity relocaƟ on,
leŌ -fi eld building
• Raclin Murphy Encore Center
20,000-square-foot expansion of Morris
Performing Arts Center
• Veldman Family Psychology Clinic
University of Notre Dame’s mental health
services locaƟ on
• Supermercado San Miguel
Full grocery store with restaurant and
bakery tenant spaces on Western and
Olive
• Marion Street CoƩ age Court
10 coƩ age court units and 6 addiƟ onal
housing units
• Sherman Avenue Duplexes
3 duplexes off ering 6 aff ordable units
• Aff ordable Home MaƩ ers (Intend Indiana)
92 aff ordable housing in Lincoln Park
neighborhood, with 5 foundaƟ ons
complete
Diamond View/Stadium Flats
JC Hart at Riverfront West
Veldman Family Psychology Clinic
Supermercado San Miguel construcƟ on progress
PLANNING & COMMUNITY RESOURCES
25
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Plan Commission
• Reviewed and approved
29 subdivisions
4 Lot Line Adjustments
24 Minor Subdivisions
1 Major Primary Subdivision
• 13 Rezoning peƟ Ɵ ons reviewed and processed
• 2 AnnexaƟ on request reviewed and approved
• 1 Special ExcepƟ on request
• 11 Variances requested
• 3 TIF expansions reviewed and approved
Board of Zoning Appeals
• 58 Board of Zoning Appeals applicaƟ ons reviewed
and processed:
74 variance requests
10 special excepƟ on requests
1 use variance request
Zoning AdministraƟ on
• $228,937,794 in total construcƟ on
$118,489,625 in new construcƟ on
$110,448,169 in addiƟ ons and/or
alteraƟ ons
• 156 Commercial Plan Review projects reviewed
• 97 new single family housing units reviewed and
approved
• 121 sign permit applicaƟ ons reviewed
• 39 zoning verifi caƟ on leƩ ers issued
Other Accomplishments
• Approved 16 housing units in 11 buildings built
using the City’s preapproved plans
• Provided zoning guidance on the River Park and
LaSalle Park Neighborhood Plans
13
REZONINGS
PROCESSED
29
SUBDIVISIONS
APPROVED
58
BZA PETITIONS
PROCESSED
$229M
COMMERCIAL
PLAN REVIEW
VALUE
156
COMMERCIAL
PLAN REVIEW
PROJECTS
97
NEW SINGLE
FAMILY UNITS
APPROVED
PLANNING & COMMUNITY RESOURCES
26
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
2024 Project Review Data
COUNTY CITY TOTAL APPROVED*DENIED
AdministraƟ vely
Approved Projects 3 89 92 92 0
Commission Agenda
Projects 6 30 36 34 2
Total Reviewed
Projects in 2024 9 119 128 126 2
*NOTE: For comparison: the Commission reviewed 28 projects in 2023 (approving 21 projects and denying
7), while staff administraƟ vely approved 96 projects.
Staff track projects based upon the following parameters: Doors, Windows, Fences, Flatwork, Gu Ʃ ers,
Landscaping, Masonry, Porch, Roofs, Siding, Signage, UƟ liƟ es, New ConstrucƟ on, and DemoliƟ on.
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 CraŌ sman architecture. The house was moved into The Chapin Park Local Historic District.
PLANNING & COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Established in 1973, the Historic PreservaƟ on Commission (HPC) is a joint board serving the City of
South Bend and the unincorporated areas of St. Joseph County.
27
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
NaƟ onal Register NominaƟ ons
Staff reviewed and the Commission Approved 4 NaƟ on Register NominaƟ ons. 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.
Staff conducted 67 preliminary SecƟ on 106 Reviews in support of other City of South Bend departments
eff orts to deploy Federal moneys. This includes programs administered on behalf of the HUD, including lead
remediaƟ on grants, the Rebuilding Together program, rental assistance programs, as well as the fi rst-Ɵ me
homebuyers program.
SecƟ on 106 Review (Preliminary)
Top Ten Most Endangered List
The Comission compiled a list of the top 10 most endangered properi Ɵ es - to advocate for their preservaƟ on
& encourage collaboraƟ on & acƟ on.
Appeals
There were zero appeals to the Common Council or County Council.
