mayoralty of Pete Buttigieg
{{short description|Mayor of South Bend, Indiana}}
{{Good article}}
{{Infobox administration
| image = PeteButtigieg.JPG
| name = Mayoralty of Pete Buttigieg
| term_start = January 1, 2012
| term_end = January 1, 2020
| mayor = Pete Buttigieg
| mayor_link = List of mayors of South Bend, Indiana
| party = Democratic
| election = {{hlist|2011|2015}}
| predecessor = Steve Luecke
| successor = James Mueller
| seal = Flag of South Bend, Indiana.svg
| seal_caption =
}}
File:Welcome to South Bend, Indiana (11045635745) (1).jpg
{{Pete Buttigieg series}}
Pete Buttigieg served as mayor of South Bend, Indiana from 2012 to 2020. Elected in 2011 as a Democrat, he took office in January 2012 at the age of 29, becoming the second-youngest mayor in South Bend history, and the youngest incumbent mayor, at the time, of a U.S. city with at least 100,000 residents. During his mayoralty, he acquired the nickname "Mayor Pete".{{cite news |last1=Gabriel |first1=Trip |title=He's Not 'Mayor Pete' Anymore: Buttigieg's Successor Is Sworn In |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/01/us/politics/pete-buttigieg-mayor-south-bend.html |access-date=February 12, 2020 |work=The New York Times|date=January 1, 2020 |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212104036/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/01/us/politics/pete-buttigieg-mayor-south-bend.html |url-status=live}} Coming out as gay in 2015, Buttigieg became the first elected official in Indiana to come out while in office, as well as the highest-ranking Indiana elected official to come out. Buttigieg won reelection later that year. In 2017, Buttigieg unsuccessfully ran for chairman of the Democratic National Committee, pledging to resign as mayor if he had been elected. Buttigieg opted against running for reelection in 2019, instead launching a campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination in the 2020 United States presidential election. While he subsequently lost his bid for presidency, during his campaign he garnered a high national profile.
Buttigieg focused on urban development during his tenure as mayor. He supported numerous private developments. He also oversaw the sale of numerous city-owned properties to private owners. A key initiative of Buttigieg's first term was his Vacant and Abandoned Properties Initiative, also known as "1,000 Properties in 1,000 Days". This initiative reached its goal of repairing or demolishing 1,000 blighted properties across the city. In his second term, he completed two major infrastructure projects: a $150 million "Smart Sewer" project and a $25 million complete streets program named "Smart Streets" (the latter of which received national accolades). He he also took a number of steps to commit the city of South Bend to greater environmental stewardship. This included creating the "Carbon Neutral 2050" plan for the city, which was adopted by the city council. After facing public pressure for the city to act, Buttigieg had the city collaborate with other entities to fund lead paint remediation efforts. He had previously argued that action on remediating levels of lead in South Bend was task for the state government and not the city government. Buttigieg launched a pilot program to provide residents with funding for home repairs, which he subsequently expanded into a larger program. He also funded improvements to city parks.
Buttigieg also established a city identification card program by executive order. Buttigieg promoted the idea of moving the city's South Shore Line station from South Bend International Airport to the city's downtown.
Buttigieg's early tenure had been marred by a scandal involving South Bend Police Department Chief Darryl Boykins illegally recording officers. This led to Buttigieg demoting Boykins, and ultimately asking for his resignation. The firing of the city's first African American police chief sparked backlash. Another controversy during Buttigieg's mayoralty was his actions regarding the opening crisis pregnancy center in South Bend. Buttigieg vetoed rezoning that would have allowed the center to open near an existing abortion clinic. However, he thereafter offered help in finding the crisis pregnancy center an alternate location to operate, with this latter action being criticized by some abortion rights organizations as inconsistent with Buttigieg's pro choice positions. He has also been criticized for South Bend's failure to diversify the racial makeup of its police force, something for which Buttigieg in 2019 conceded failure on his part.
Election and transition
{{see also|2011 South Bend mayoral election}}
Buttigieg was elected mayor of South Bend in the November 2011 election, with 10,991 of the 14,883 votes cast (74%).{{cite news |last1=Fuller |first1=Jaime |title=The most interesting mayor you've never heard of |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2014/03/10/the-most-interesting-mayor-youve-never-heard-of/ |access-date=June 19, 2015 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=March 10, 2014 |archive-date=July 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702200041/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2014/03/10/the-most-interesting-mayor-youve-never-heard-of/ |url-status=live }}In 2011, as South Bend's mayor-elect, Buttigieg supported John Broden in his successful bid to become St. Joseph County Democratic Party chairman.{{cite journal |last1=Howey |first1=Brian A. |title=Behind scenes as Butch resigns |journal=Howey Politics Indiana |date=October 20, 2011 |volume=17 |issue=10 |page=5 |url=https://www.in.gov/library/files/HPI111020.pdf |access-date=October 26, 2019}} Buttigieg took office on January 1, 2012 at the age of 29, becoming the second-youngest mayor in South Bend history (Schuyler Colfax III had become mayor in 1898 at the age of 28),{{cite web |last=Sloma |first=Tricia |date=November 9, 2011 |title=Pete Buttigieg becomes second youngest mayor in South Bend |url=https://www.wndu.com/home/headlines/Pete_Buttigieg_becomes_second_youngest_mayor_in_South_Bend_133521918.html |website=WNDU-TV |location=South Bend, Indiana |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412173505/https://www.wndu.com/home/headlines/Pete_Buttigieg_becomes_second_youngest_mayor_in_South_Bend_133521918.html |archive-date=12 April 2019}} and the youngest incumbent mayor, at the time, of a U.S. city with at least 100,000 residents.{{cite web |last1=Allen |first1=Kevin |title=Buttigieg Stresses Unity |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/511403144/ |website=Newspapers.com |publisher=The South Bend Tribune |access-date=4 March 2021 |language=en |url-access=subscription |date=2 Jan 2012}} Buttigieg was sworn in on January 1, 2012 by former congressman Romano Mazzoli at Century Center.
First term
=Housing, urban development and blight removal initiatives=
One of Buttigieg's priorities upon entering office was to attract new development to the city. His efforts saw success, and by the end of his two terms hundred sof millions of dollars of new development had come to the city.
In February 2012, soon after taking office, in order to address allegations of improperly awarded contracts and misallocated funds in the Housing Authority of South Bend, Buttigieg and the board of the housing authority requested that the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development conduct a "full audit and investigation" In 2013, federal officials outlined "dire" mismanagement and financial problems, and faulted the board with failure to provide proper oversight to the agency and catch its problems. In October 2014, after the board failed to present a plan to resolve the agency's problems, the federal officials encouraged Buttigieg to take initiative actions, including recommending that he explore "the possibility of replacing all or some existing board members". In January 2015, after all six of the board's members either resigned or saw their terms expire, Buttigieg appointed six new members.
As mayor, Buttigieg promoted the transformation of the former Studebaker plant location into a technology park named Ignition Park.{{cite web |title=A Company Town Reinvents Itself In South Bend, Ind. |url=https://www.npr.org/2012/07/05/155916837/a-company-town-reinvents-itself-in-south-bend-ind |website=NPR |access-date=October 28, 2019 |date=June 28, 2012 |archive-date=November 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105170956/https://www.npr.org/2012/07/05/155916837/a-company-town-reinvents-itself-in-south-bend-ind |url-status=live }} He also supported the development of the "Renaissance District" located near the technology park.{{cite web |last1=Maher |first1=Kris |title=Pete Buttigieg Launches Presidential Bid in South Bend |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/what-buttigieg-did-in-south-bend-11555243201 |website=Wall Street Journal |access-date=9 July 2023 |date=14 April 2019}}
Buttigieg was involved in the creation of a nightly laser-light display along downtown South Bend's St. Joseph River trail as public art. The project cost $700,000, which was raised from private funds.{{cite news|last = Sikich|first = Chris|date = March 21, 2019|title = Pete Buttigieg says he's mayor of a turnaround city. Here's how that claim stands up|url = https://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2019/03/21/pete-buttigieg-democratic-presidential-hopeful-south-bend-indiana-turnaround-city/3165477002|newspaper = The Indianapolis Star|access-date = April 26, 2019|archive-date = April 28, 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190428183901/https://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2019/03/21/pete-buttigieg-democratic-presidential-hopeful-south-bend-indiana-turnaround-city/3165477002/|url-status = live}} The "River Lights" installation was unveiled in May 2015 as part of the city's 150th anniversary celebrations.
By the end of Buttigieg's first term, South Bend had sold off 71 city-owned properties.{{cite web |last1=Allen |first1=Kevin |title=Mothballed no more: South Bend selling city-owned land for new projects |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/business/mothballed-no-more-south-bend-selling-city-owned-land-for/article_2fdd294a-c052-5d8d-bdbb-3ca596d5b68f.html |publisher=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 21, 2019 |language=en |date=January 10, 2016 |archive-date=December 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214023206/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/business/mothballed-no-more-south-bend-selling-city-owned-land-for/article_2fdd294a-c052-5d8d-bdbb-3ca596d5b68f.html |url-status=live }} An example was the former Bendix Corporation headquarters and factory, which the city sold to Curtis Products in 2014.{{cite web |last1=Allen |first1=Kevin |title=Curtis Products celebrates move |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/keynews/localeconomy/curtis-products-celebrates-move/article_17e22930-8a74-11e3-a2db-0017a43b2370.html |publisher=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 21, 2019 |language=en |date=January 31, 2014 |archive-date=February 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223135722/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/keynews/localeconomy/curtis-products-celebrates-move/article_17e22930-8a74-11e3-a2db-0017a43b2370.html |url-status=live }} In late 2014 and early 2015, South Bend negotiated the sale of the city-owned Blackthorn Golf Course.{{cite web |title=Final purchase agreement approved in sale of SB Blackthorn Golf Course |url=https://www.wndu.com/home/headlines/Final-purchase-agreemet-approved-for-sale-of-SB-Backthorn-Golf-Course-288733121.html |publisher=WNDU-TV |date=January 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117082228/https://www.wndu.com/home/headlines/Final-purchase-agreemet-approved-for-sale-of-SB-Backthorn-Golf-Course-288733121.html |archive-date=17 November 2019}}{{cite web |last1=Peterson |first1=Mark |title=South Bend considers selling Blackthorn, Elbel golf courses |url=https://www.wndu.com/home/headlines/South-Bend-considers-selling-Blackthorn-Elbel-golf-courses--274671731.html |publisher=WNDU-TV |date=September 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103051622/https://www.wndu.com/home/headlines/South-Bend-considers-selling-Blackthorn-Elbel-golf-courses--274671731.html |archive-date=3 November 2014 }} The LaSalle Hotel was sold to developers in 2015 for conversion into apartments.{{cite web |last1=Allen |first1=Kevin |title=Officials celebrate LaSalle Hotel revamp |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/officials-celebrate-lasalle-hotel-revamp/article_b304a3f2-6fcc-5904-a95f-b7b3d8ec95d7.html |publisher=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 21, 2019 |language=en |date=April 25, 2015 |archive-date=January 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101183333/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/officials-celebrate-lasalle-hotel-revamp/article_b304a3f2-6fcc-5904-a95f-b7b3d8ec95d7.html |url-status=live }} Also in 2015, the city sold the former site of the College Football Hall of Fame to JSK Hospitality.{{cite web |last1=Allen |first1=Kevin |title=Some room for growth |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/511565107 |website=Newspapers.com |publisher=The South Bend Tribune |access-date=19 January 2021 |language=en |date=19 Apr 2015}}
One of Buttigieg's signature programs was the Vacant and Abandoned Properties Initiative. Known locally as "1,000 Properties in 1,000 Days", it was a project that aimed to repair or demolish blighted properties across South Bend.{{cite web|title=Vacant & Abandoned Properties Initiative|url=http://www.ci.south-bend.in.us/government/content/vacant-abandoned-properties-initiative|publisher=City of South Bend|access-date=June 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112180402/http://www.ci.south-bend.in.us/government/content/vacant-abandoned-properties-initiative|archive-date=November 12, 2013}}{{cite web |last1=Sisson |first1=Patrick |title=How Mayor Pete used good urbanism to revitalize South Bend |url=https://archive.curbed.com/2019/4/12/18308020/mayor-pete-buttigieg-president-development-urbanism |website=Curbed |access-date=6 March 2021 |language=en |date=12 April 2019 |archive-date=30 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130001700/https://archive.curbed.com/2019/4/12/18308020/mayor-pete-buttigieg-president-development-urbanism |url-status=live }}{{cite news|last1=Blasko|first1=Erin|title=1,000 properties in 1,000 days|url=http://articles.southbendtribune.com/2013-02-28/news/37337888_1_mayor-pete-buttigieg-properties-neighborhoods|access-date=September 24, 2014|work=South Bend Tribune|date=February 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140927002737/http://articles.southbendtribune.com/2013-02-28/news/37337888_1_mayor-pete-buttigieg-properties-neighborhoods|archive-date=September 27, 2014}}{{cite web |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff |title=Buttigieg's transportation idea? Smart Streets. It changed downtown South Bend, but challenges remain |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/buttigiegs-transportation-idea-smart-streets-it-changed-downtown-south-bend-but-challenges-remain/article_dda1f4a4-3fd3-11eb-b703-1bcedabfa55a.html |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=6 March 2021 |language=en |date=17 December 2020 |archive-date=25 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125142903/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/buttigiegs-transportation-idea-smart-streets-it-changed-downtown-south-bend-but-challenges-remain/article_dda1f4a4-3fd3-11eb-b703-1bcedabfa55a.html |url-status=live }} In late September, Buttigieg announced that the program had reached its goal three months before its scheduled end date in November 2015, declaring that more than 1,000 homes had either been demolished or refurbished.{{cite web |title=1,000 Homes in 1,000 Days finishes up ahead of schedule |url=https://www.abc57.com/news/1-000-homes-in-1-000-days-finishes-up-ahead-of-schedule |website=ABC57 |publisher=WBND-LD |access-date=18 February 2021 |language=en |date=23 September 2015 |archive-date=20 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020163258/https://www.abc57.com/news/1-000-homes-in-1-000-days-finishes-up-ahead-of-schedule |url-status=live }} By the thousandth day of the program, before Buttigieg's first term ended, the city was reporting that more than 1,000 homes had either been demolished or repaired.{{Cite web|url=https://southbendin.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/VA-Community-Update-Presentation.pdf|title=Vacant and Abandoned Properties, 1,000 Houses in 1,000 Days: Community Update|date=December 7, 2015|website=City of South Bend|access-date=October 15, 2019|archive-date=October 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015170934/https://southbendin.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/VA-Community-Update-Presentation.pdf|url-status=live}} While there were no reports of family's being evicted due to the program, some locals who had acquired blighted properties with the intent of repairing them were dismayed that their properties stood at risk of code-enforcement fines or condemnation. The majority of properties impacted by the program were in West Side neighborhoods with sizable black and hispanic populations. In 2019, Buttigieg would acknowledge that many of the homes demolished had been in communities of color, and that this had led to early distrust between his administration and these communities.{{cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/2019/6/27/18759807/pete-buttigieg-town-hall-protesters-police-shooting-2020|title=Pete Buttigieg and the controversy around racial tensions in South Bend, explained|website=Vox|access-date=October 28, 2019|date=June 27, 2019|archive-date=November 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105003842/https://www.vox.com/2019/6/27/18759807/pete-buttigieg-town-hall-protesters-police-shooting-2020|url-status=live}}
Buttigieg set aside $2 million in his 2014 budget to create comprehensive plans for corridors along Lincoln Way West and Western Avenue.{{cite web |title=OUR OPINION: Keep a sharpened focus on city's corridor plan |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/opinion/our_opinion/our-opinion-keep-a-sharpened-focus-on-city-s-corridor/article_298fc834-cc66-11e3-97aa-001a4bcf6878.html |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=9 January 2021 |language=en |date=25 April 2014 |archive-date=21 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521160145/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/opinion/our_opinion/our-opinion-keep-a-sharpened-focus-on-city-s-corridor/article_298fc834-cc66-11e3-97aa-001a4bcf6878.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Blsko |first1=Erin |title=South Bend to spruce up corridors into city |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/keynews/localeconomy/south-bend-to-spruce-up-corridors-into-city/article_6768fbf6-c87b-11e3-a6fc-001a4bcf6878.html |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=9 January 2021 |language=en |date=20 April 2014 |archive-date=21 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521160147/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/keynews/localeconomy/south-bend-to-spruce-up-corridors-into-city/article_6768fbf6-c87b-11e3-a6fc-001a4bcf6878.html |url-status=live }} This would lead to improvements that began to be implemented in 2019.{{cite web |last1=Catanzarite |first1=Maria |title=New streetscape improvements to Western Avenue in South Bend |url=https://www.wndu.com/content/news/New-streetscape-improvements-to-Western-Avenue-in-South-Bend-566321321.html |website=www.wndu.com |publisher=WNDU-TV |access-date=12 January 2021 |language=en |date=18 December 2019 |archive-date=5 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200105225744/https://www.wndu.com/content/news/New-streetscape-improvements-to-Western-Avenue-in-South-Bend-566321321.html |url-status=live }}
= Policing =
South Bend adopted the National Network for Safe Communities' Group Violence Intervention approach in 2014, launching the South Bend Group Violence Intervention program.{{cite web |last1=Bell |first1=Kyle W. |title=FULL TEXT: Mayor Buttigieg's State of the City Address 2015 |url=https://southbendvoice.com/2015/03/11/full-text-mayor-buttigiegs-state-of-the-city-address-2015/ |publisher=The South Bend Voice |access-date=November 19, 2019 |date=March 11, 2015 |archive-date=October 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030070211/https://southbendvoice.com/2015/03/11/full-text-mayor-buttigiegs-state-of-the-city-address-2015/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Fillmore |first1=James |title="Group" violence intervention is working for South Bend |url=https://wsbt.com/news/local/group-violence-intervention-is-working-for-south-bend |publisher=WSBT |access-date=November 19, 2019 |date=July 22, 2014 |archive-date=January 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101183258/https://wsbt.com/news/local/group-violence-intervention-is-working-for-south-bend |url-status=live }}
During Buttigieg's first term, the city's police force continued to struggle with a high homicide rate, a problem which preceded his tenure. The annual number of murders in South Bend was 18 in 2012, 9 in 2013, 17 in 2014, and 7 in 2015.
