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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – October 9, 2025 <br /> <br />8 <br /> <br />A $200,000 grant—half from the Commission and half from an <br />anonymous foundation—was awarded to 38 South Bend providers <br />already enrolled in Paths to Quality. The goal is to help them reach <br />Levels 3 and 4 through training and technical support. Most recipients <br />are licensed home daycare providers, and nearly 25% of 2022 <br />grantees have already advanced a level. All are participating in Ready <br />to Grow events. Due to high demand, we’re requesting an additional <br />$100,000 for another grant period, with hopes of a matching <br />contribution from the foundation. I don’t have an agreement in front of <br />me today regarding funding from the Anonymous Family Foundation. <br />However, I do have a conversation scheduled and understand there is <br />an intent to pursue another matching opportunity. The goal is to ensure <br />these funds are leveraged effectively so we can support another larger <br />program round. <br /> <br />Commissioner Shaw asked, “Does the program provide any support in <br />making childcare more affordable for the community, or is it primarily <br />focused on quality improvements for the facilities that receive funding?” <br />Mr. Bauer stated, I know Terri could speak to this more eloquently, but <br />I understand that participation in the Paths to Quality program can <br />enhance a provider’s voucher-based reimbursement through the <br />Indiana Child Care Network. So, while the benefit may be indirect, <br />advancing through that quality pathway does help. <br /> <br />Upon a motion by Eli Wax for approval, seconded by Ophelia Gooden- <br />Rodgers, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved <br />the Budget Request as presented on October 9, 2025. <br /> <br />6. Progress Reports <br /> <br />A. Tax Abatement <br /> <br />None <br /> <br />B. Common Council <br /> <br />None <br /> <br />C. Other <br /> <br />Caleb Bauer, Executive Director of Community Investment, wanted to give <br />a quick update since there have been some public questions about the <br />sidewalk repair and reconstruction project near Marshall School, which <br />includes repairing and replacing sidewalks on the north side of Byron Dr. <br />That’s part of the base bid we’re pursuing. There are also two optional <br />add-ons in the bid package: one for resurfacing the courts in the park and