PLANNING & COMMUNITY RESOURCES
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
29
ANNUAL REPORT 2024DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
COMMISSIONER’S REPORT
2024 was another record-breaking year for the Building Department as the ResidenƟ al sector re-
mained constant and the Commercial sector boomed in all areas. We have achieved all-Ɵ me highs
in permit issuance revenue and construcƟ on valuaƟ on. We work with both city and county depart-
ments, from data collecƟ on and analysis, assisƟ ng with daily issues, to helping solve issues with our
aging building scape. We conƟ nue to develop permit processes accommodaƟ ng developers and
contractors of all sizes, using all available technologies.
We issued 12,350 permits, performed 16,502 inspecƟ ons, and traveled 114,719 miles in serving
the residents of St. Joseph County and the City of South Bend. Addi Ɵ onally, we performed 269 Plan
Reviews and processed our measured building permits in an amazing average of 2 minutes and 56
seconds.
CerƟ fi caƟ on is a measure of quality and professionalism in the building industry. Our inspectors and
administraƟ ve staff are acƟ ve in conƟ nuing educaƟ on and have obtained new and renewed cer Ɵ -
fi caƟ ons in a conƟ nuing eff ort to become cross trained in all code disciplines. We encourage addi-
Ɵ onal training and cerƟ fi caƟ on for everyone in the department. There have been 5 InternaƟ onal
Code Council CerƟ fi caƟ ons earned in 2024.
SUCCESSES
FORECAST ISSUES – MOVING AHEAD
We predict 2025 will be more of the same. The ResidenƟ al sector will remain constant as interest
rates level off or decrease. The Commercial sector will conƟ nue to be strong with large-scale proj-
ects planned throughout our jurisdicƟ on.
We have eff ecƟ vely implemented community outreach through relaƟ onship building acƟ viƟ es with
home builders, schools, unions, developers, and governmental enƟ Ɵ es. We have done mulƟ ple
presentaƟ ons to help create building code awareness and communicate the benefi ts of a robust
Building Department. We conƟ nue to beƩ er serve the public with growing experƟ se and effi cien-
cy. We strive to make sure the Building Department conƟ nues with an atmosphere of Excellence,
Accountability, InnovaƟ on, Inclusion and Empowerment.
Randy L James, C.B.O
Building Commissioner
30
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
• Building related quesƟ ons
• Building related permiƫ ng
• Required Building InspecƟ ons
• Floodplain QuesƟ ons
SERVICES
• Building, construcƟ on, and remodeling
• Signs
• Moving of structures
• Plumbing, HeaƟ ng, Electrical
• Air CondiƟ oning
• VenƟ laƟ on
• DemoliƟ on
• Fences
• Floodplain
• Solar
PERMITS
• City and County Plan Review – commercial buildings
• Licensing of Electrical and HeaƟ ng Contractors
• RegistraƟ on of General, Plumbing, Excavator and DemoliƟ on Contractors
ADDITIONAL
• City of South Bend
• Unincorporated areas of St. Joseph
County
• Towns of Indian Village, Lakeville, North
Liberty, Roseland and Osceola
AREAS OF JURISDICTION (APPROX.
440 SQUARE MILES)
• City of South Bend
• St. Joseph County (except New
Carlisle, Walkerton, Mishawaka)
• Total
POPULATION (2020 CENSUS)
102,136
114,734
216,870
INSPECTION REPORT
BUILDING
4,231
ELECTRICAL
3,844
PLUMBING
3,702
HEATING
3,777
COMPLIANCE
921
MILEAGE
114,719
INSPECTION REPORT DETAILS
St. Joseph County covers approximately 440 square miles. Our
inspectors cover the enƟ re county fi ve days per week: fi Ō y-two
weeks per year. Not only do we emphasize effi ciency in planning daily
inspecƟ ons, but we also highlight safe driving as part of our daily
duƟ es.
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
31
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
INSPECTION REPORT
TOTAL PRE-LICENSING
REGISTRATIONS
TOTAL AMOUNTS
2,012 $251,150
PRE-LICENSING REGISTRATIONS
RegistraƟ on 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, roofi ng contractors, drywall contractors, masons, trim
contractors, steel erectors, fi re protecƟ on sprinkler contractors,
fencing contractors, swimming pool contractors, commercial hood
installers, lawn sprinkler contractors, water so Ō ener 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
32
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
COMMERCIAL NEW BUILDINGS
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
VALUATION IN THOUSANDS
PLAN REVIEW
Weekly Plan Review is performed on proposed construcƟ on 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 effi cient and expedient service to our
customers.