==Darryl Boykins==
In 2012, after a federal investigation ruled that South Bend police had illegally recorded telephone calls of several officers, Buttigieg demoted police chief Darryl Boykins.{{cite news|title = From youngest mayor to Smart Streets: A timeline of Pete Buttigieg's political career|url = https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/from-youngest-mayor-to-smart-streets-a-timeline-of-pete/article_74f5ca74-ddb4-5bc3-915f-a4773c7db8f8.html|newspaper = South Bend Tribune|date = December 17, 2018|access-date = April 26, 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181218014331/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/from-youngest-mayor-to-smart-streets-a-timeline-of-pete/article_74f5ca74-ddb4-5bc3-915f-a4773c7db8f8.html|archive-date = December 18, 2018}} Boykins had first been appointed in 2008 by Mayor Stephen Luecke and reappointed by Buttigieg earlier in 2012.{{cite web |title=Former Police Chief Darryl Boykins has noteworthy career before resignation |url=https://www.abc57.com/news/former-police-chief-darryl-boykins-has-noteworthy-career-before-resignation |website=ABC57 |publisher=WBND-LD |access-date=4 March 2021 |language=en |date=30 March 2012 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308125236/https://www.abc57.com/news/former-police-chief-darryl-boykins-has-noteworthy-career-before-resignation |url-status=live }} Buttigieg also dismissed the department's communications director, the one who had actually "discovered the recordings but continued to record the line at Boykins' command". The police communications director alleged that the recordings captured four senior police officers making racist remarks and discussing illegal acts.{{cite web|last1=Buckley|first1=Madeline|last2=Wright|first2=Lincoln|title=Judge's ruling on police wiretap tapes leaves questions unanswered|url=http://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/judge-s-ruling-on-police-wiretap-tapes-leaves-questions-unanswered/article_463c08a0-9c3e-11e4-abb2-47b9f9547b68.html|work=South Bend Tribune|access-date=July 31, 2017|archive-date=January 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190127143614/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/judge-s-ruling-on-police-wiretap-tapes-leaves-questions-unanswered/article_463c08a0-9c3e-11e4-abb2-47b9f9547b68.html|url-status=live}} The city is 26% black, but only 6% of the police force is black.{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2019/07/02/737976138/buttigieg-tries-again-to-woo-black-voters-amid-race-controversy-in-his-hometown|title=Buttigieg Tries Again To Woo Black Voters Amid Race Controversy In His Hometown|website=NPR|date=2 July 2019 |access-date=October 28, 2019|archive-date=October 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027121256/https://www.npr.org/2019/07/02/737976138/buttigieg-tries-again-to-woo-black-voters-amid-race-controversy-in-his-hometown|url-status=live|last1=Montanaro |first1=Domenico }} Buttigieg has written that his "first serious mistake as mayor" came shortly after taking office in 2012, when he decided to ask for Boykins's resignation. The city's first ever African American police chief accepted the request. However, the next day, backed by supporters and legal counsel, Boykins requested reinstatement. When Buttigieg denied this request, Boykins sued South Bend for racial discrimination,{{cite web |title=Years-old controversy surrounding secret police tapes is newly relevant amid Pete Buttigieg's rise |url=https://m.cnn.com/en/article/h_674f0bdf6334d3bdeeba13a137add954 |website=CNN |access-date=April 28, 2019 |archive-date=April 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428002517/https://m.cnn.com/en/article/h_674f0bdf6334d3bdeeba13a137add954 |url-status=live }} making the argument that such a taping policy had been present under previous white police chiefs.{{cite web |last1=Easley |first1=Jonathan |title=Secret tapes linger over Buttigieg's meteoric rise |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/438669-secret-tapes-linger-over-buttigiegs-meteoric-rise |website=The Hill |access-date=April 28, 2019 |date=April 15, 2019 |archive-date=April 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430014130/https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/438669-secret-tapes-linger-over-buttigiegs-meteoric-rise |url-status=live }} Buttigieg settled the suits brought by Boykins and the four officers out of court for over $800,000.{{cite web|last1=Peterson|first1=Mark|title=Largest settlement yet on SB police tapes case |date=24 February 2014 |url=http://www.wndu.com/home/headlines/Largest-settlement-yet-on-SB-poilce-tapes-case--246962351.html|website=WNDU-TV |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305045037/http://www.wndu.com/home/headlines/Largest-settlement-yet-on-SB-poilce-tapes-case--246962351.html |archive-date=5 March 2014}} A federal judge ruled in 2015 that Boykins's recordings violated the Federal Wiretap Act. He called for the eradication of racial bias in the police force. Buttigieg's handling of the matter, including his ousting of Boykins, was seen as hurting his relationship with the city's African American community.{{cite web |last1=Blasko |first1=Erin |title=Buttigieg loses some precincts on South Bend's west side |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/elections/buttigieg-loses-some-precincts-on-south-bend-s-west-side/article_2ba9c349-e317-58d1-a298-f86dce6f9452.html |publisher=South Bend Tribune |access-date=25 September 2019 |date=7 May 2015}}
During his 2020 presidential campaign, Buttigieg came under pressure from political opponents to release the tapes, but said that doing so would be a violation of the Wiretap Act. Since 2012, the South Bend Common Council (city council) had been fighting in court for the mayors' office to comply with a subpoena of the police department that the Council had issued for the audio recordings in question. The subpoena had been issued to facilitate their investigation of Boykins' removal as police chief. However, the officers' featuring in the recordings have fought the Common Council in court to block the public release. In April 2019, St. Joseph Superior Court Judge Steven Hostetler ruled that the effort by the Common Council to obtain the tapes had legal merit warranting a trial.{{cite web |last1=Merica |first1=Dan |title=Judge rules South Bend's tape case involving Buttigieg can continue {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/23/politics/south-bend-tapes-ruling |website=CNN |access-date=15 November 2022 |language=en |date=23 April 2019}} On May 10, 2021, St. Joseph Superior Court Judge Steven Hostetler further held that the officers lacked legal standing to prevent the Council from being given the recordings.{{cite web |last1=Mazurek |first1=Marek |title=No trial for South Bend 'police tapes' case; judge rules recordings to be handed over to council |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/news/crime/2021/05/10/o-trial-for-south-bend-police-tapes-case-judge-rules-recordings-to-be-handed-over-to-council/44392479/ |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=15 November 2022 |date=May 10, 2021}} The officers appealed the ruling in a brief filed with the Indiana Court of Appeals.{{cite web |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff |title=South Bend officers appeal ruling in tapes case, question of public release delayed again |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/news/2021/08/20/south-bend-police-tapes-case-public-access-could-hinge-wiretap-act/8191172002/ |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=15 November 2022 |date=August 20, 2021}} The appeals court reversed Hostetler's ruling; instead finding that the officers had standing.{{cite web |last1=Peterson |first1=Mark |title=Appeals court reverses ruling to make SBPD tapes public |url=https://www.wndu.com/2022/07/11/appeals-court-reverses-ruling-make-sbpd-tapes-public/ |website=WNDU |access-date=15 November 2022 |language=en |date=July 11, 2022}} This opened the possibility of a trial to block the release.{{cite web |last1=Mazurek |first1=Marek |title=Appeals court sides with officers in South Bend 'police tapes' case, paving way for a trial |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/news/2022/07/11/south-bend-police-tapes-indiana-appeals-court-ruling/10012182002/ |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=15 November 2022 |date=July 11, 2022}} In August 2022, the Common Council filed an appeal to the Indiana Supreme Court.{{cite web |last1=Mazurek |first1=Marek |title=South Bend 'police tapes' case could go to Indiana Supreme Court |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/news/local/2022/08/18/south-bend-police-department-tapes-indiana-supreme-court/65407918007/ |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=15 November 2022 |date=August 18, 2022}} In January 2023, the Indiana Supreme Court refused to hear the appeal, allowing the Appeals Court's holding to stand, and clearing the path for a trial to decide on the possible release of the tapes.{{cite web |last1=Mazurek |first1=Marek |title=State supreme court won't hear South Bend 'police tapes' case |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/news/local/2023/01/12/trial-possible-in-south-bend-police-tapes-case-after-supreme-court-order/69803524007 |website=South Bend Tribune |date=January 12, 2023}}
=Other civic matters=
In June 2012, fulfilling a campaign promise, Buttigieg hosted an economic summit for the city.{{cite web |last1=Allen |first1=Kevin |title=Economic summit draws crowd |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/511471723 |website=Newspapers.com |publisher=The South Bend Tribune |access-date=19 January 2021 |language=en |url-access=subscription |date=22 Jun 2012 |archive-date=21 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521160144/https://www.newspapers.com/image/511471723/ |url-status=live }}
In his first year of office, Buttigieg oversaw an update of the city's phone and email systems as well as a redesign of the city's website.{{cite web |last1=Blasko |first1=Erin |title=Buttigieg says 'first year necessarily is a building year' |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/511548577 |website=Newspapers.com |publisher=The South Bend Tribune |access-date=18 February 2021 |language=en |url-access=subscription |date=30 Dec 2012 |archive-date=21 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521160150/https://www.newspapers.com/image/511548577/ |url-status=live }} In 2013, Buttigieg oversaw the city's launching of a 3-1-1 system.{{cite web |last1=Bell |first1=Kyle W. |title=Mayor Buttigieg Announces Re-Election Bid |url=https://southbendvoice.com/2014/11/18/mayor-buttigieg-announces-re-election-bid/ |publisher=South Bend Voice |access-date=September 17, 2019 |date=November 18, 2014 |archive-date=August 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809185909/https://southbendvoice.com/2014/11/18/mayor-buttigieg-announces-re-election-bid/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Blasko |first1=Erin |title=Mayor's budget calls for 'smart streets' |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/mayor-s-budget-calls-for-smart-streets/article_c2e13f62-0548-11e3-b024-0019bb30f31a.html |publisher=South Bend Tribune |language=en |date=August 15, 2013 |access-date=January 8, 2021 |archive-date=January 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110034637/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/mayor-s-budget-calls-for-smart-streets/article_c2e13f62-0548-11e3-b024-0019bb30f31a.html |url-status=live }}
In May 2013, the city put in place its first shared lane marking for cyclists.{{cite web |last1=Blasko |first1=Erin |title=Bike riders hail first shared lane marking |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/512024907 |website=Newspapers.com |publisher=The South Bend Tribune |access-date=18 February 2021 |language=en |url-access=subscription |date=8 May 2013 |archive-date=21 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521160152/https://www.newspapers.com/image/512024907/ |url-status=live }}
In January 2013, Buttigieg joined the national group Mayors Against Illegal Guns.{{cite web |title=Corrections |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/512010941 |website=Newspapers.com |publisher=The South Bend Tribune |access-date=16 January 2021 |language=en |url-access=subscription |date=24 Jan 2013 |archive-date=28 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128100642/http://www.newspapers.com/image/512010941/ |url-status=live }}
Buttigieg took some steps to address the city's environmental impact in his first term. In 2014, Buttigieg reconvened the city's Green Ribbon Commission. This had first been established in 2009 by his predecessor, Luecke, to assess ways to reduce city's negative impact on the environment.{{cite web |title=CARBON NEUTRAL 2050 SOUTH BEND'S CLIMATE ACTION PLAN |url=http://docs.southbendin.gov/WebLink/0/edoc/296977/South%20Bend%20Climate%20Action%20Plan.pdf |website=docs.southbendin.gov |publisher=South Bend, Indiana |author=Delta Institute |access-date=20 November 2020 |date=November 2019 |archive-date=11 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111204414/http://docs.southbendin.gov/WebLink/0/edoc/296977/South%20Bend%20Climate%20Action%20Plan.pdf |url-status=live }} He also created an Office of Sustainability within the city's Energy Office.