The Plan Reviews are aƩ ended by representaƟ ves 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.
CITY PLAN REVIEWS COUNTY PLAN REVIEWS
156 112
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
33
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
VALUATION REPORT
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
34
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
FINANCIAL REPORT
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
35
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
ENGAGEMENT & ECONOMIC
EMPOWERMENT
36
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
ENGAGEMENT & ECONOMIC
EMPOWERMENT
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS
Neighborhood associaƟ ons conƟ nue to be the
backbone of organizing and engaging residents
in South Bend. 2024 saw the creaƟ on of one
new associaƟ on, Woodlawn, bringing the total
number of associaƟ ons to 27. EEE staff aƩ end
neighborhood associaƟ on meeƟ ngs across the
City on a monthly basis.
To share resources and neighborhood
informaƟ on across the City, eleven
Neighborhood Reports were distributed,
with a total of over 6,900 views via email.
Neighborhood reports provide neighborhood
updates, upcoming City events, new City
resources, and other events and resources in
South Bend in a newsleƩ er-formaƩ ed email.
The Neighborhood Toolkit conƟ nues to serve
Neighborhood AssociaƟ ons with necessary
resources, grant opportuniƟ es, and Ɵ ps to
run and organize a successful Neighborhood
AssociaƟ on. Featured as an online informaƟ on
guide, the Neighborhood Toolkit contains
services for Neighborhood AssociaƟ ons that
need a Zoom account, informaƟ on on becoming
a 501(c)(3) organizaƟ on, and funding for prinƟ ng
and signage.
The Engagement and Economic Empowerment (EEE) team’s mission is to empower South Bend residents
through access to opportuniƟ es. The EEE team accomplishes this mission through three priori Ɵ es:
1. PromoƟ ng meaningful civic engagement;
2. Removing barriers to opportuniƟ es; and
3. FacilitaƟ ng community partnerships.
ENGAGEMENT & ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
• Woodlawn Neighborhood Assoc.
• Linden Legacy Neighborhood OrganizaƟ on
Corp.
• Near West Side Neighborhood Org.
• LaSalle Park Neighborhood Alliance
• Council Oak
• Monroe Park Neighborhood Assoc.
• Far Northwest Side Neighborhood Assoc.
• Miami Village
• Rum Village
• Southeast Organized Area Residents
• River Park
• Northeast Neighborhood Council
• Near Northwest Neighborhood
• Northshore Triangle
• Twyckenham Hills
• Chapin Park
• Kennedy Park Neighborhood Assoc.
• Lincoln-Bendix Park
• Howard Park Neighborhood Assoc.
• Lincolnway Neighbors for Change
• McKinley Terrace
• Sunnymede Neighborhood Assoc.
AcƟ ve South Bend
Neighborhood AssocaƟ ons
NEIGHBORHOOD CONSORTIUM
To encourage inclusive civic parƟ cipaƟ on
citywide, the Neighborhood ConsorƟ um
collaborates and exchanges knowledge across
Neighborhood AssociaƟ ons and serves as a
representaƟ ve body on behalf of Neighborhood
AssociaƟ ons to City administraƟ on, City programs,
and other City iniƟ aƟ ves.
Comprised of leadership from Neighborhood
AssociaƟ ons, the Neighborhood ConsorƟ um held
four meeƟ ngs in 2024, featuring representaƟ ves
from over fourteen neighborhoods. Featured
speakers for these meeƟ ngs included Venues,
Parks, and Arts, Public Works, MACOG, Transpo,
and the Mayor’s Offi ce.
In June, the neighbirhood associaƟ ons held a
roundtable event to share best pracƟ ces, hear
from city departments, and idenƟ fy common
areas of interest.
The ConsorƟ um also created an online map
showing neighborhood boundaries in South Bend
and a scannable QR code for residents to fi nd the
Neighborhood AssociaƟ on to which they belong.