In his budget proposal for the 2014 fiscal year, Buttigieg proposed combining South Bend's Code Enforcement, Animal Control, and Building Department into a single Department of Building Services to save costs and improve efficiency. The proposal failed, and the three have remained separate departments.{{cite web |title=DEPARTMENTS & DIVISIONS |url=https://southbendin.gov/department/ |publisher=South Bend |access-date=November 20, 2019 |archive-date=January 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200106011513/https://southbendin.gov/department/ |url-status=live }}
=Service in Afghanistan=
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Buttigieg served for seven months in Afghanistan as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Reserve, returning to the United States on September 23, 2014.{{cite news|last1=Bell|first1=Kyle|title=Mayor Buttigieg Reports Being Back on US Soil|url=https://southbendvoice.com/2014/09/24/mayor-buttigieg-reports-being-back-on-us-soil/|access-date=September 24, 2014|website=South Bend Voice|archive-date=September 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140925130043/http://southbendvoice.com/2014/09/24/mayor-buttigieg-reports-being-back-on-us-soil/|url-status=live}} While deployed, he was assigned to the Afghan Threat Finance Cell, a counterterrorism unit that targeted Taliban insurgency financing.{{cite news|last = Buttigieg|first = Pete|date = October 5, 2014|title = Buttigieg reflects on Afghanistan and return to South Bend|url = https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/buttigieg-reflects-on-afghanistan-and-return-to-south-bend/article_8f27067e-a123-525e-9bab-4d8c52e479ae.html|newspaper = South Bend Tribune|access-date = April 26, 2019|archive-date = May 16, 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190516004931/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/buttigieg-reflects-on-afghanistan-and-return-to-south-bend/article_8f27067e-a123-525e-9bab-4d8c52e479ae.html|url-status = live}}{{cite news|last = Blasko|first = Erin|date = June 22, 2014|title = From South Bend to Afghanistan: Buttigieg Opens Up About Military Mission|url = https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/politics/from-south-bend-to-afghanistan/article_376699a6-f9f2-11e3-b178-0017a43b2370.html|newspaper = South Bend Tribune|access-date = April 26, 2019|archive-date = January 2, 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200102192847/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/politics/from-south-bend-to-afghanistan/article_376699a6-f9f2-11e3-b178-0017a43b2370.html|url-status = live}} In his absence, Deputy Mayor Mark Neal, South Bend's city comptroller, served as executive from February 2014 until Buttigieg returned to his role as mayor in October 2014.{{cite web |title=Former South Bend deputy mayor appointed to IEDC board |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/business/former-south-bend-deputy-mayor-appointed-to-iedc-board/article_b4192f2a-a28b-11e5-b4b9-6727c95340be.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=October 26, 2019 |date=December 14, 2015 |archive-date=October 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191026113813/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/business/former-south-bend-deputy-mayor-appointed-to-iedc-board/article_b4192f2a-a28b-11e5-b4b9-6727c95340be.html |url-status=live }}
=RFRA opposition and coming-out=
In 2015, during the controversy over Indiana Senate Bill 101 (titled the "Religious Freedom Restoration Act")—which was widely criticized for allowing discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people—Buttigieg emerged as a leading opponent of the legislation. Amid his reelection campaign, in a June 2015 piece published in the South Bend Tribune, he came out as gay to express his solidarity with the LGBTQ community.{{Cite web|url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-mayor-why-coming-out-matters/article_4dce0d12-1415-11e5-83c0-739eebd623ee.html|title=South Bend mayor: Why coming out matters|last=Buttigieg|first=Pete|date=June 16, 2015|website=South Bend Tribune|language=en|access-date=December 14, 2019|archive-date=February 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227200905/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-mayor-why-coming-out-matters/article_4dce0d12-1415-11e5-83c0-739eebd623ee.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.wndu.com/home/headlines/SB-mayor-business-owners-speak-out-against-religious-freedom-act-297838631.html|title=SB mayor, business owners speak out against religious freedom act|last=Catanzarite|first=Maria|date=March 27, 2015|website=WNDU-TV |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330200546/https://www.wndu.com/home/headlines/SB-mayor-business-owners-speak-out-against-religious-freedom-act-297838631.html |archive-date=30 March 2019}} By coming out, Buttigieg became Indiana's first openly gay elected executive.{{cite journal |last1=Howey |first1=Brian A. |title=Buttigieg crosses threshold |journal=Howey Politics Indiana |date=June 18, 2015 |volume=20 |issue=38 |url=https://www.in.gov/library/files/HPI150618.pdf |access-date=September 17, 2019 |archive-date=December 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214023205/https://www.in.gov/library/files/HPI150618.pdf |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Blasko |first1=Erin |title=Pete Buttigieg's announcement creates a buzz |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/pete-buttigieg-s-announcement-creates-a-buzz/article_57a803f7-3aeb-50d2-9904-b69039a07ade.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=September 17, 2019 |date=June 17, 2015 |archive-date=November 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102015928/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/pete-buttigieg-s-announcement-creates-a-buzz/article_57a803f7-3aeb-50d2-9904-b69039a07ade.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Blasko |first1=Erin |title=South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Announces He's Gay |url=https://www.governing.com/topics/politics/south-bend-mayor-pete-buttigiegs-is-gay.html |work=Governing |agency=Tribune News Service |access-date=September 22, 2019 |date=June 17, 2015 |archive-date=August 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809002157/https://www.governing.com/topics/politics/south-bend-mayor-pete-buttigiegs-is-gay.html |url-status=live }} He was the first elected official in Indiana to come out while in office,{{cite journal |last1=Howey |first1=Brian A. |last2=Butler |first2=Matthew |title=Gov. Pence prepares to pick a fight |journal=Howey Politics Indiana |date=June 25, 2015 |volume=20 |issue=39 |url=https://www.in.gov/library/files/HPI150625.pdf |access-date=September 17, 2019 |archive-date=December 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214023205/https://www.in.gov/library/files/HPI150625.pdf |url-status=live }} and the highest elected official in Indiana to come out.
Second term
File:Downtown South Bend from South East.jpg 150th Anniversary festivities, where Buttigieg performed live with singer-songwriter Ben Folds{{cite web |last1=Storey |first1=Kate |title=Mayor Pete Buttigieg Impressed the Hell Out of Ben Folds During a Duet in 2015|url=https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a27023806/mayor-pete-buttigieg-ben-folds-south-bend-piano-video-interview/ |website=Esquire |access-date=9 January 2021 |date=3 April 2019 |archive-date=9 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109030334/https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a27023806/mayor-pete-buttigieg-ben-folds-south-bend-piano-video-interview/ |url-status=live }}]]
=Reelection in 2015=
{{main|2015 South Bend mayoral election}}
In 2014, Buttigieg announced that he would seek a second term in 2015.{{cite news|last1=Bell|first1=Kyle|title=Mayor Buttigieg Announces Re-Election Bid|url=https://southbendvoice.com/2014/11/18/mayor-buttigieg-announces-re-election-bid/|access-date=November 18, 2014|website=South Bend Voice|date=November 18, 2014|archive-date=November 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129023112/http://southbendvoice.com/2014/11/18/mayor-buttigieg-announces-re-election-bid/|url-status=live}} He won the Democratic primary with 78% of the vote, defeating Henry Davis Jr., the city councilman from the second district.{{cite web |first1=Diane |last1=Daniels |first2=Annie |last2=Chang |url=https://wsbt.com/news/local/pete-buttigieg-winner-of-democratic-primary-for-south-bend-mayor-race |title=Pete Buttigieg winner of Democratic primary for South Bend mayor race |website=WSBT-TV |date=May 20, 2015 |access-date=June 18, 2015 |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220150700/http://wsbt.com/news/local/pete-buttigieg-winner-of-democratic-primary-for-south-bend-mayor-race |url-status=live }} In November 2015, he was elected to his second term as mayor with over 80% of the vote, defeating Republican Kelly Jones by a margin of 8,515 to 2,074 votes.{{cite web |title=Historical Election Results |url=https://indianavoters.in.gov/ENRHistorical/ElectionResults?year=2015 |website=Indiana.gov Voter Portal |access-date=2 May 2019 |archive-date=12 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712160036/https://indianavoters.in.gov/ENRHistorical/ElectionResults?year=2015 |url-status=live }}
=Environment=
In 2017, Buttigieg signed onto Climate Mayors' statement in response to President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement.{{cite web |title=468 US Climate Mayors commit to adopt, honor and uphold Paris Climate Agreement goals |url=https://climatemayors.org/actions-paris-climate-agreement/ |website=Climate Mayors |access-date=17 March 2021 |date=1 June 2017 |archive-date=24 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224075536/https://climatemayors.org/actions-paris-climate-agreement/ |url-status=live }} Also in 2017, Buttigieg signed onto "We Are Still In", voicing South Bend's commitment to the goals of the Paris Agreement. In 2018, he joined the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. Also in 2018, Buttigieg signed the "Pledge to Repower Indiana" letter, urging utility companies to supply 100% clean energy.{{cite web |title=Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Other Public Officials Call on I&M to Build Clean Energy |url=https://www.sierraclub.org/press-releases/2018/10/mayor-pete-buttigieg-and-other-public-officials-call-im-build-clean-energy |website=Sierra Club |access-date=20 May 2021 |language=en |date=2018-10-01 |archive-date=2021-05-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520155527/https://www.sierraclub.org/press-releases/2018/10/mayor-pete-buttigieg-and-other-public-officials-call-im-build-clean-energy |url-status=live }}
In 2019, Buttigieg signed onto the "Mayors for Solar Energy" letter resolving to make solar power a key element of the city.{{cite web |last1=Searson |first1=Emma |title=Press Release: Mayors Hamilton, Buttigieg Among Five Indiana Mayors for Solar Energy {{!}} City of Bloomington, Indiana |url=https://bloomington.in.gov/news/2019/07/25/4155 |website=bloomington.in.gov |publisher=Bloomington, Indiana |access-date=20 November 2020 |date=25 July 2019 |archive-date=10 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110035117/https://bloomington.in.gov/news/2019/07/25/4155 |url-status=live }} In April 2021, more than a year after he left office, the city of South Bend would be awarded "Gold" designation by the group SolSmart (their highest designation) in recognition of its efforts in easing the adoption of solar power for its residential and commercial buildings.{{cite web |last1=Roberts |first1=Mary |title=South Bend Receives SolSmart Gold Designation |url=https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/story/43730196/south-bend-receives-solsmart-gold-designation |website=www.insideindianabusiness.com |publisher=Inside Indiana Business |access-date=20 May 2021 |language=en |date=22 April 2021 |archive-date=20 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520161036/https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/story/43730196/south-bend-receives-solsmart-gold-designation |url-status=live }}
In April 2019, the South Bend Common Council approved Buttigieg's request to enable his administration to develop a city climate plan. That month Buttigieg contracted with the Chicago firm Delta Institute to develop a plan.{{cite web |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff |title=Buttigieg administration tackling global climate change locally |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/buttigieg-administration-tackling-global-climate-change-locally/article_77448357-b534-5bfc-bf72-138161af5ce6.html |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=20 November 2020 |language=en |date=4 November 2019 |archive-date=28 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128021626/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/buttigieg-administration-tackling-global-climate-change-locally/article_77448357-b534-5bfc-bf72-138161af5ce6.html |url-status=live }} In late November 2019, the Common Council voted 7–0 to approve the resultant "Carbon Neutral 2050" plan, setting the goal of meeting the Paris Agreement's 26% emission reduction by 2025, and aiming for a further reductions of 45% by 2035.{{cite web |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff |title=South Bend council approves Pete Buttigieg climate plan, while activists urge going further |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-council-approves-pete-buttigieg-climate-plan-while-activists-urge-going-further/article_441cf3b7-fe20-5a5c-adf1-e0c7a90db588.html |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=20 November 2020 |language=en |date=26 November 2019 |archive-date=28 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128025641/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-council-approves-pete-buttigieg-climate-plan-while-activists-urge-going-further/article_441cf3b7-fe20-5a5c-adf1-e0c7a90db588.html |url-status=live }}
File:Joe Donnelly and Pete Buttigieg tour flood affected parts of South Bend DWv9CX1X0AIXboR.jpg (left) tour flood-impacted areas of South Bend in February 2018. Buttigieg would later express a view attributing the flood to climate change's impact on extreme weather events]]
Buttigieg, in a February 2019 appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert promoting his exploration of a presidential run, expressed a belief attributing to climate change's impact on extreme weather events the phenomenon of a 500-year flood impacting South Bend in 2018 only eighteen months after a 1,000-year flood impacted the city in 2016.{{cite web |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff |last2=Dits |first2=Joe |last3=Spalding |first3=Mary Beth |title=A year after historic South Bend area floods, damage remains, preventive measures planned |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/news/local/2019/02/15/a-year-after-historic-south-bend-area-floods-damage-remains-preventive-measures-planned/46355051/ |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=12 November 2022}}
=Housing and urban development=
In a new phase of the Vacant and Abandoned Properties Initiative, South Bend partnered with the Notre Dame Clinical Law Center to provide free legal assistance to qualifying applicants wishing to acquire vacant lots and, with local nonprofits, to repair or construct homes and provide low-income home ownership assistance using South Bend HUD (Housing and Urban Development) funds.{{Cite web|url=https://southbendin.gov/initiative/vacant-abandoned-properties/|title=Vacant & Abandoned Properties|website=southbendin.gov|access-date=October 15, 2019|archive-date=October 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023185419/https://southbendin.gov/initiative/vacant-abandoned-properties/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://sbheritage.org/spaces/homes/|title=Homes|website=South Bend Heritage Foundation|access-date=October 15, 2019|archive-date=October 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015180053/https://sbheritage.org/spaces/homes/|url-status=live}} He increased city funding levels for home construction and improvement in the 2018 South Bend budget via several programs, including the UEA (Urban Enterprise Association) Pilot Home Repair Program, a grant intended to improve low-income residents' quality of life.{{Cite web |url=https://southbendin.gov/south-bend-home-repair/ |title=South Bend Home Repair |website=southbendin.gov |access-date=October 15, 2019 |archive-date=October 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015183900/https://southbendin.gov/south-bend-home-repair/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.wvpe.org/post/home-repairs-strengthen-community-ties-south-bend |title=Home Repairs Strengthen Community Ties In South Bend |last=Anguiano |first=Barb |website=WVPE |date=July 30, 2018 |access-date=October 15, 2019 |archive-date=October 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015183900/https://www.wvpe.org/post/home-repairs-strengthen-community-ties-south-bend |url-status=live }}
File:CN Train, Former Studebaker Factory (15100168261).jpg
As a further part of the development of the city's "Renaissance District", in 2016, South Bend partnered with the State of Indiana and private developers to break ground on a $165 million renovation of the former Studebaker complex, with the aim of making the complex home to tech companies and residential condos.{{cite web |last1=Colombo |first1=Hayleigh |title=Some national Democrats swoon over South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/65820-some-national-democrats-swoon-over-south-bend-mayor-pete-buttigieg |work=Indiana Business Journal |access-date=November 14, 2019 |date=October 12, 2017 |archive-date=May 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506050950/https://www.ibj.com/articles/65820-some-national-democrats-swoon-over-south-bend-mayor-pete-buttigieg |url-status=live }} In 2017, it was announced that the long-abandoned Studebaker Building 84 (also known as "Ivy Tower") would have its exterior renovated with $3.5 million in Regional Cities funds from the State of Indiana and $3.5 million from South Bend tax increment financing, with plans for the building and other structures in its complex to serve as a technology hub.{{cite web |last1=Blasko |first1=Erin |title=South Bend Studebaker plant ready for massive facelift |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-studebaker-plant-ready-for-massive-facelift/article_661dd3cb-c4ff-5969-9d69-cbf746e30316.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=October 26, 2019 |date=July 3, 2017 |archive-date=October 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191004172914/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-studebaker-plant-ready-for-massive-facelift/article_661dd3cb-c4ff-5969-9d69-cbf746e30316.html |url-status=live }}
While many aspects of South Bend had improved by 2016, a Princeton University study found that the rate of evictions in the city had worsened, more than doubling since Buttigieg took office.
Buttigieg supported a proposed high-rise development in South Bend's East Bank neighborhood{{cite web |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff |title=South Bend council rejects 12-story high-rise apartment building |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-council-rejects--story-high-rise-apartment-building/article_0014ba80-45cd-5670-a996-59cc508be26b.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 16, 2019 |date=December 13, 2016 |archive-date=November 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116161818/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-council-rejects--story-high-rise-apartment-building/article_0014ba80-45cd-5670-a996-59cc508be26b.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff |title=Why did South Bend's East Bank high-rise fail? |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/why-did-south-bend-s-east-bank-high-rise-fail/article_b7ea2c34-9f92-5c56-88ef-3ef5d1ea9a5b.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 16, 2019 |date=December 14, 2016 |archive-date=November 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116161814/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/why-did-south-bend-s-east-bank-high-rise-fail/article_b7ea2c34-9f92-5c56-88ef-3ef5d1ea9a5b.html |url-status=live }} that would greatly exceed the existing height ordinances.{{cite web |last1=Klee |first1=Ricky |title=Viewpoint: Diversity has fallen in Mayor Pete Buttigieg's administration |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/opinion/viewpoint/viewpoint-diversity-has-fallen-in-mayor-pete-buttigieg-s-administration/article_3dbd0df8-385b-5e0a-9486-d561e1e57ba6.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 16, 2019 |date=July 22, 2017 |archive-date=October 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020213537/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/opinion/viewpoint/viewpoint-diversity-has-fallen-in-mayor-pete-buttigieg-s-administration/article_3dbd0df8-385b-5e0a-9486-d561e1e57ba6.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Kennedy |first1=Danielle |title=Building height limit raised to make way for high-rise apartments in South Bend |url=https://wsbt.com/news/local/building-height-limit-raised-to-make-way-for-high-rise-apartments-in-south-bend |publisher=WSBT-TV |access-date=November 16, 2019 |date=February 27, 2017 |archive-date=November 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116161812/https://wsbt.com/news/local/building-height-limit-raised-to-make-way-for-high-rise-apartments-in-south-bend |url-status=live }} In the weeks after the Common Council voted against the development in December 2016, Buttigieg and his administration negotiated a new compromise plan with the developer, Matthews LLC, that reduced the height from twelve stories to nine.{{cite web |last1=Blake |first1=Bob |title=South Bend, Developer Reach Compromise On High-Rise Project |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/business/south-bend-developer-reach-compromise-on-high-rise-project/article_3e3880ba-d1cb-11e6-afd2-67d8a1beb12e.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 16, 2019 |date=January 4, 2017 |archive-date=November 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116161812/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/business/south-bend-developer-reach-compromise-on-high-rise-project/article_3e3880ba-d1cb-11e6-afd2-67d8a1beb12e.html |url-status=live }} In January 2017, the Common Council voted to approve a ten-year tax abatement for the $35 million development.{{cite web |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff |title=South Bend council supports East Bank high-rise, supermarket |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-council-supports-east-bank-high-rise-supermarket/article_9751606a-9d19-5d58-a0b8-27e1d72a47d8.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 16, 2019 |date=January 17, 2017 |archive-date=November 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116161820/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-council-supports-east-bank-high-rise-supermarket/article_9751606a-9d19-5d58-a0b8-27e1d72a47d8.html |url-status=live }} In February, the Common Council raised the height limits for the East Bank neighborhood to facilitate the development.{{cite web |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff |title=South Bend council approves East Bank high-rise building |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-council-approves-east-bank-high-rise-building/article_56f0d318-fd64-11e6-89a7-53b327f97d48.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 16, 2019 |date=February 28, 2017 |archive-date=November 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116161816/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-council-approves-east-bank-high-rise-building/article_56f0d318-fd64-11e6-89a7-53b327f97d48.html |url-status=live }} The city later committed $5 million in tax increment financing to the project.{{cite web |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff |title=South Bend backs down in high-rise standoff with developer Dave Matthews |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-backs-down-in-high-rise-standoff-with-developer/article_2061c4fe-66d4-51c1-9638-a5e7aacb6b1e.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 17, 2019 |date=August 29, 2019 |archive-date=November 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117010910/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-backs-down-in-high-rise-standoff-with-developer/article_2061c4fe-66d4-51c1-9638-a5e7aacb6b1e.html |url-status=live }}
In 2017, after complaints from downtown business owners about a homeless encampment that had formed under the Main Street railroad viaduct, Buttigieg assembled a 22-member task force to develop recommendations to prevent such encampments from forming. The task force's report recommended a gateway center and permanent supportive housing project, which would have a "housing first" approach that would provide immediate shelter regardless of behavioral or substance abuse issues. However, this project was scrapped by the city, due to an inability to find a location due to NIMBYism. Those living near prospective locations had opposed the establishment of such a facility near their properties. The city instead opted to attempt a scattered-site housing approach with participating landlords.{{cite web |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff |title=South Bend plans to open new homeless shelter in wake of downtown tent encampment |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-plans-to-open-new-homeless-shelter-in-wake-of-downtown-tent-encampment/article_7342f5da-9ae3-11ea-a7c7-0face97c0cfe.html |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 12, 2020 |language=en |date=May 21, 2020 |archive-date=November 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113013447/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-plans-to-open-new-homeless-shelter-in-wake-of-downtown-tent-encampment/article_7342f5da-9ae3-11ea-a7c7-0face97c0cfe.html |url-status=live }}
Poorer neighborhoods of South Bend were shown to have a high incidence of lead poisoning among its youth. Buttigieg was originally reluctant to tackle the issue himself, arguing citizens should pressure the state government to act. However, after pressure from citizens groups, as well as an editorial in the South Bend Tribune urging him to act, Buttigieg worked to address the problem. The city, in 2017, committed $100,000, contingent on the city also receiving a roughly $3 million grant from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development to address the problem. The city, however, had their grant application rejected.{{cite web |last1=Booker |first1=Ted |title=$100,000 for lead problem |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/511619573 |website=Newspapers.com |publisher=The South Bend Tribune |access-date=19 January 2021 |language=en |url-access=subscription |date=15 Sep 2017 |archive-date=21 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521160151/https://www.newspapers.com/image/511619573/ |url-status=live }} By late 2017, Buttigieg's administration was partnering with a private group to address the problem. In December 2018, Buttigieg announced that the city government, in partnership with the St. Joseph County Health Department, had received $2.3 million from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development to remediate residences with lead paint.{{cite web |last1=Gabriel |first1=Trip |title=What Being a Mayor Taught Pete Buttigieg |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/14/us/politics/pete-buttigieg-south-bend-mayor.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=12 January 2021 |date=14 February 2020 |archive-date=13 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113200417/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/14/us/politics/pete-buttigieg-south-bend-mayor.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Bauer |first1=Caleb |title=South Bend gets $2.3 million federal grant to fight lead hazards |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-gets-2-3-million-federal-grant-to-fight-lead-hazards/article_85d9dea0-b910-5588-8940-6228149f8fb6.html |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=12 January 2021 |language=en |date=20 December 2018 |archive-date=14 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114235840/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-gets-2-3-million-federal-grant-to-fight-lead-hazards/article_85d9dea0-b910-5588-8940-6228149f8fb6.html |url-status=live }}
In November 2017, at the Buttigieg administration's recommendation, the South Bend Common Council approved a property tax abatement for a planned $9 million five-story office building.{{cite web |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff |title=Barnes & Thornburg moving to planned downtown South Bend building |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/business/barnes-thornburg-moving-to-planned-downtown-south-bend-building/article_62cdde33-c387-5bc1-b12a-4e583361e96b.html |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=8 January 2021 |language=en |date=8 April 2019 |archive-date=10 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110154858/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/business/barnes-thornburg-moving-to-planned-downtown-south-bend-building/article_62cdde33-c387-5bc1-b12a-4e583361e96b.html |url-status=live }} The building would break ground in April 2019, marking the first new construction in the city's business core in over two decades.{{cite web |title=Partners Ahead of Schedule on $20M Barnes & Thornburg Building |url=https://buildingindiana.com/partners-ahead-of-schedule-on-20m-barnes-thornburg-building/ |website=Building Indiana |access-date=8 January 2021 |date=25 December 2020 |archive-date=10 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110081952/https://buildingindiana.com/partners-ahead-of-schedule-on-20m-barnes-thornburg-building/ |url-status=live }}
Buttigieg's budget proposal for the 2018 fiscal year included items to address various public health concerns,{{cite web |last1=Rivest |first1=Sarah |title=Mayor Buttigieg introduces budget proposal for 2018 |url=https://abc57.com/news/mayor-buttigieg-introduces-budget-proposal-for-2018 |website=ABC57 |publisher=WBND-LD |access-date=November 12, 2019 |date=August 24, 2017 |archive-date=November 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112152304/https://abc57.com/news/mayor-buttigieg-introduces-budget-proposal-for-2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Kennedy |first1=Danielle |title=Mayor Buttigieg proposes 2018 budget for South Bend |url=https://wsbt.com/news/local/mayor-buttigieg-proposes-2018-budget-for-south-bend |publisher=WSBT-TV |access-date=November 12, 2019 |date=August 16, 2017 |archive-date=November 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112180903/https://wsbt.com/news/local/mayor-buttigieg-proposes-2018-budget-for-south-bend |url-status=live }} including funding for a "healthy homes" program, which was ultimately included in the 2018 budget approved by the Common Council.{{cite web |title=City of South Bend, Indiana 2018 ADOPTED BUDGET |url=http://docs.southbendin.gov/WebLink/0/edoc/118091/0.%202018%20Budget%20Book.pdf |publisher=City of South Bend, Indiana |access-date=November 12, 2019 |archive-date=January 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102192850/http://docs.southbendin.gov/WebLink/0/edoc/118091/0.%202018%20Budget%20Book.pdf |url-status=live }}
In September 2018, Buttigieg voiced concern about a number of issues regarding the Housing Authority of South Bend, calling for reforms to be made.{{cite web |last1=Bauer |first1=Caleb |title=Buttigieg calls for reform at South Bend Housing Authority |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/buttigieg-calls-for-reform-at-south-bend-housing-authority/article_42c6a793-8563-533b-b895-22cce9c0a885.html |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 14, 2020 |language=en |date=October 25, 2018 |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108110148/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/buttigieg-calls-for-reform-at-south-bend-housing-authority/article_42c6a793-8563-533b-b895-22cce9c0a885.html |url-status=live }} The following month, he presented its board with a letter outlining several problems, and declaring that the Housing Authority of South Bend had risen to the "top tier of priorities for my administration, and will receive sustained attention from my office for the balance of my time as mayor."{{cite web |last1=Bauer |first1=Caleb |title=Timeline of accusations, controversies at South Bend Housing Authority |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/timeline-of-accusations-controversies-at-south-bend-housing-authority/article_ced47388-439a-53b2-a357-c2baac22220c.html |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 14, 2020 |language=en |date=September 29, 2019 |archive-date=November 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125205219/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/timeline-of-accusations-controversies-at-south-bend-housing-authority/article_ced47388-439a-53b2-a357-c2baac22220c.html |url-status=live }}
In January 2019, Buttigieg launched the South Bend Home Repair initiative. This expanded the existing South Bend Home Repair Pilot, which helps make available funds to assist residents with home repairs, through the use of $600,000 in city funding (double what the city had earlier pledged to the program) and $300,000 in block grants.{{cite web |last1=Bauer |first1=Caleb |title=South Bend officials highlight home repair programs |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-officials-highlight-home-repair-programs/article_f6cc225b-d89e-5bb0-9a17-7f6bff70255f.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 16, 2019 |date=January 15, 2019 |archive-date=November 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101204919/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-officials-highlight-home-repair-programs/article_f6cc225b-d89e-5bb0-9a17-7f6bff70255f.html |url-status=live }} It also created two new programs. The first of these is the South Bend Green Corps, which makes funds available to lower-income homeowners for such uses as energy-saving measures and basic weatherization, the installation of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, lead tests, and energy bill review. It also provides education on reducing energy bills. The South Bend Green Corps was funded with $290,000 from the city and $150,000 from AmeriCorps. The second program is Love Your Block, which assists citizen groups and local nonprofits in revitalizing neighborhoods, and which was funded with $25,000 from the city and $25,000 from the nonprofit Cities of Service.
Hundreds of millions of dollars of private investment came to the city during Buttigieg's mayoralty, though estimates vary as to just how much. By one account in early early 2019, more than $200 million in developments occurred since Buttigieg had taken office. By another account around the same time, the city had seen $374 million in private investment for mixed-use developments since Buttigieg had taken office.{{cite web |last=Guarino |first=Mark |title=Can Pete Buttigieg Replicate His Success In South Bend Nationally? |url=https://www.chicagobusiness.com/news/can-pete-buttigieg-replicate-his-success-south-bend-nationally |work=Crain's Chicago Business |access-date=October 26, 2019 |date=April 19, 2019 |archive-date=October 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191026155831/https://www.chicagobusiness.com/news/can-pete-buttigieg-replicate-his-success-south-bend-nationally |url-status=live }} By another account, during Buttigieg's tenure, Downtown South Bend alone had seen roughly $200 million in private investment.{{cite web |last1=Phillip |first1=Abby |title=Pete Buttigieg Leaves Behind economic progress and racial tensions in South Bend |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/31/politics/pete-buttigieg-south-bend/index.html |publisher=CNN |access-date=January 5, 2020 |date=December 31, 2019 |archive-date=January 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101231652/https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/31/politics/pete-buttigieg-south-bend/index.html |url-status=live }}
=Infrastructure and transportation=
In 2013, Buttigieg proposed a "Smart Streets" urban development program to improve South Bend's downtown area, and in early 2015—after traffic studies and public hearings—he secured a $25 million bond issue for the program backed by tax increment financing.Two sources:
- {{cite news|last = Blasko|first = Erin|date = January 30, 2015|title = Smart Streets bond clears key hurdle|url = https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/smart-streets-bond-clears-key-hurdle/article_d0ba3d7a-1b4c-5b9a-bd66-09e780a3ecdb.html|newspaper = South Bend Tribune|access-date = April 26, 2019|archive-date = March 26, 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190326031429/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/smart-streets-bond-clears-key-hurdle/article_d0ba3d7a-1b4c-5b9a-bd66-09e780a3ecdb.html|url-status = live}}
- {{cite news |last1=Crenshaw |first1=Zach |title=$25 million bond approved for major changes in downtown South Bend |url=https://wsbt.com/news/local/25-million-bond-approved-for-major-changes-in-downtown-south-bend |website=WSBT |access-date=9 January 2021 |date=9 February 2015 |archive-date=11 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111163623/https://wsbt.com/news/local/25-million-bond-approved-for-major-changes-in-downtown-south-bend |url-status=live }}{{cite news |first=Jeff |last=Parrott |title=How much has Smart Streets driven downtown South Bend's turnaround? |date=March 17, 2018 |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/how-much-has-smart-streets-driven-downtown-south-bend-s/article_493dc5c2-cd5a-5c17-ac8c-254c5362504b.html |work=South Bend Tribune |access-date=January 8, 2021 |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126074232/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/how-much-has-smart-streets-driven-downtown-south-bend-s/article_493dc5c2-cd5a-5c17-ac8c-254c5362504b.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Alan |first1=David Peter |title=Second in a Series: Complete Streets, Incomplete Transit |url=https://www.railwayage.com/passenger/second-in-a-series-complete-streets-incomplete-transit/ |website=Railway Age |access-date=6 March 2021 |date=13 January 2021 |archive-date=29 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129112421/https://www.railwayage.com/passenger/second-in-a-series-complete-streets-incomplete-transit/ |url-status=live }} Smart Streets was a complete streets implementation program.{{cite web |last1=Alan |first1=David Peter |title=First in a Series: Does DOT's New Face Signal New Policies? |url=https://www.railwayage.com/news/first-in-a-series-does-dots-new-face-signal-new-policies/ |website=Railway Age |access-date=9 January 2021 |date=8 January 2021 |archive-date=11 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111115728/https://www.railwayage.com/news/first-in-a-series-does-dots-new-face-signal-new-policies/ |url-status=live }} Smart Streets was aimed at improving economic development and urban vibrancy as well as road safety.{{cite news|last = Buttigieg|first = Pete|date = June 16, 2017|title = Mayor: Smart Streets will mean a more vibrant downtown South Bend|url = https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/opinion/viewpoint/mayor-smart-streets-will-mean-a-more-vibrant-downtown-south/article_edaa6a25-e336-597a-a396-feb481e9927e.html|newspaper = South Bend Tribune|access-date = April 26, 2019|archive-date = March 26, 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190326031432/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/opinion/viewpoint/mayor-smart-streets-will-mean-a-more-vibrant-downtown-south/article_edaa6a25-e336-597a-a396-feb481e9927e.html|url-status = live}} The project involved the conversion of one-way streets in downtown to two-way streets, traffic-calming measures, the widening of sidewalks, streetside beautification (including the planting of trees and installation of decorative brickwork), the addition of bike lanes and the introduction of roundabouts. Elements of the project were finished in 2016, and it was officially completed in 2017. The project was credited with spurring private development in the city. In 2016, the project received the national awards for "Complete Streets" and "Overall Success" at the United States Department of Transportation's Safer People, Safer Streets Summit.
Under Buttigieg, the city also began a "Smart Sewer" program, the first phase of which was finished in 2017 at a cost of $150 million.{{cite web |last1=Gardner |first1=Drew |title=How has South Bend changed under Mayor Buttigieg's leadership? |url=https://www.abc57.com/news/how-has-south-bend-changed-under-mayor-buttigiegs-leadership |website=WBND-LD |access-date=October 28, 2019 |date=April 14, 2019 |archive-date=October 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028185003/https://www.abc57.com/news/how-has-south-bend-changed-under-mayor-buttigiegs-leadership |url-status=live }} The effort utilized federal funds{{cite web |title=Mayor Pete Buttigieg's South Bend Sewer Fixes Made Cheaper by IOT |url=https://www.ourdailyplanet.com/story/mayor-pete-buttigiegs-south-bend-sewer-fixes-made-cheaper-by-iot/ |website=Our Daily Planet |access-date=October 28, 2019 |date=May 2019 |archive-date=October 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028185002/https://www.ourdailyplanet.com/story/mayor-pete-buttigiegs-south-bend-sewer-fixes-made-cheaper-by-iot/ |url-status=live }} and by 2019 had reduced the combined sewer overflow by 75%. The impetus for the effort was a fine that the EPA had levied against the city in 2011 for Clean Water Act violations. However, Buttigieg also, in 2019, sought for the city to be released from an agreement with the EPA brokered under his mayoral predecessor Steve Luecke, in which South Bend had agreed to make hundreds of millions dollars in further improvements to its sewer system by 2031.{{cite web |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff Parrott |title=South Bend hopes to spend hundreds of millions less to reduce river pollution |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-hopes-to-spend-hundreds-of-millions-less-to-reduce-river-pollution/article_8c491336-e691-597f-84ca-605f5b62f4d5.html |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 16, 2020 |language=en |date=September 3, 2019 |archive-date=January 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110105343/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-hopes-to-spend-hundreds-of-millions-less-to-reduce-river-pollution/article_8c491336-e691-597f-84ca-605f5b62f4d5.html |url-status=live }}
Buttigieg was involved in bringing a bike sharing service run by LimeBike to the city.{{cite web |title=Bike share program rolls out in South Bend |url=https://wsbt.com/news/local/south-bend-launching-a-new-bike-share-program |website=WSBT |access-date=25 August 2021 |date=10 July 2017}} The service launched in July 2017{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Alexandra |title=LimeBike sharing service starts Tuesday in South Bend |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/news/local/2017/07/11/limebike-sharing-service-starts-tuesday-in-south-bend/117008236/ |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=25 August 2021 |date=11 July 2017}} as a pilot program.{{cite web |last1=Shine |first1=Kim |title=South Bend debuts parking spots for Lime Bikes |url=https://www.wndu.com/content/news/South-Bend-debuts-parking-spots-for-Lime-Bikes-489541641.html |website=www.wndu.com |publisher=WNDU-TV |access-date=25 August 2021 |language=en |date=30 July 2018}} South Bend was the third American city in which LimeBike had launched operations. It was reported that, within the service's first year, it saw 290,000 individual rides.{{cite web |title=South Bend celebrates one year with LimeBike |url=https://wsbt.com/news/local/south-bend-celebrates-one-year-with-limebike |website=WSBT |access-date=25 August 2021 |date=30 July 2018}} In 2019, Lime withdrew its service from the city amid the company's decision to end its bike sharing service in order to focus solely on scooter sharing.{{cite web |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff |title=South Bend wants to find a new bike and scooter share company this summer |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/news/2021/06/14/south-bend-wants-vendor-rebalance-bike-and-scooter-sharing/7667968002/ |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=25 August 2021 |date=14 June 2021}} In October 2019, Buttigieg signed into law a comprehensive shared mobility ordinance. This ordinance would, among other things, give the city controller the power to order shared mobility vendors, similar to Lime, to designate locations where devices could be stored when not being used.