IGNITE GRANT
The IGNITE (InnovaƟ on Grants for
Neighborhood InformaƟ on, TransformaƟ on,
and Enhancement) Grant Program provides a
$15,000 grant to South Bend Neighborhood
AssociaƟ ons to design and implement a
neighborhood-based project with community-
wide benefi t. New in 2024, two neighborhoods
can apply in a joint applicaƟ on for a total of
$30,000 for a collaboraƟ ve project. In 2024,
the City had 9 neighborhoods apply with 7
single applicaƟ ons and 1 joint applicaƟ on. The
IGNITE Grant helps South Bend Neighborhood
AssociaƟ ons to develop neighborhood-based
projects, including beauƟ fi caƟ on, neighborhood
signage, public art, public space enhancement,
and more. In its fi rst two years, the IGNITE
Grant program has distributed $170,000 in
grants to Neighborhood AssociaƟ ons.
ENGAGEMENT & ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2024
37
38
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
IGNITE Grant 2024 Awardees:
• LaSalle Park Neighborhood
Pole Banner Signs: InstallaƟ on of Pole Banner
signage welcoming residents and visitors to
the neighborhood.
• Miami Village Neighborhood
Signage: InstallaƟ on of second permanent
neighborhood signage welcoming residents
and visitors to their neighborhood.
• North Shore Triangle Neighborhood
Park Improvements: Tables at two nearby
parks and a mower to keep up with the
ground maintenance at the Unity Garden.
• Near Westside Neighborhood
Greenway: Greenway project connecƟ ng
Washington St to Colfax.
• Monroe Park Neighborhood
Signage and benches: InstallaƟ on of
permanent signage idenƟ fying and welcoming
residents and visitors to the neighborhood and
benches.
• Far Northwest Neighborhood and Lincolnway
Neighborhood for Change
Lawn tool trailer: 2 trailers fi lled with lawn
tools for neighbors to borrow.
• SOAR Neighborhood
Covered Bus Stop: InstallaƟ on of a covered bus
shelter at the bus stop in front of the Boys and
Girls Club.
• Twyckenham Hills Neighborhood
Pocket Park Upgrade and sign: InstallaƟ on
of new park equipment and 5th sign at the
entrance of the neighborhood.
ENGAGEMENT & ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
Monroe Park Tool Trailer
Miami Village Welcome Sign
River Park Wrapped Electrical Box
$81,000 was awarded to 8 awardees in 2024.
The Linden Avenue Farmers Market (LAFM) is
seasonal iniƟ aƟ ve of the City of South Bend,
Engagement and Economic Empowerment (EEE)
team. The LAFM brings together food vendors,
local and regional farmers, and health and wellness
organizaƟ ons who are all dedicated to addressing
food insecurity in the community.
• The Linden Avenue Farmers Market served over
1500 people throughout the months of June-
October.
• This was the last year of the LAFM being held
at the Charles Black Center. It will move back to
the new MLK Dream Center on Liden Avenue in
2025.
LINDEN AVENUE FARMER’S MARKET
288 market aƩ endees
parƟ cipated in a survey during
the LAFM. The survey found
the following informaƟ on about
market aƩ endees:
42%65 YEARS AND OVER
73%IDENTIFY AS BLACK OR
AFRICAN AMERICAN
50%ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD
INCOME OF $15,000 OR LESS
99%UTILIZE SOME FORM
OF FOOD ASSISTANCE -
PRIMARILY SNAP/EBT or
FOOD PANTRIES
42%LIVE WITHIN 1 MILE OF
THE CHARLES BLACK
COMMUNITY CENTER
61%ATTENDED LAFM FOR THE
FIRST TIME
88%RATED THIER OVERALL
LAFM EXPERIENCES AS
“GOOD” OR “EXCELLENT”
99%SAID THEY WOULD ATTEND
ANOTHER LAFM
ENGAGEMENT & ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2024
39
Fresh produce available at Linden Ave Farmer’s Market
40
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
ADDITIONAL OUTREACH AND
ENGAGEMENT
• Home Repair Program Canvassing
• Western Ave TransfromaƟ on Plan Engagement
• Street Light IniƟ aƟ ve Canvassing
• Neighborhood Plan Engagement
• Portage/Elwood Neighborood Vision Update
ENGAGEMENT & ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
Linden Ave Farmers Market, at Charles Black RecreaƟ onal
Center.
Chef preparing a fresh meal for aƩ endees at Linden
Avenue Farmer’s Market.
Canvassing for the Linden Avenue Farmers Market, at the
intersecƟ on of Ford & Lake Street.
Residents enjoying Linden Avenue Farmer’s Market.
ExecuƟ ve Director, Caleb Bauer & VPA Program Coordina-
tor, Cynthia Taylor at the Linden Avenue Farmers Market.
41
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
GROWTH & OPPORTUNITY
42
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
GROWTH & OPPORTUNITY
The Growth & Opportunity Team promotes economic development
throughout the City and off ers a range of programs and incenƟ ves 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 fi nancial tools that
help unlock tradiƟ onal fi nancing. Other fi nancial incenƟ ves include grants
to promote exterior acƟ vaƟ on and tax abatements to incenƟ vize 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
loan programs: the Revolving Business Enterprise
Fund and the Revolving Loan Fund II. In 2024,
under the two programs, the City issued 13 loans
totaling $2.5 million in direct fi nancial support for
South Bend small businesses.
Through the loan programs, the City conƟ nues its
mission of providing support to small businesses
and expanding our local economy. Aligned with
the City’s focus on assisƟ ng businesses that may
have challenges accessing tradiƟ onal fi nancing,
parƟ cularly in historically underserved areas, 92
percent of loan recipients in 2024 were minority-
owned and 38 percent were women-owned.
Of the 52 acƟ ve 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 porƞ olios
are performing well with minimal delinquency.
Altogether in 2024, the City collected principal
payments of $3.9 million and nearly $608,000 in
interest and fees. These funds are reinvested back
into the loan programs and are made available to
more South Bend businesses in need of support.
GROWTH & OPPORTUNITY
43
INCREMENTAL DEVELOPMENT
South Bend’s small developer community is strong
and growing, and the City supports residents
and others commiƩ ed to the vibrancy of our
neighborhoods. Through the Build South Bend
iniƟ aƟ ve, local small developers and entrepreneurs
have access to technical assistance and resources
which provides the opportunity to gain a deep
understanding of the development process. Build
South Bend and City-supported programming
is focused on local control and development,
connecƟ on to resources, and helping advance a
resident-driven future for South Bend.
In 2024, the City hosted two mulƟ -day events
that featured networking events, workshops,
and one-on-one coaching. The workshops, which
featured over 60 aƩ endees, focused on the
fundamentals of incremental development and
topics such as fi nancing, acquisiƟ ons, sustainability,
using proformas, design, and more. City staff
and coaching partners assisted small developers
directly by conducƟ ng 18 in-depth one-on-one
coaching sessions, with nine acƟ ve development
projects receiving support. Upon compleƟ on, these
projects will represent more than $30 million in
investment in South Bend.TAX ABATEMENTS
Through tax abatements in 2024, the City of South
Bend is supporƟ ng exisƟ ng and pending projects
that will result in an esƟ mated $40.63 million
in private investment. In addiƟ on, new projects
supported through tax abatements will result in
427 new and retained jobs.
In 2024, acƟ ve tax abatement holders reported
2,060 created and retained jobs for real property
projects and 922 jobs for personal property
projects. Total private investment for these
City-supported projects was a reported $346.2
million. For real properƟ es subject to acƟ ve
tax abatements, the 2024 assessed value was
$199.9 million combined, up from $17.5 million in
assessed value before the projects began.
GROWTH & OPPORTUNITY ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Momentum Entrepreneurship Hub - Corner of Main Street
and Monroe in south Downtown (Before)
Momentum Entrepreneurship Hub - Corner of Main Street
and Monroe in south Downtown (AŌ er)
TAX ABATEMENTS
Build South Bend Incremental Development workship at the
Technology Resources Center
44
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Through the Pathways Program, the City of
South Bend provided funding for workforce
development training for 103 South Bend
residents in 2024. Upon compleƟ on, parƟ cipants
received cerƟ fi cates from their perspecƟ ve
trainings and once again have the potenƟ al
to advance their careers to the next level and
all-around improvement in their quality of life
through hard work and learning addiƟ onal
skills. Trainings were provided by Purdue MEP,
and parƟ cipants were aff orded the opportunity
to select from a variety of courses, including
Leadership Skills for Success (targeƟ ng both
frontline and management levels), Transfer of
Knowledge, Fundamentals of Electricity and
TroubleshooƟ ng, ArƟ fi cial Intelligence. There was
also a “boot camp” for residents at the South
Bend Community Reentry Center to assist them
with their transiƟ on back to the community aŌ er
incarceraƟ on.