In 2018, South Bend was designated as a silver-level "Bike Friendly Community" by the League of American Bicyclists. South Bend was only the second city in the state of Indiana to receive the group's silver level "Bike Friendly Community" designation.{{cite web |last1=Stone |first1=Lindsay |title=South Bend named one of most bike friendly communities in Midwest |url=https://www.wndu.com/content/news/South-Bend-named-one-of-most-bike-friendly-communities-in-Midwest-490947231.html |website=www.wndu.com |publisher=WNDU-TV |access-date=25 August 2021 |language=en |date=15 August 2018}}
Effective July 22, 2017, the Federal Railroad Administration revoked the city's quiet zone on the very active tracks (Norfolk Southern's Chicago Line and Canadian National's South Bend Subdivision) that run through the city, demanding that median barriers be installed at roughly eleven grade crossings and that other deficiencies be remedied.{{cite web |last1=Mazurek |first1=Marek |title=No longer a 'quiet zone:' Train whistles howling again on South Bend's east side |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/publicsafety/no-longer-a-quiet-zone-train-whistles-howling-again-on-south-bends-east-side/article_2c68cc80-4469-51df-a951-3b014951399c.html |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=20 December 2020 |language=en-us |date=25 July 2017 |archive-date=11 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111122138/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/publicsafety/no-longer-a-quiet-zone-train-whistles-howling-again-on-south-bends-east-side/article_2c68cc80-4469-51df-a951-3b014951399c.html |url-status=live }} This had come as a surprise to Buttigieg and the rest of the city government when it occurred on July 22, as the letter from the Federal Rail Administration giving prior notice to the city had been mistakenly addressed to a former city attorney that had been deceased for six years.{{cite web |last1=Wren |first1=Adam |title=From Fixing Potholes to Managing Billions: Is Buttigieg Ready to Be Transportation Chief? |url=https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/12/16/buttigieg-biden-transportation-chief-447317 |website=POLITICO |access-date=9 January 2021 |language=en |date=16 December 2020 |archive-date=31 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201231221348/https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/12/16/buttigieg-biden-transportation-chief-447317 |url-status=live }} Buttigieg worked to get quiet zones restored, making changes to railroad crossings. By September of that year, part of South Bend's quiet zone was restored.{{cite web |title=South Bend regains "Quiet Zone" status for trains |url=https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/south-bend-regains-quiet-zone-status-trains/ |website=News Now Warsaw |access-date=20 December 2020 |date=19 September 2017 |archive-date=10 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110035118/https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/south-bend-regains-quiet-zone-status-trains/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Hudson |first1=Melissa |title=Quiet Zones reinstated at South Bend railroad crossings |url=https://www.abc57.com/news/quiet-zones-reinstated-at-south-bend-railroad-crossings |website=ABC57 |publisher=WBND-LD |access-date=20 December 2020 |language=en |date=18 September 2017 |archive-date=29 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129014927/https://www.abc57.com/news/quiet-zones-reinstated-at-south-bend-railroad-crossings |url-status=live }} Buttigieg was able to get even more of the city's quiet zone restored, completing phase one of the city's quiet zone project by June 2019 on the west side of the city{{cite web |title=Phase I of Quiet Zone Completed for City's West Side |url=https://southbendin.gov/work/phase-i-of-quiet-zone-completed-for-citys-west-side/ |website=southbendin.gov |access-date=20 December 2020 |date=24 June 2019 |archive-date=5 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205113356/https://www.southbendin.gov/work/phase-i-of-quiet-zone-completed-for-citys-west-side/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=McLaughlin |first1=Merritt |title=South Bend Completes First Phase of Quiet Zone Project |url=https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/story/40698892/south-bend-completes-first-phase-of-quiet-zone-project |website=www.insideindianabusiness.com |publisher=Inside Indiana Business |access-date=20 December 2020 |language=en |date=24 June 2019 |archive-date=10 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110011958/https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/story/40698892/south-bend-completes-first-phase-of-quiet-zone-project |url-status=live }}
South Bend's road infrastructure experienced issues with potholes.{{cite web |last1=Phillips |first1=Morgan |title=Pete Buttigieg, Transportation Secretary nominee, had a pothole problem as mayor |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/buttigieg-transportation-secretary-pothole-problem-mayor |website=Fox News |access-date=24 December 2020 |date=15 December 2020 |archive-date=24 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224060414/https://www.foxnews.com/politics/buttigieg-transportation-secretary-pothole-problem-mayor |url-status=live }} In 2018, Ed Stemmler of the South Bend Tribune wrote that the city's pothole situation at the time might have been the "worst in recent memory".{{cite web |last1=Tribune |first1=Ed Semmler South Bend |title=Potholes around South Bend might be worst in recent memory |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/potholes-around-south-bend-might-be-worst-in-recent-memory/article_bf3ef754-dedc-536c-9b6f-8dfc5d6c5f10.html |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=24 December 2020 |language=en |date=26 February 2018 |archive-date=24 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224060416/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/potholes-around-south-bend-might-be-worst-in-recent-memory/article_bf3ef754-dedc-536c-9b6f-8dfc5d6c5f10.html |url-status=live }}
In September 2019, the city of South Bend finalized a long-anticipated agreement with St. Joseph County to jointly fund the county's $18 million share of the project to double-track portions of the South Shore Line.{{cite web |title=Indiana counties back funding for South Shore rail project |url=https://www.wthr.com/article/indiana-counties-back-funding-south-shore-rail-project |agency=Associated Press |website=WTHR-TV |access-date=October 26, 2019 |date=September 22, 2019 |archive-date=October 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191026133152/https://www.wthr.com/article/indiana-counties-back-funding-south-shore-rail-project |url-status=live }} Buttigieg was a supporter of efforts to double-track the South Shore Line.{{cite web |title=Pete Buttigieg sets out to get the United States back on track |url=https://www.railwaypro.com/wp/pete-buttigieg-sets-out-to-get-the-united-states-back-on-track/ |website=Railway PRO |access-date=6 March 2021 |date=1 February 2021 |archive-date=2 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202063105/https://www.railwaypro.com/wp/pete-buttigieg-sets-out-to-get-the-united-states-back-on-track/ |url-status=live }}
File:20041231 14 NICTD South Bend, IN (8873027699).jpg the city's South Shore Line station.]]
Beginning in August 2018, Buttigieg promoted the idea of moving the city's South Shore Line station from South Bend International Airport to the city's downtown.{{cite web |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff |title=South Bend mayor's push for downtown South Shore station raises new questions |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-mayor-s-push-for-downtown-south-shore-station/article_fc015328-a88a-5ae8-bca1-3e8932e81ac5.html |website=South Bend Tribune |date=August 18, 2018 |access-date=April 10, 2019 |archive-date=April 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410064723/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-mayor-s-push-for-downtown-south-shore-station/article_fc015328-a88a-5ae8-bca1-3e8932e81ac5.html |url-status=live }} He made it a goal to have the city complete this project by 2025.{{cite web |title=Engineering study approved for proposed South Shore Line station in downtown South Bend |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/engineering-study-approved-for-proposed-south-shore-line-station-in/article_e0936478-c4ce-58ca-bc83-0e3a7bee6aa0.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=October 26, 2019 |date=December 17, 2018 |archive-date=October 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191026154833/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/engineering-study-approved-for-proposed-south-shore-line-station-in/article_e0936478-c4ce-58ca-bc83-0e3a7bee6aa0.html |url-status=live }} Buttigieg's earlier budgets had allotted funding to the existing South Shore Relocation project,{{cite web |last1=Lee |first1=Tommie |title=South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg presents 2018 budget plan |url=https://www.953mnc.com/2017/08/17/south-bend-mayor-pete-buttigieg-presents-2018-budget-plan/ |website=953 MNC |publisher=WTRC-FM |access-date=November 12, 2019 |date=August 17, 2017 |archive-date=November 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112180911/https://www.953mnc.com/2017/08/17/south-bend-mayor-pete-buttigieg-presents-2018-budget-plan/ |url-status=live }} which would have moved the station to a different end of the South Bend International Airport.{{cite web |last1=Booker |first1=Ted |title=St. Joseph County plans to study options for South Shore rail line to west side of airport |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/st-joseph-county-plans-to-study-options-for-south-shore/article_ab1d2b5e-dd51-5db5-abe8-2d6c301a2484.html |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=April 10, 2019 |date=January 3, 2019 |archive-date=April 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410064719/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/st-joseph-county-plans-to-study-options-for-south-shore/article_ab1d2b5e-dd51-5db5-abe8-2d6c301a2484.html |url-status=live }} Buttigieg had, prior to advocating for a downtown station, been supportive of the existing plans to relocate the station to a different end of the airport.{{cite web |last1=Sheckler |first1=Christian |title=New train station in South Bend: lots of money on studies. No progress. No location settled. |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/business/new-train-station-in-south-bend-lots-of-money-on-studies-no-progress-no-location/article_dadedba0-88ef-11eb-bf0a-a7b5fe8beccc.html |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=28 March 2021 |language=en |date=21 March 2021 |archive-date=25 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325040531/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/business/new-train-station-in-south-bend-lots-of-money-on-studies-no-progress-no-location/article_dadedba0-88ef-11eb-bf0a-a7b5fe8beccc.html |url-status=live }} Buttigieg's new push for a downtown station engendered suggestions of other possible locations. Buttigieg ordered a study of five location options, including his personally preferred downtown option, as well as two that would keep the station at the airport.{{cite web |last1=Booker |first1=Ted |title=St. Joseph County plans to study options for South Shore rail line to west side of airport |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/opinion/our_opinion/editorial-confused-about-the-south-shore-plan-in-south-bend/article_f4986d55-822b-5a00-9dbe-4c33a6b27429.html |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=April 10, 2019 |date=January 3, 2019 |archive-date=April 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410064733/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/opinion/our_opinion/editorial-confused-about-the-south-shore-plan-in-south-bend/article_f4986d55-822b-5a00-9dbe-4c33a6b27429.html |url-status=live }} Of the five, the downtown location was found to be the priciest, but also the one with the greatest potential economic impact.{{cite web |title=South Bend Station Alternatives |url=https://southbendin.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/AECOM-CSB-SSL-Feasibility-Study-Presentation-20180419.pdf |publisher=AECOM |access-date=May 31, 2019 |date=April 19, 2019 |archive-date=May 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531193808/https://southbendin.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/AECOM-CSB-SSL-Feasibility-Study-Presentation-20180419.pdf |url-status=live }} In December 2018, an engineering study was commissioned to further examine the cost of a downtown station.
In 2019, South Bend launched Commuters Trust, a new transportation benefit program created in collaboration with local employers and transportation providers (including South Bend Transpo and Lyft). This program was made possible by a $1 million three-year grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge.{{cite web |title=CITY LAUNCHES COMMUTER BENEFIT PROGRAM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LOCAL EMPLOYERS |url=https://southbendin.gov/2019/10/21/city-launches-commuter-benefit-program-in-partnership-with-local-employers/ |publisher=South Bend, Indiana |access-date=November 15, 2019 |date=October 21, 2019 |archive-date=November 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115021817/https://southbendin.gov/2019/10/21/city-launches-commuter-benefit-program-in-partnership-with-local-employers/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Semmler |first1=Ed |title=IN: South Bend ride-sharing program solves transportation problems for workers |url=https://www.masstransitmag.com/alt-mobility/shared-mobility/car-sharing/news/21111228/in-south-bend-ridesharing-program-solves-transportation-problems-for-workers |work=Mass Transit Magazine |access-date=November 15, 2019 |date=October 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024031140/https://www.masstransitmag.com/alt-mobility/shared-mobility/car-sharing/news/21111228/in-south-bend-ridesharing-program-solves-transportation-problems-for-workers |archive-date=24 October 2019 }}
In his position as mayor of South Bend, Buttigieg shared authority over the bus system, South Bend Transpo, with the mayor of Mishawaka. After South Bend Transpo CEO David Cangany was fired in 2018 for both being abusive towards staff and charging personal expenditures to the transit agency, Buttigieg supported changes that the agency put in place to prevent these sorts of issues from recurring under any future CEO.{{cite web |last1=Best |first1=Paul |title=During Buttigieg's tenure as mayor, South Bend had transportation scandal |url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/south-bend-transportation-scandal-buttigieg-mayor |website=Fox News |access-date=12 January 2021 |date=19 December 2020 |archive-date=19 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119095545/https://www.foxnews.com/us/south-bend-transportation-scandal-buttigieg-mayor |url-status=live }}
=Parks and green spaces=
In 2017, a new Venues Parks & Arts department was created in South Bend's government, merging two existing departments.{{cite web |last1=Claflin |first1=Larry Jr. |title=South Bend is Enhancing Community Safety Through Massive Parks Effort |url=https://www.gov1.com/community-development/articles/south-bend-is-enhancing-community-safety-through-massive-parks-effort-VXPRDF2YADsye8Rz/ |website=Gov1 |publisher=Lexpol |language=en |date=27 June 2019 |access-date=18 March 2021 |archive-date=2 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302151519/https://www.gov1.com/community-development/articles/south-bend-is-enhancing-community-safety-through-massive-parks-effort-VXPRDF2YADsye8Rz/ |url-status=live }}
Under Buttigieg, South Bend invested $60 million in the city's parks, many of which had been neglected during the preceding decades. On August 23, 2017, the city's Venues Parks & Arts department first announced plans to spend $50 million on parks. It was planned that $19 million would come from private and outside funding, tax increment financing would cover $11 million, and $18 million would come from park bonds (both new and existing).{{cite web |last1=Small |first1=Taurean |title=Nearly $50 million in investment headed to South Bend Parks |url=https://www.abc57.com/news/nearly-50-million-in-investment-headed-to-south-bend-parks |website=ABC57 |publisher=WBND-LD |access-date=17 March 2021 |language=en |date=23 August 2017 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308042703/https://www.abc57.com/news/nearly-50-million-in-investment-headed-to-south-bend-parks |url-status=live }} The city ultimately secured $20 million in outside funding for parks investments, with money coming from such sources as the Indiana's Regional Cities initiative, the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, and the University of Notre Dame.{{cite web |last1=Semmler |first1=Ed Semmler |title=Lights, parks, public spaces: Trying to create 'special places' to lure people to South Bend |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/lights-parks-public-spaces-trying-to-create-special-places-to-lure-people-to-south-bend/article_3fbf35fd-47ba-5364-ad75-b2d17efa892e.html |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=17 March 2021 |language=en |date=18 April 2019 |archive-date=21 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521160138/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/lights-parks-public-spaces-trying-to-create-special-places-to-lure-people-to-south-bend/article_3fbf35fd-47ba-5364-ad75-b2d17efa892e.html |url-status=live }} Roughly one third of the investments in parks came from taxes collected from tax increment financing districts. The rest of the investment in parks came from taxes, still being collected, that had originally been created for the purposes of paying for the College Football Hall of Fame.