In 2024, the City rolled out a program to assist
residents seeking a Commercial Drivers License
(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 cerƟ fi caƟ ons
in informaƟ on technology, business and
management, healthcare, and solar and energy
effi ciency.
In 2023, the Offi ce of Sustainability worked
with the Growth and Opportunity team and the
Civic InnovaƟ on team to add solar training to
the course list and expand the climate-related
off erings for the second cohort.
GROWTH & OPPORTUNITY
In 2024, Upskill SB supported 7 members in
pursuing the NABCEP Solar PV Associate credenƟ al
and 1 member pursuing LEED cerƟ fi caƟ on and
facilitated a workshop for 16 members of South
Bend Realtors for its NaƟ onal AssociaƟ on of
Realtors (NAR) Green DesignaƟ on.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
BUSINESS LICENSING
The Department of Community Investment
business license team aids small business owners
and professionals with the tools needed to
succeed and operate lawfully in the services they
provide. The City provides resources to help new
establishments through the process of opening
a business by providing federal, state, and local
regulaƟ ons as well as providing resources for small
business incenƟ ves, training, and counseling. In
2024 there were 1,019 business and occupaƟ onal
licenses issued, resulƟ ng in a total of $123,926.30
in revenue.
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
GRANTS
21
$424,232
IN MATCHING
GRANT FUNDS
$967,370
IN TOTAL
PROJECT COSTS
45
GROWTH & OPPORTUNITY
South Bend Farmer’s Market (Before)
South Bend Farmer’s Market (AŌ er)
Miami and Ewing St. Riley HS Mural (Before)Miami and Ewing St. Riley HS Mural (AŌ er)
The Department of Community Investment administers Vibrant Places, a citywide matching grant
program to support the exterior acƟ vaƟ on of commercial buildings. Through the program, businesses
and building owners have access to professional design services and fi nancial support for real property
improvements and other exterior enhancements. The program also provides addi Ɵ onal resources for
environmentally friendly projects. In 2024, 21 grants totaling $424,232 were paid out, which helped
unlock $967,370 in total project costs.
VIBRANT PLACES
46
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT
In February 2024, the City announced a
Request for Proposals (RFP), for qualifi ed
501(c)(3) nonprofi t organizaƟ ons to serve as
the fi nancial counseling provider for the new
Financial Empowerment Center (FEC). The RFP
reviewed organizaƟ ons that could eff ecƟ vely
implement high-volume, quality, one-on-one
fi nancial counseling services to all South Bend
residents. Following a compeƟ Ɵ ve applicaƟ on
process, the City selected the Near Northwest
Neighborhood Inc. to operate the South Bend
FEC at its future permanent home, the new
MarƟ n Luther King, Jr. Dream Center opening in
2025.
In September 2024, the NaƟ onal CiƟ es for
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 naƟ onal CFE Fund
training standards to be able to provide free
one-on-one fi nancial 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 .
GROWTH & OPPORTUNITY
South Bend FEC logo
In the fall of 2024, the City announced a new
iniƟ aƟ ve--the South Bend Opportunity Fund--
designed to provide local small businesses with
increased access to capital and essenƟ al business
support services. The program, developed by the
City in partnership with 1st Source Bank and the
North Central Indiana Small Business Development
Center (ISBDC), will be available to businesses
located within the City of South Bend in early
2025. The City is commiƫ ng $1 million over the
next three years to support the Opportunity
Fund, reinforcing its commitment to fostering
economic growth and entrepreneurship within the
community. The program provides parƟ cipaƟ ng
businesses with personalized coaching from ISBDC
and access to aff ordable small business loans (up
to $30,000) through 1st Source Bank.