As part of the investment in parks, from 2018 to 2019, Howard Park, a riverfront park considered to be a centerpiece of the city's park system, underwent an $18.9 million renovation, with the city contributing part of the funding through TIF bonds, and the rest of the funding coming from donations.{{cite web |last1=Paul |first1=Maria Luisa |title=South Bend's Howard Park undergoes $18 million renovation // The Observer |url=https://ndsmcobserver.com/2019/12/south-bends-howard-park-undergoes-18-million-renovation/ |website=The Observer |access-date=17 January 2021 |language=en |date=5 December 2019 |archive-date=20 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120065423/https://ndsmcobserver.com/2019/12/south-bends-howard-park-undergoes-18-million-renovation/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=An inside look into the Howard Park redevelopment project |url=https://www.abc57.com/news/an-inside-look-into-the-howard-park-redevelopment-project |website=ABC57 |publisher=WBNC-LD |access-date=17 January 2021 |language=en |date=17 July 2019 |archive-date=24 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124130549/https://www.abc57.com/news/an-inside-look-into-the-howard-park-redevelopment-project |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Swiercz |first1=Greg Swiercz |title=Thousands welcome changes at newly renovated Howard Park |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/thousands-welcome-changes-at-newly-renovated-howard-park/article_88b20e1f-b71c-55e8-b333-97f40001e772.html |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=17 January 2021 |language=en |date=30 November 2019 |archive-date=24 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124095046/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/thousands-welcome-changes-at-newly-renovated-howard-park/article_88b20e1f-b71c-55e8-b333-97f40001e772.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Peterson |first1=Mark |title=Howard Park improvements celebrated |url=https://www.wndu.com/content/news/Howard-Park-improvements-celebrated-565621651.html |website=www.wndu.com |publisher=WNDU-TV |access-date=25 August 2021 |language=en |date=29 November 2019}} Howard Park's renovation was the largest expenditure of the city's park improvements. Other investments in parks included a $4.5 expansion and renovation of the Charles Black Community Center, a $900,000 renovation of the clubhouse at the Erskine Park Golf Course, and $2 million in improvements to bathrooms and playgrounds at 40 neighborhood parks. By the spring of 2019, multi-million dollar upgrades were planned for the city's trail system, as well as Leeper, Pinhook, and Pulaski parks.{{cite web |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff |title=South Bend seeks broader use of Erskine Golf Course clubhouse |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-seeks-broader-use-of-erskine-golf-course-clubhouse/article_7616d751-7a68-546d-a34a-51f167a47c38.html |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=18 March 2021 |language=en |date=4 April 2019 |archive-date=21 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521160152/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-seeks-broader-use-of-erskine-golf-course-clubhouse/article_7616d751-7a68-546d-a34a-51f167a47c38.html |url-status=live }}
Buttigieg made a request in his 2018 budget proposal for $24 million to fund new green spaces in the city that was ultimately excluded from the budget.
Buttigieg had arranged a deal under which the city's parks department would sell Elbel Golf Course to developers for $747,500.{{cite web |last1=Blasko |first1=Erin |title=South Bend drops bid to sell Elbel Golf Course |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-drops-bid-to-sell-elbel-golf-course/article_53c90842-c6c2-11e5-986f-db91d0b2b612.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 17, 2019 |date=January 30, 2016 |archive-date=November 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117082229/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-drops-bid-to-sell-elbel-golf-course/article_53c90842-c6c2-11e5-986f-db91d0b2b612.html |url-status=live }} In January 2016, amid public pressure, the city dropped the plan. The idea had been floated in 2014, when the city was exploring selling the Blackthorn golf course, but began to gain momentum in 2015.{{cite web |last1=Crenshaw |first1=Zac |title=Elbel sale possible in the future |url=https://wsbt.com/news/local/elbel-sale-possible-in-the-future |publisher=WSBT-TV |access-date=November 17, 2019 |date=March 3, 2015 |archive-date=November 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117082231/https://wsbt.com/news/local/elbel-sale-possible-in-the-future |url-status=live }} Buttigieg had justified the plan to sell the city-owned golf course by claiming that residents found golf to be a low priority, that the course had failed to turn a profit for over five years, and that the city was subsidizing rounds of golf at about $2 per round. Buttigieg characterized the course as a drain on the city's finances.{{cite web |last1=Small |first1=Taurean |title=South Bend Mayor: Elbel Park is a drain on city funds |url=https://www.abc57.com/news/south-bend-mayor-elbel-park-is-a-drain-on-city-funds |website=ABC57 |publisher=WBND-LD |access-date=November 17, 2019 |date=February 4, 2016 |archive-date=November 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117082230/https://www.abc57.com/news/south-bend-mayor-elbel-park-is-a-drain-on-city-funds |url-status=live }} Opposition arose, with concerns that the sale would limit public access to the land and endanger the protection of wetlands surrounding it.{{cite web |last1=Blasko |first1=Erin |title=Who is 'Elbel for Everyone'? |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/who-is-elbel-for-everyone/article_119bf6bb-f610-5681-ade2-3d9f17902176.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 17, 2019 |date=February 2, 2016 |archive-date=November 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117082228/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/who-is-elbel-for-everyone/article_119bf6bb-f610-5681-ade2-3d9f17902176.html |url-status=live }} At {{convert|313|acre}},{{cite web |last1=Blasko |first1=Erin |title=Group wants Parks Board to withdraw support for Elbel Golf Course sale |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/group-wants-parks-board-to-withdraw-support-for-elbel-golf/article_95116d81-344a-50f7-95cb-91b9344a443a.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 17, 2019 |date=January 20, 2016 |archive-date=November 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117082229/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/group-wants-parks-board-to-withdraw-support-for-elbel-golf/article_95116d81-344a-50f7-95cb-91b9344a443a.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Vivian |first1=Krystal |title=Potential sale of Elbel golf course could be decided in the fall |url=https://www.953mnc.com/2015/07/28/pete-buttigieg/ |website=95.3 MNC |publisher=WTRC-FM |access-date=November 17, 2019 |date=July 28, 2015 |archive-date=November 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117082228/https://www.953mnc.com/2015/07/28/pete-buttigieg/ |url-status=live }} Elbel is the largest park in the city's park system.{{cite web |last1=Klee |first1=Ricky |title=Viewpoint: Diversity has fallen in Mayor Pete Buttigieg's administration |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/opinion/viewpoint/viewpoint-diversity-has-fallen-in-mayor-pete-buttigieg-s-administration/article_3dbd0df8-385b-5e0a-9486-d561e1e57ba6.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 17, 2019 |date=July 22, 2017 |archive-date=October 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020213537/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/opinion/viewpoint/viewpoint-diversity-has-fallen-in-mayor-pete-buttigieg-s-administration/article_3dbd0df8-385b-5e0a-9486-d561e1e57ba6.html |url-status=live }} While owned by the city, it is located outside of city boundaries. The original plan Buttigieg outlined for the sale would have allowed it to be developed freely by the buyer.
=Police and fire services=
In late September 2017, in his budget proposal for the 2020 fiscal year, Buttigieg sought Common Council approval to create the new position of Director of Public Safety, which would have oversight over the city's fire and police chiefs.{{cite web |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff |title=South Bend mayor wants new public safety director position |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/publicsafety/south-bend-mayor-wants-new-public-safety-director-position/article_0daf60df-c364-58ba-860d-d8098d57ee3d.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 12, 2019 |date=September 29, 2019 |archive-date=November 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112022014/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/publicsafety/south-bend-mayor-wants-new-public-safety-director-position/article_0daf60df-c364-58ba-860d-d8098d57ee3d.html |url-status=live }} Such a position had existed in South Bend during the mayoralties of Jerry Miller and Peter Nemeth; Nemeth eliminated the position in 1976. Buttigieg's budget proposal for the 2018 fiscal year earmarked $105,000 for the position's salary, which was more than the salary of the fire chief or police chief at the time.{{cite web |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff |title=South Bend police oppose mayor's request to create new public safety director position |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/publicsafety/south-bend-police-oppose-mayor-s-request-to-create-new/article_fb14dd00-2b7e-5bc0-9deb-efd8b0c37239.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 12, 2019 |date=October 3, 2017 |archive-date=November 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112022015/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/publicsafety/south-bend-police-oppose-mayor-s-request-to-create-new/article_fb14dd00-2b7e-5bc0-9deb-efd8b0c37239.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Cardone |first1=Jen |title=Mayor Pete Buttigieg discusses possible new safety director position |url=https://www.wndu.com/content/news/Mayor-Pete-Buttigieg-discusses-possible-new-safety-director-position-449527313.html |publisher=WNDU-TV |access-date=November 12, 2019 |date=October 5, 2017 |archive-date=November 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112022012/https://www.wndu.com/content/news/Mayor-Pete-Buttigieg-discusses-possible-new-safety-director-position-449527313.html |url-status=live }} The plan was opposed by members of the fire and police forces, including the local Fraternal Order of Police lodge. Criticisms included claims that it was unfair to both the fire and police chiefs to create an additional layer of bureaucracy between them and the mayor. The Common Council rejected Buttigieg's proposal,{{cite web |last1=Lewis |first1=Max |title=Buttigieg, South Bend FOP at odds over the mayor's proposed public safety division |url=https://wsbt.com/news/local/buttigieg-south-bend-fop-at-odds-over-the-mayors-proposed-public-safety-division |publisher=WSBT-TV |access-date=November 12, 2019 |date=September 25, 2019 |archive-date=September 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930190251/https://wsbt.com/news/local/buttigieg-south-bend-fop-at-odds-over-the-mayors-proposed-public-safety-division |url-status=live }} and he rescinded the request.{{cite web |title=South Bend Council approves $368M city budget for 2019 |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-council-approves-m-city-budget-for/article_c845217e-4497-5539-9399-02b0fdeea76a.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 12, 2019 |date=October 9, 2018 |archive-date=November 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112180844/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-council-approves-m-city-budget-for/article_c845217e-4497-5539-9399-02b0fdeea76a.html |url-status=live }} In late October 2019, it was announced that the South Bend Mayor's Office would have a slightly different new division, the Division of Community Initiatives.{{cite web |last1=Connin |first1=Katlin |title=South Bend adding brand-new division to the mayor's office |url=https://wsbt.com/news/local/south-bend-adding-brand-new-division-to-the-mayors-office |publisher=WBST-TV |access-date=November 4, 2019 |date=October 28, 2019 |archive-date=November 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104022746/https://wsbt.com/news/local/south-bend-adding-brand-new-division-to-the-mayors-office |url-status=live }} This was budgeted to be launched in 2020, when Buttigieg's successor would take office. Buttigieg supported this department's creation.
In September 2018, South Bend sent roughly 20 members of its fire department's Swift Water Rescue Group to Raleigh, North Carolina, to assist in anticipation of Hurricane Florence.{{cite web |title=Mayor Pete Buttigieg talks city budget, 9/11 anniversary |url=https://www.wndu.com/content/news/South-Bend-Mayor--493041261.html |publisher=WNDU-TV |access-date=November 12, 2019 |date=September 12, 2018 |archive-date=November 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112181707/https://www.wndu.com/content/news/South-Bend-Mayor--493041261.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Hand |first1=Tackora |title=Indiana National Guard trains for disaster response |url=https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/Article/1998425/indiana-national-guard-trains-for-disaster-response/ |publisher=United States National Guard |access-date=November 12, 2019 |date=October 25, 2019 |archive-date=November 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112181712/https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/Article/1998425/indiana-national-guard-trains-for-disaster-response/ |url-status=live }}
File:Black Lives Matter Rally 20200605089 (49975834367).jpg
In June 2019, after Eric Logan, an African American man, was shot and killed by a white South Bend police officer, Buttigieg was drawn from his presidential campaign to focus on the emerging public reaction. Body cameras were not turned on during Logan's death.{{cite news |first1=Trip |last1=Gabriel |first2=Richard A. Jr. |last2=Oppel |date=August 30, 2019 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/30/us/politics/pete-buttigieg-south-bend-police.html |title=Pete Buttigieg Was Rising. Then Came South Bend's Policing Crisis. |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=January 8, 2021 |archive-date=January 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109194732/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/30/us/politics/pete-buttigieg-south-bend-police.html |url-status=live }} Soon after Logan's death, Buttigieg presided over a town hall attended by disaffected activists from the African-American community as well as relatives of the deceased man. The local police union accused Buttigieg of making decisions for political gain.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/24/us/politics/pete-buttigieg-south-bend-shooting.html |title=A New Test for Pete Buttigieg: Does He Feel Their Pain? |work=The New York Times |date=June 24, 2019 |access-date=June 25, 2019 |first1=Trip |last1=Gabriel |first2=Reid J. |last2=Epstein |archive-date=June 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624222457/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/24/us/politics/pete-buttigieg-south-bend-shooting.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/south-bend-police-union-slams-buttigieg |title=South Bend police union slams Buttigieg over response to police shooting of black man |work=Fox News |date=June 25, 2019 |access-date=June 25, 2019 |first1=Paul |last1=Steinhauser |first2=Andres |last2=del Aguila |archive-date=June 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190625201504/https://www.foxnews.com/politics/south-bend-police-union-slams-buttigieg |url-status=live }} Buttigieg, in the aftermath of the shooting, promised to give the city's police officers de-escalation training and to advocate for stronger discipline and accountability to be enforced by the police department on its officers.{{cite web |last1=Hicks |first1=Justin |title=At South Bend Peacemaker Summit, Buttigieg Pledges $350K For Violence Prevention |url=https://www.wvpe.org/post/south-bend-peacemaker-summit-buttigieg-pledges-350k-violence-prevention |website=www.wvpe.org |publisher=WVPE |access-date=17 January 2021 |language=en |date=7 October 2019 |archive-date=21 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121051524/https://www.wvpe.org/post/south-bend-peacemaker-summit-buttigieg-pledges-350k-violence-prevention |url-status=live }} He also directed the police chief to order all of the city's police officers to keep their body cameras activated during all on-duty interactions with civilians.{{cite web |last1=Merica |first1=Dan |title=Buttigieg, amid a trying week, changes police department policy on body cameras {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/18/politics/buttigieg-police-department-body-cameras-shooting/index.html |website=CNN |access-date=25 August 2021 |language=en |date=19 June 2019}}{{cite news |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/pete-buttigieg-south-bend-police-cameras_n_5d09828fe4b0e560b70b0e1b |last1=Russo |first1=Carla Herreria |title=Pete Buttigieg Orders South Bend Police To Keep Body Cameras Activated |work=HuffPost|date=18 June 2019}} In November 2019, Buttigieg secured $180,000 to commission a review of South Bend's police department policies and practices to be conducted by Chicago-based consulting firm 21CP Solutions.{{cite web |last1=Mazurek |first1=Marek |title=Reactions varied at latest community meeting about South Bend Police |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/publicsafety/some-at-latest-community-meeting-about-south-bend-police-feel/article_0ba4749a-ca9b-593e-9830-698f8be75ebd.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 16, 2019 |date=November 9, 2019 |archive-date=November 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116023611/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/publicsafety/some-at-latest-community-meeting-about-south-bend-police-feel/article_0ba4749a-ca9b-593e-9830-698f8be75ebd.html |url-status=live }}
To address violence in the city, in the 2020 budget, Buttigieg and the Common Council set aside $300,000 in violence prevention grants.{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Maura |title=South Bend Alive grant program recipients announced |url=https://www.abc57.com/news/south-bend-alive-grant-program-recipients-announced |website=ABC57 |publisher=WBND-LD |access-date=7 February 2021 |language=en |date=28 January 2021 |archive-date=5 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205020919/https://www.abc57.com/news/south-bend-alive-grant-program-recipients-announced |url-status=live }}
During Buttigieg's second term, the city's police force continued to struggle with a high homicide count: 14 in 2016, 15 in 2017, and 13 in 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.abc57.com/news/south-bend-murder-count-remains-steady-under-buttigiegs-watch|title=South Bend's murder count remains in double digits under most of Buttigieg's watch|newspaper=WBND-LD|date=April 14, 2019|access-date=January 8, 2021|archive-date=January 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110234045/https://www.abc57.com/news/south-bend-murder-count-remains-steady-under-buttigiegs-watch|url-status=live}}
During Buttigieg's mayoralty through 2019, the overall crime rate in the city decreased, largely due to a decline in some categories of property crime since 2012. However, the homicide and robbery rates remained roughly the same, and reports of assaults and motor vehicle theft saw large increases. While Buttigieg had attempted to address gun violence as mayor, the rate of shootings did not decline.{{cite web |last1=Tribune |first1=Christian Sheckler South Bend |title=Fewer crimes reported in South Bend but shootings linger as fears remain for some |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/publicsafety/fewer-crimes-reported-in-south-bend-but-shootings-linger-as-fears-remain-for-some/article_e6a6368d-5887-5131-8643-0dfdb21f278c.html |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=18 March 2021 |language=en |date=19 April 2021 |archive-date=21 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121144600/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/publicsafety/fewer-crimes-reported-in-south-bend-but-shootings-linger-as-fears-remain-for-some/article_e6a6368d-5887-5131-8643-0dfdb21f278c.html |url-status=live }}
During a June 2019 Democratic presidential debate, Buttigieg said, "I couldn't get it done" when remarking on his inability as mayor to recruit a diversified police force. By the time he left office, the number of black officers on the police force of roughly 230 officers had fallen by half of what it had been when he took office to only fifteen.{{cite web |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff Parrott |last2=Sheckler |first2=Christian |title=Pete Buttigieg took big swings and declared 'South Bend is back.' Is it really back? |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/pete-buttigieg-took-big-swings-and-declared-south-bend-is/article_2286b06e-20f4-11ea-8019-a74f23b4942f.html |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=18 March 2021 |language=en |date=30 December 2020 |archive-date=24 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224005537/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/pete-buttigieg-took-big-swings-and-declared-south-bend-is/article_2286b06e-20f4-11ea-8019-a74f23b4942f.html |url-status=live }}
=Other matters=
In 2016, Buttigieg signed an executive order helping to establish a recognized city identification card. The program is run in partnership with the nonprofit La Casa de Amistad, which produces the ID cards. A December 2016 executive order signed by Buttigieg required police, schools and other government services recognize the cards as a valid form of identification.{{cite web |title=City of South Bend, Indiana EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 02-2016 |url=http://docs.southbendin.gov/weblink/0/edoc/118240/Executive%20Order%202-2016%20Establishment%20of%20a%20City-Recognized%20Identification%20Program.pdf |publisher=City of South Bend, Indiana |access-date=24 December 2020 |date=16 December 2016 |archive-date=10 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110234047/http://docs.southbendin.gov/weblink/0/edoc/118240/Executive%20Order%202-2016%20Establishment%20of%20a%20City-Recognized%20Identification%20Program.pdf |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Lucas |first1=Fred |title=Biden's pick Buttigieg agrees to look for emails related to ID card program for illegal immigrants |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/buttigieg-email-lawsuit-id-card-program-illegal-immigrants |website=Fox News |access-date=24 December 2020 |date=23 December 2020 |archive-date=23 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223230117/https://www.foxnews.com/politics/buttigieg-email-lawsuit-id-card-program-illegal-immigrants |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Edelman |first1=Adam |title=Buttigieg's big accomplishment that he never mentions on the campaign trail |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/buttigieg-s-big-accomplishment-he-never-mentions-campaign-trail-n1015251 |website=NBC News |access-date=21 January 2021 |language=en |date=8 June 2019 |archive-date=21 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121214014/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/buttigieg-s-big-accomplishment-he-never-mentions-campaign-trail-n1015251 |url-status=live }} The program formally launched later that month.{{cite web |last1=Porter |first1=Joel |title=South Bend launches city ID program |url=https://www.wndu.com/content/news/South-Bend-launches-city-ID-program-406933405.html |website=www.wndu.com |publisher=WNDU |access-date=25 December 2020 |language=en |date=15 December 2016 |archive-date=28 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128104043/https://www.wndu.com/content/news/South-Bend-launches-city-ID-program-406933405.html |url-status=live }} Many immigration advocates praised the program's approach for protecting undocumented immigrants.{{cite web |last1=Edelman |first1=Adam |title=Buttigieg campaign slams lawsuit against South Bend program aiding undocumented immigrants |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/buttigieg-campaign-slams-lawsuit-against-south-bend-program-aiding-undocumented-n1040116 |website=NBC News |access-date=21 January 2021 |language=en |date=21 January 2021 |archive-date=21 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121214009/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/buttigieg-campaign-slams-lawsuit-against-south-bend-program-aiding-undocumented-n1040116 |url-status=live }} In August 2019, Judicial Watch launched litigation arguing that, by not disclosing staff emails related to the program, the City of South Bend was acting in violation of Indiana's Access to Public Records Act.{{cite web |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff |title=Conservative group Judicial Watch sues South Bend over immigrant ID card records |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/politics/conservative-group-judicial-watch-sues-south-bend-over-immigrant-id/article_a80a5262-ec06-5a5d-a243-b61d14d704dd.html |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=21 January 2021 |language=en |date=9 August 2019 |archive-date=21 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121214012/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/politics/conservative-group-judicial-watch-sues-south-bend-over-immigrant-id/article_a80a5262-ec06-5a5d-a243-b61d14d704dd.html |url-status=live }} In the city's 2019 mayoral election, both the Democratic and Republican mayoral nominees voiced their support for retaining this program.{{cite web |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff |title=Democrat James Mueller, Republican Sean Haas square off in only South Bend mayoral race debate |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/politics/democrat-james-mueller-republican-sean-haas-square-off-in-only/article_183335da-f01e-5bbe-828f-a929509a2505.html |publisher=South Bend Tribune |access-date=18 October 2019 |date=2 October 2019 |archive-date=18 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018033213/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/politics/democrat-james-mueller-republican-sean-haas-square-off-in-only/article_183335da-f01e-5bbe-828f-a929509a2505.html |url-status=live }}
Buttigieg's budget proposal for the 2018 fiscal year included $156,000 for paid parental leave to city employees.Multiple sources:
- {{cite web |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff |title=Buttigieg seeks new paid parental leave benefit for city of South Bend employees |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/buttigieg-seeks-new-paid-parental-leave-benefit-for-city-of/article_f00804ae-1baf-5cbc-b274-efd551a7be3a.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 19, 2019 |language=en |date=September 15, 2017 |archive-date=October 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191010132229/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/buttigieg-seeks-new-paid-parental-leave-benefit-for-city-of/article_f00804ae-1baf-5cbc-b274-efd551a7be3a.html |url-status=live }}
- {{cite web |title=Buttigieg proposes paid parental leave for South Bend city employees |url=https://www.wndu.com/content/news/Buttigieg-proposes-paid-parental-leave-for-South-Bend-city-employees-444454133.html |publisher=WNDU-TV |access-date=November 19, 2019 |language=en |date=September 14, 2017 |archive-date=December 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214023301/https://www.wndu.com/content/news/Buttigieg-proposes-paid-parental-leave-for-South-Bend-city-employees-444454133.html |url-status=live }}
- {{cite web |title=Buttigieg Proposes Paid Parental Leave |url=https://southbendin.gov/2017/09/14/buttigieg-proposes-paid-parental-leave/ |newspaper=South Bend, Indiana |access-date=November 19, 2019 |archive-date=February 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223135718/https://southbendin.gov/2017/09/14/buttigieg-proposes-paid-parental-leave/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=City of South Bend offers new paid parental leave policy starting this year |url=https://wsbt.com/news/local/city-of-south-bend-offers-new-paid-parental-leave-policy-starting-this-year |website=WSBT |access-date=19 January 2021 |date=8 January 2018 |archive-date=10 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110153418/https://wsbt.com/news/local/city-of-south-bend-offers-new-paid-parental-leave-policy-starting-this-year |url-status=live }} He was successful in this effort.
Buttigieg had expressed his openness to a proposal by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians to open a tribal casino in South Bend.{{cite web |last1=Blasko |first1=Erin |title=South Bend council approves casino deal |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-council-approves-casino-deal/article_af188ea4-004f-11e6-b5f9-cf98677cd204.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 17, 2019 |date=April 12, 2016 |archive-date=November 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117205246/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-council-approves-casino-deal/article_af188ea4-004f-11e6-b5f9-cf98677cd204.html |url-status=live }} The Common Council approved a casino deal in April 2016, and the Pokagon Band received federal clearance to put the land into a required trust in November 2016.{{cite web |last1=Beckett |first1=Samantha |title=South Bend Casino Puts Gambling Next to America's Most Distinguished Catholic University |url=https://www.casino.org/news/south-bend-casino-next-to-distinguished-catholic-university/ |publisher=Casino.org |access-date=November 17, 2019 |date=November 28, 2016 |archive-date=November 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117205247/https://www.casino.org/news/south-bend-casino-next-to-distinguished-catholic-university/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Ropeik |first1=Annie |title=Michiana Tribe Gets Land Trust Approval For South Bend Casino |url=https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/michiana-tribe-gets-land-trust-approval-for-south-bend-casino |publisher=WFYI (TV) |access-date=November 17, 2019 |date=November 30, 2016 |archive-date=November 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117205247/https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/michiana-tribe-gets-land-trust-approval-for-south-bend-casino |url-status=live }} Under a revenue-sharing agreement that the Pokagon Band voluntarily entered into with the city, the city receives the greater of 2% of the casino's annual Class II gaming revenues or either $1 million or $2 million (depending on the number of games at the casino).{{cite web |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff |title=Table games, sports betting and expansion coming to South Bend's Four Winds Casino? |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/table-games-sports-betting-and-expansion-coming-to-south-bend/article_392ad128-1894-590b-b956-93fe1ec06d28.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 17, 2019 |date=September 10, 2019 |archive-date=November 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117205248/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/table-games-sports-betting-and-expansion-coming-to-south-bend/article_392ad128-1894-590b-b956-93fe1ec06d28.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=City, agencies celebrate first local agreement distributions from Pokagon Band |url=http://www.pokagonband-nsn.gov/cultural-highlight/city-agencies-celebrate-first-local-agreement-distributions-pokagon-band |publisher=Pokégnek Bodéwadmik (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117205254/http://www.pokagonband-nsn.gov/cultural-highlight/city-agencies-celebrate-first-local-agreement-distributions-pokagon-band |archive-date=17 November 2019 }}{{cite web |last1=Allen |first1=Kevin |title=South Bend, Pokagon Band reach agreements related to casino project |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-pokagon-band-reach-agreements-related-to-casino-project/article_6e2f14f6-f0fc-11e5-bf0b-4bf1365a3744.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 17, 2019 |date=March 24, 2016 |archive-date=November 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117205243/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-pokagon-band-reach-agreements-related-to-casino-project/article_6e2f14f6-f0fc-11e5-bf0b-4bf1365a3744.html |url-status=live }} The casino opened in January 2018 as Four Winds South Bend.{{cite web |title=Indian tribe with 3 Michigan casinos opens 1st in Indiana |url=https://apnews.com/63622de7d4f74232873686312f6e5568 |publisher=Associated Press |access-date=November 17, 2019 |date=January 16, 2018 |archive-date=November 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117205243/https://apnews.com/63622de7d4f74232873686312f6e5568 |url-status=live }}
Buttigieg had the mayor's office commission a report to analyze racial economic inequality in the city. The report, dubbed the "Prosperity Now Report" was finished in 2017, and documented the existence of a pronounced racial wealth gap in the city.{{cite web |last1=Bend |first1=Charlotte Alter/ |title=Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s Unlikely, Untested, Unprecedented Presidential Campaign |url=https://time.com/5581289/pete-buttigieg-2020/ |website=Time magazine |access-date=2 June 2025 |language=en |date=2 May 2019}}
In 2018, Women's Care Center, a crisis pregnancy center chain, petitioned the city to rezone a residential property where they sought to open a location. This location would be adjacent to a planned Whole Woman's Health abortion clinic (which would be the only abortion clinic in the city, which had been without one since 2015).{{cite web |last1=Endicott |first1=Marisa |title="Beyond My Pay Grade": When Pete Buttigieg Had a Chance to Stand Firm on Abortion Rights, He Dodged |url=https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2019/06/pete-buttigieg-abortion-clinic-south-bend-whole-womans-health-crisis/ |work=Mother Jones |access-date=November 16, 2019 |date=June 13, 2019 |archive-date=November 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116032610/https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2019/06/pete-buttigieg-abortion-clinic-south-bend-whole-womans-health-crisis/ |url-status=live }} The rezoning case became a flashpoint between local anti-abortion activists supporting the rezoning and abortion-rights activists opposing it. In April 2018, the city council voted 5–4 to allow the rezoning. The group Pro Choice South Bend, which opposed the rezoning, organized a letter-writing campaign and other efforts to urge Buttigieg to use his veto power to block the rezoning.{{cite web |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff |title=Pro-abortion rights group urging South Bend mayor to veto anti-abortion group's rezoning |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/pro-abortion-rights-group-urging-south-bend-mayor-to-veto/article_ec97b871-0625-5d76-b4b8-268fe5af64a1.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 16, 2019 |date=April 25, 2018 |archive-date=November 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116032620/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/pro-abortion-rights-group-urging-south-bend-mayor-to-veto/article_ec97b871-0625-5d76-b4b8-268fe5af64a1.html |url-status=live }} Amid this, Buttigieg's office reportedly reached out to Whole Woman's Health Alliance and discussed various concerns. Four days after the Common Council's vote to approve the rezoning, Buttigieg vetoed it, in a decision he described as "one of the hardest decisions I've ever made" as mayor. In a letter to Common Council members, Buttigieg said he was persuaded by data provided by the abortion clinic showing that, at abortion clinics near crisis pregnancy centers, there were greater rates of harassment, threats, and violence. Buttigieg was careful not to criticize the crisis pregnancy center, writing that he believed that representatives of both the abortion clinic and the crisis pregnancy center "are good residents who seek to support women by providing services consistent with their values." In a press conference he held to explain his veto, he declared, "Issues on the morality or the legality of abortion are dramatically beyond my pay grade as mayor. For us this is a neighborhood issue, and it's a zoning issue." In mid-May 2018, Buttigieg said he was willing to work with Women's Care Center to find a different location in the area. Women's Care Center eventually opened at a location across the street from the planned abortion clinic. When Buttigieg ran for president, some criticized his assistance to Women's Care Center as a failure to stick strongly to his abortion-rights position.
Also in 2018, Buttigieg explored annexing several areas bordering the city and redrawing the boundaries of several of the city's tax increment financing districts to better serve neighborhoods that had not benefited from redevelopment.{{cite web |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff |title=South Bend looks for growth beyond and within its borders |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-looks-for-growth-beyond-and-within-its-borders/article_a323a9f9-06cb-5449-989f-d2e8a278499a.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=October 29, 2019 |date=June 3, 2018 |archive-date=October 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029031910/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-looks-for-growth-beyond-and-within-its-borders/article_a323a9f9-06cb-5449-989f-d2e8a278499a.html |url-status=live }}
File:Potawatomi Zoo front entrance.jpg.]]
In August 2018, South Bend pledged a $3.7 million bond issue to assist the Potawatomi Zoo in funding its renovations.{{cite web |last1=Bauer |first1=Caleb |title=City of South Bend plans to help pay for zoo projects |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/city-of-south-bend-plans-to-help-pay-for-zoo/article_28c8b887-fa47-547b-9240-bc337b3f2efb.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 16, 2019 |date=August 10, 2018 |archive-date=November 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116054324/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/city-of-south-bend-plans-to-help-pay-for-zoo/article_28c8b887-fa47-547b-9240-bc337b3f2efb.html |url-status=live }} In September, it was announced that the zoo renovation had obtained additional funding from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation's Regional Cities Initiative.{{cite web |title=Indiana's Oldest Zoo to Undergo Major Upgrade |url=https://www.buildingindiana.com/indianas-oldest-zoo-to-undergoing-major-upgrade/ |publisher=Building Indiana |access-date=November 16, 2019 |date=September 16, 2018 |archive-date=November 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116054328/https://www.buildingindiana.com/indianas-oldest-zoo-to-undergoing-major-upgrade/ |url-status=live }}
In August 2018, Buttigieg declared an intent to include a focus on neighborhoods in his budget proposal for the 2019 fiscal year.{{cite web |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff |title=South Bend mayor focuses 2019 budget on neighborhoods |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-mayor-focuses-budget-on-neighborhoods/article_4afcdb6e-6ab5-59e2-8b7f-914f3b49315e.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 12, 2019 |date=August 2, 2018 |archive-date=November 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112180847/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-mayor-focuses-budget-on-neighborhoods/article_4afcdb6e-6ab5-59e2-8b7f-914f3b49315e.html |url-status=live }} In addition to improvements to infrastructure, such as streetlights, Buttigieg also promoted the expansion of the city's Group Violence Intervention efforts, which he believed were showing success at reducing violent crime among the city's youth. The Common Council approved many of Buttigieg's requests in its 2019 budget.