OPPORTUNITY FUND
47
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
PROPERTY ACQUISITION
GROWTH & OPPORTUNITY
• Kelly’s Pub
The City purchased the former Kelly’s Pub on
Mishawaka Avenue to aid in neighborhood
safety in addiƟ on to supporƟ ng the street
improvements scheduled to take place on
Mishawaka Ave in 2025.
• River Glen Offi ce Park
The City purchased the former River Glen Offi ce
Park to encourage new development along the
St. Joseph River.
• Main/Wayne Parking Garage
• Hoff man Hotel Parking Lot
City acquired land from the Hoff man Hotel in
order to support the construcƟ on of the Raclin
Murphy Encore Center and proposed future
public parking garage.
• Old YMCA Northside
The City and YMCA partnered in a donaƟ on of
their former facility along Northside Blvd. to the
City in exchange for opening a downtown YMCA
facility in the now City owned Leighton Building.
• 42 Lots Transferred from County to BPW from
Commissioner’s Sale including Old Fun FX &
South Bend Range sites
The City partnered with the County to
proacƟ vely take problem properƟ es from
the county tax sale list to set them up for a
producƟ ve future.
• Union StaƟ on
The city acquired Union StaƟ on to preserve
a local landmark and set up the possibility of
returning passenger rail service to downtown
South Bend.
The City Purchased the Leighton Building in Downtown South
Bend in the spring of 2024. The City’s proacƟ ve acƟ on led to the
YMCA opening a new Health and Fitness Center downtown in
the Leighton Building, ensuring a full-service gym downtown.
Union StaƟ on
48
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
PROPERTY ACQUISITION (cont.)
• 2117 & 2113 S. LafayeƩ e 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 posiƟ ve future for the node and
neighborhood.
PROPERTY DISPOSITIONS
The City transferred more than 50 infi ll lots to nonprofi t developers for the construcƟ on aff ordable
housing. The developers include 466 Works, Intend Indiana, Near Northwest Neighborhood, Inc., Property
Bros., South Bend Heritage FoundaƟ on, and South Bend Mutual Homes CooperaƟ ve. CollecƟ vely, these
organizaƟ ons have commiƩ ed to building 108 aff ordable housing units on these lots in the City’s northwest,
near west, and southeast neighborhoods.
The City of South Bend partnered with Habitat for Human-
ity and provided the above lots on Harrison Street for the
construcƟ on of six new aff ordable homes seen here under
construcƟ on.
The City of South Bend partnered with Property Bros. LLC
and provided the above lots on Sherman Avenue as well
as fi nancial assistance for the construcƟ on of aff ordable
housing.
GROWTH & OPPORTUNITY
49
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
PROPERTY AGREEMENTS
• Beacon Health Lease for 1st Floor of Leighton Building
• YMCA Lease for 2nd-5th Floor of Leighton Building
• Tree Nursery Agreement in IgniƟ on Park with Parks Board
• AvanƟ Group Lease for Union StaƟ on
• 1547 CSR Lease for Union StaƟ on
• 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 demoliƟ on and clean up, expending $1.7
million to conƟ nue progressing toward a shovel ready site. The City received an addiƟ onal $273,159
in state funds from the Indiana Finance Authority’s Petroleum Orphan Site Ini Ɵ aƟ ve 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) BiparƟ san Infrastructure Law (BIL) IncenƟ ve 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 conƟ nued work on idenƟ fying the extent of contaminaƟ on on
site and at neighboring properƟ es, including Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments as well as
addiƟ onal tesƟ ng.
The City has demolished and site prepared at the former Drewrys site.
GROWTH & OPPORTUNITY
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY
The Offi ce of Sustainability’s mission is to mobilize the community to address climate
change. We do this by illuminaƟ ng ways to reduce polluƟ on and adapt to a changing
environment, collaboraƟ ng with the community and exisƟ ng climate acƟ on, and
designing, developing, and delivering climate soluƟ ons. In 2024, we primarily focused on
designing, developing, and delivering climate soluƟ ons that reduced our polluƟ on from
the energy and transportaƟ on sectors based on strategies outlined in our Climate Ac Ɵ on
Plan, Carbon Neutral 2050.
ENERGY ASSISTANCE AND SOLAR SAVINGS
INITIATIVEE (EASSI)
EASSI (pronounced “easy”) provides subsidized
energy assessments, matching grants, and
opƟ onal low-interest loans to nonprofi t
community organizaƟ ons to complete energy
effi ciency and/or solar projects. EASSI aims
to reduce buildings’ carbon emissions, make
community organizaƟ ons more resilient by
reducing their energy bills, and increase
awareness of energy effi ciency and renewable
energy. We partner with IFF, a CDFI and real estate
consultant for nonprofi ts, and CDFI Friendly South
Bend to administer the program. In its third year,
EASSI supported 13 organizaƟ ons, including eight
located in areas with the highest levels of social
vulnerability in the city, according to the CDC’s
Social Vulnerability Index. EASSI project results
include:
• 4 solar projects resulƟ ng in 90.05kW of solar
energy generaƟ on potenƟ al, the equivalent
of saving over 9,824 gallons of gasoline from
being consumed each year.
• 9 energy effi ciency projects, including
high- effi ciency HVAC systems, insulaƟ on
improvements, LED LighƟ ng replacements,
and electrifi caƟ on.
• 10 energy audits conducted.
• A combined total of more than $600,000
in public and private investment in energy
effi ciency and solar: $258,000 in matching
grants awarded to EASSI nonprofi ts leveraged
$344,000 in private investment.
• Roughly, every $1 dollar invested by
EASSI grants generated $2.333 in building
investments for energy effi ciency and solar.
“We decided to explore the EASSI Grants available through the Offi ce of Sustainability. Limited by
our budget but wanƟ ng 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
effi cient treatments. EASSI provided a matching grant to help with these much needed improvements.
The Sustainability team has been so supporƟ ve throughout this whole process. In-person and webinar
style meeƟ ngs throughout the grant period have been invaluable.” -EASSI Par Ɵ cipant
51
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
52
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
COMMUNITY ELECTRIC
VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE
PLAN
In 2023, the Offi ce of Sustainability led the
development and adopƟ on of the Community
Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Plan. The
Plan idenƟ fi es strategic needs and opportunƟ es
to improve eqitable charging acess and support
progress towards South Bend’s EV future. In 2024,
the City was part of MAGCOG’s applicaƟ on to the
Charging Fuel Infrastructure federal grant, which
was the only applicaƟ on awarded in the state of
Indiana. The award will lead to the installaƟ on
of charging staƟ ons at 13 new locaƟ ons in South
Bend. The Offi ce of Sustainability in collaboraƟ on
with Public Works is also installing charging
staƟ ons at three seperate locaƟ ons. The Offi ce of
Sustainability has also procured addiƟ onal staƟ ons
to support areas with charging needs.
UPDATING THE CLIMATE
ACTION PLAN 2050
The Climate AcƟ on Plan (CAP) was approved in
November 2019, meaning the updated plan is
intended to be updated by 2025. Since then, the
Offi ce of Sustainability has made eff orts to update
the plan. In 2024, the Offi ce of Sustainability
reached over 1,000 people through events,
its Climate AcƟ on Ambassador program, and
Together South Bend.
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
GREENER HOMES
In 2024, the Offi ce of Sustainability in collaboraƟ on
with enFocus and the Community FoundaƟ on of St.
Joseph County launched the Greener Homes retrofi t
pilot program that assists low to moderate income
homeowners with subsidized energy-effi cient home
upgrades. The program has assisted 13 homes for
HVAC, weatherizaƟ on, and electrifi caƟ on projects.
URBAN & COMMUNITY
FORESTRY GRANT
Through the Offi ce of Sustainability, the City
received in 2024 a 5-year, $1.87M grant from the
USDA Forest Service. The Offi ce of Sustainability
is currently facilitaƟ ng the implementaƟ on of
the grant with next being the consolidaƟ on and
enhancement of nursery sites to allow for scaled
tree producƟ on in 2025.
USDA Tree Grant Nursery
EASSI Assessment: IFF representaƟ ve Donna Sink
using a thermal imaging camera to check for vari-
aƟ ons in temperature while conducƟ ng a building
energy assessment of the History Museum.
EASSI Ribbon Cuƫ ng - Ceremony at Fire Arts celebraƟ ng the energy
effi cient 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 lighƟ ng and energy effi cient windows.
53
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY
54
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
54