==Succession as mayor==
In December 2018, Buttigieg announced that he would not seek a third term as mayor of South Bend.{{cite news|url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/pete-buttigieg-will-not-seek-a-third-term-as-south/article_0399eb60-365a-5f18-b98c-de8cc9010831.html|title=Pete Buttigieg will not seek a third term as South Bend mayor|first=Jeff|last=Parrott|date=December 18, 2018|work=South Bend Tribune|access-date=January 8, 2021|archive-date=January 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110034714/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/pete-buttigieg-will-not-seek-a-third-term-as-south/article_0399eb60-365a-5f18-b98c-de8cc9010831.html|url-status=live}} In February 2019, Buttigieg endorsed James Mueller in the 2019 South Bend mayoral election.{{cite web |title=South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg endorses James Mueller as his pick to replace him |url=https://wsbt.com/news/local/south-bend-mayor-pete-buttigieg-endorses-james-mueller-as-his-pick-to-replace-him |publisher=WSBT-TV |access-date=October 24, 2019 |date=February 11, 2019 |archive-date=October 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024034716/https://wsbt.com/news/local/south-bend-mayor-pete-buttigieg-endorses-james-mueller-as-his-pick-to-replace-him |url-status=live }} Mueller was a high-school classmate of Buttigieg's and his mayoral chief of staff, and later executive director of the South Bend Department of Community Investment. Mueller's campaign promised to continue the progress that had been made under Buttigieg's mayoralty.{{cite web |last1=Hudson |first1=Melissa |title=Primary election: James Mueller wins Democratic nomination for South Bend mayor |url=https://www.abc57.com/news/primary-election-south-bend-mayoral-race |website=ABC 57 |publisher=WBND-LD |access-date=May 23, 2019 |date=May 7, 2019 |archive-date=May 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509021151/https://www.abc57.com/news/primary-election-south-bend-mayoral-race |url-status=live }} Buttigieg appeared in campaign ads for Mueller and donated to Mueller's campaign.{{cite web |last1=Becker |first1=Lauren |title=Slew of Democrats hoping to replace Buttigieg busy fundraising, mobilizing voters |url=https://wsbt.com/news/local/slew-of-democrats-hoping-to-replace-buttigieg-busy-fundraising-mobilizing-voters |publisher=WSBT |access-date=May 27, 2019 |date=May 2, 2019 |archive-date=May 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527042317/https://wsbt.com/news/local/slew-of-democrats-hoping-to-replace-buttigieg-busy-fundraising-mobilizing-voters |url-status=live }} Mueller won the May 2019 Democratic primary with 37% of the vote in a crowded field.{{cite web|title=2019 Primary Election: Official Results|url=https://www.sjcindiana.com/1647/2019-Primary-Election|publisher=St. Joseph County, Indiana|access-date=2021-01-08|archive-date=2021-01-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110075257/https://www.sjcindiana.com/1647/2019-Primary-Election|url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff |title=James Mueller rolls to victory in South Bend mayoral primary |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/elections/james-mueller-rolls-to-victory-in-south-bend-mayoral-primary/article_4139cab3-c713-5d9c-be70-7387ef7b806d.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=May 23, 2019 |date=May 8, 2019 |archive-date=May 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508132401/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/elections/james-mueller-rolls-to-victory-in-south-bend-mayoral-primary/article_4139cab3-c713-5d9c-be70-7387ef7b806d.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Top Buttigieg Aide Wins South Bend Mayoral Primary |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-05-08/top-buttigieg-mayoral-aide-wins-primary-to-lead-indiana-city |access-date=October 24, 2019 |work=Bloomberg News |agency=Associated Press |date=May 8, 2019 |archive-date=October 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024035305/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-05-08/top-buttigieg-mayoral-aide-wins-primary-to-lead-indiana-city |url-status=live }} In the November 2019 general election, Mueller defeated Republican nominee Sean M. Haas with 63% of the vote.{{cite web|title=Election Summary Report: General Election, Tuesday, November 5, 2019|url=https://www.sjcindiana.com/DocumentCenter/View/28489/2019-General-Election-Summary---Unofficial|publisher=St. Joseph County, Indiana|access-date=January 8, 2021|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111192428/https://www.sjcindiana.com/DocumentCenter/View/28489/2019-General-Election-Summary---Unofficial|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Democrat James Mueller voted as South Bend's next mayor |url=https://wsbt.com/news/local/democrat-james-mueller-voted-as-south-bends-next-mayor |publisher=WSBT-TV |access-date=November 6, 2019 |date=November 5, 2019 |archive-date=November 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106021430/https://wsbt.com/news/local/democrat-james-mueller-voted-as-south-bends-next-mayor |url-status=live }} Mueller took office on New Year's Day 2020.
In 2020, the website "Best Cities" ranked South Bend number 39 on its list of the 100 best small cities in the United States, giving much credit to the progress made under Buttigieg.{{cite web |title=Americas Best Small Cities |url=https://www.bestcities.org/rankings/americas-best-small-cities/ |website=Best Cities |access-date=28 November 2020 |date=2020 |archive-date=27 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127132730/https://www.bestcities.org/rankings/americas-best-small-cities/ |url-status=live }}
==Speculations about higher office and national political involvement==
During his second term, Buttieig began to involve himself in national politics. In the United States Senate election in Indiana he campaigned on behalf of Democratic Senate nominee Evan Bayh{{cite web |title=ICYMI: 'Evan Bayh Made Indiana Great Again' |date=4 October 2016 |url=https://www.indems.org/icymi-evan-bayh-made-indiana-great-again/ |publisher=Indiana Democratic Party |access-date=October 26, 2019 |archive-date=26 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191026022446/http://www.indems.org/icymi-evan-bayh-made-indiana-great-again/ |url-status=live }} and criticized Bayh's opponent, Todd Young, for having voiced support in 2010 for retaining the military's don't ask, don't tell policy, which Bayh had voted to repeal.{{cite web |last1=Allen |first1=Kevin |title=Buttigieg gets involved in Senate race, draws attention to 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/elections/buttigieg-gets-involved-in-senate-race-draws-attention-to-don/article_2ea1d2ce-7f8b-11e6-b552-87cd6284d82e.html |newspaper=South Bend Tribune |access-date=October 26, 2019 |date=September 21, 2016 |archive-date=October 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191026022446/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/elections/buttigieg-gets-involved-in-senate-race-draws-attention-to-don/article_2ea1d2ce-7f8b-11e6-b552-87cd6284d82e.html |url-status=live }} In the 2016 Democratic presidential primaries, Buttigieg endorsed Hillary Clinton.{{cite web |last1=Strauss |first1=Daniel |title=Sanders seeks to end his free fall |url=https://www.politico.com/story/2016/05/indiana-sanders-clinton-222687 |website=Politico |access-date=October 26, 2019 |date=May 2, 2016 |archive-date=October 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191026022444/https://www.politico.com/story/2016/05/indiana-sanders-clinton-222687 |url-status=live }} However, his endorsement came relatively late into the primaries.{{cite web |last1=Martin |first1=Jonathan |title=Indiana Mayor Running for D.N.C. Chairman |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/05/us/pete-buttigieg-democratic-national-committee-chairman-race.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=4 March 2024 |date=5 January 2017}} He also endorsed Democratic nominee Lynn Coleman in that year's election for Indiana's 2nd congressional district, which includes South Bend.{{cite web |title=DCCC Chair Luján Names Lynn Coleman to Emerging Races |url=https://dccc.org/dccc-chair-lujan-names-lynn-coleman-emerging-races/ |publisher=Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee |access-date=October 26, 2019 |date=September 23, 2016 |archive-date=October 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191026022445/https://dccc.org/dccc-chair-lujan-names-lynn-coleman-emerging-races/ |url-status=live }}
In 2016, columnist Frank Bruni of The New York Times published a column praising Buttigieg's work as mayor, with a headline asking speculating whether Buttigieg might one day become "the first gay president".{{cite news |first=Frank |last=Bruni |title=The First Gay President? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/12/opinion/sunday/the-first-gay-president.html |work=The New York Times |date=June 11, 2016 |access-date=July 18, 2017 |archive-date=August 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817123356/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/12/opinion/sunday/the-first-gay-president.html |url-status=live }} Additionally, Barack Obama was cited as mentioning him as one of the Democratic Party's talents in a November 2016 profile on the outgoing president conducted by The New Yorker.{{cite magazine |last1=Remnick |first1=David |title=Obama Reckons with a Trump Presidency |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/11/28/obama-reckons-with-a-trump-presidency |magazine=The New Yorker |access-date=October 26, 2019 |date=November 18, 2016 |archive-date=May 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170512044448/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/11/28/obama-reckons-with-a-trump-presidency |url-status=live }}
In January 2017, Buttigieg launched his candidacy for the 2017 Democratic National Committee chairmanship election.{{cite news |first=Jonathan |last=Martin |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/05/us/pete-buttigieg-democratic-national-committee-chairman-race.html |title=Indiana Mayor Running for D.N.C. Chairman |work=The New York Times |date=January 5, 2017 |access-date=March 18, 2019 |archive-date=March 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329014336/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/05/us/pete-buttigieg-democratic-national-committee-chairman-race.html |url-status=live }} Buttigieg pledged to resign as mayor if elected DNC chair.{{cite web |last1=Macaluso |first1=Logan |title=Buttigieg announces run for DNC chair |url=https://www.thestatehousefile.com/politics/elections/buttigieg-announces-run-for-dnc-chair/article_d82b83fb-41b5-5854-9232-2952009c6add.html |website=The Statehouse File |access-date=4 March 2024 |language=en |date=5 January 2017}} He was regarded to be dark horse candidate in the race for the chairmanship, and had the endorsements of former DNC chairman Howard Dean, former Maryland governor Martin O'Malley, Indiana senator Joe Donnelly, and North Dakota senator Heidi Heitkamp.{{cite news |first=Alex |last=Seitz-Wald |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/dnc-race-democrats-elect-new-leader-saturday-n725596 |title=DNC Race: Democrats Elect New Leader Saturday |website=NBC News |date=February 25, 2017 |access-date=February 25, 2017 |archive-date=February 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225150139/http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/dnc-race-democrats-elect-new-leader-saturday-n725596 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |first=John |last=Fritze |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/blog/bal-martin-o-malley-backs-pete-buttigieg-over-tom-perez-for-dnc-20170208-story.html |title=Martin O'Malley backs Pete Buttigieg (over Tom Perez) for DNC |newspaper=The Baltimore Sun |access-date=February 8, 2017 |archive-date=February 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208170207/http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/blog/bal-martin-o-malley-backs-pete-buttigieg-over-tom-perez-for-dnc-20170208-story.html |url-status=live }} NBC News described Buttigieg as having "campaigned on the idea that the aging Democratic Party needed to empower its millennial members". He withdrew the morning before the vote was held.{{cite web |last1=Howey |first1=Brian |title=South Bend's 'Mayor Pete' channels JFK's summons |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/659856079/ |website=Newspapers.com |publisher=The Tribune |access-date=17 January 2021 |location=Seymour, Indiana |language=en |url-access=subscription |date=19 Apr 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121042127/https://www.newspapers.com/image/659856079/ |url-status=live }}
With a rising national profile, Buttigieg made a national late-night talk show appearance, being interviewed on Late Night with Seth Meyers on June 22, 2017.{{cite web |title=Mayor Pete Buttigieg appears on 'Late Night with Seth Meyers' Thursday |url=https://www.wthr.com/article/news/entertainment-news/mayor-pete-buttigieg-appears-on-late-night-with-seth-meyers-thursday/531-106dfd2d-205e-404a-85da-9688e7e7c43e |website=wthr.com |access-date=20 May 2021 |date=22 June 2017 |archive-date=20 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520155035/https://www.wthr.com/article/news/entertainment-news/mayor-pete-buttigieg-appears-on-late-night-with-seth-meyers-thursday/531-106dfd2d-205e-404a-85da-9688e7e7c43e |url-status=live }} By the end of 2017, it had been noted that as his national profile increased, Buttigieg increased his out-of-city travel.{{cite web |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff |title=Mayor's Travels Take A Jump |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/511638041 |website=Newspapers.com |publisher=The South Bend Tribune |access-date=19 January 2021 |language=en |url-access=subscription |date=19 Nov 2017 |archive-date=21 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521160201/http://www.newspapers.com/image/511638041/ |url-status=live }} By early 2018, there was speculation that Buttigieg was looking towards running for either governor or president in 2020.{{cite web |last1=Adams |first1=Dwight |title=South Bend mayor garnering national buzz for president |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/412814787 |website=Newspapers.com |publisher=Journal and Courier |access-date=18 January 2021 |language=en |url-access=subscription |date=1 Apr 2018 |archive-date=1 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201212937/http://www.newspapers.com/image/412814787/ |url-status=live }} There was some speculation that, despite a presidential bid being a long shot, he could garner enough recognition to become a dark horse contender for the vice presidential slot on the Democratic ticket.
For the 2018 midterms, Buttigieg founded the political action committee Hitting Home PAC.{{cite web |last1=Buttigieg |first1=Pete |title=Hitting Home: a new politics of the everyday |url=https://medium.com/the-moment-by-pete-for-america/hitting-home-a-new-politics-of-the-everyday-76316121f06a |website=Medium |access-date=September 9, 2019 |date=June 22, 2017 |archive-date=September 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905065700/https://medium.com/the-moment-by-pete-for-america/hitting-home-a-new-politics-of-the-everyday-76316121f06a |url-status=live }} That October, Buttigieg endorsed 21 congressional candidates.{{cite web |last1=Wren |first1=Adam |title=Pete Buttigieg Has His Eye On The Prize |url=https://www.indianapolismonthly.com/longform/pete-buttigieg-feature |website=Indianapolis Monthly |access-date=October 26, 2019 |date=December 16, 2018 |archive-date=April 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415224513/https://www.indianapolismonthly.com/longform/pete-buttigieg-feature |url-status=live }} He also later endorsed Mel Hall, Democratic nominee in the election for Indiana's 2nd congressional district.{{cite web |last1=Ortega |first1=Veronica |title=South Bend's mayor is throwing his support behind Democrat Mel Hall |url=https://wsbt.com/news/local/south-bends-mayor-is-throwing-his-support-behind-democrat-mel-hall |publisher=WSBT-TV |access-date=October 26, 2019 |date=November 1, 2018 |archive-date=October 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191026015454/https://wsbt.com/news/local/south-bends-mayor-is-throwing-his-support-behind-democrat-mel-hall |url-status=live }} Buttigieg also campaigned in support of Joe Donnelly's reelection campaign in the United States Senate election in Indiana.{{cite web |title=Mayor Pete Buttigieg, other Hoosier veterans launch South Bend 'Veterans for Joe' with press conference |url=https://joeforindiana.com/updates/mayor-pete-buttigieg-other-hoosier-veterans-launch-south-bend-veterans-for-joe-with-press-conference/ |publisher=Donnelly for Indiana |access-date=October 26, 2019 |archive-date=October 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191026043825/https://joeforindiana.com/updates/mayor-pete-buttigieg-other-hoosier-veterans-launch-south-bend-veterans-for-joe-with-press-conference/ |url-status=live }} Buttigieg campaigned for candidates in more than a dozen states, including early presidential primary states such as Iowa and South Carolina, a move indicating potential interest in running for president.
On January 23, 2019, Buttigieg announced that he was forming an exploratory committee to run for president of the United States in the upcoming 2020 election.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/23/politics/pete-buttigieg-2020-president/index.html|title=Pete Buttigieg, mayor of South Bend, Indiana, jumps into 2020 race|last=Merica|first=Dan|date=January 23, 2019|access-date=January 25, 2019|website=CNN|archive-date=January 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124224831/https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/23/politics/pete-buttigieg-2020-president/index.html|url-status=live}} Buttigieg sought the Democratic Party nomination for president.{{cite news|url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/breaking-south-bend-mayor-pete-buttigieg-joins-presidential-race/article_c2ca8722-70b4-5b40-9d10-14ee798fbb8d.html|title=Breaking: South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg joins 2020 presidential race|first=Sara|last=Burnett|date=January 23, 2019|work=South Bend Tribune|access-date=January 8, 2021|archive-date=January 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110233829/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/breaking-south-bend-mayor-pete-buttigieg-joins-presidential-race/article_c2ca8722-70b4-5b40-9d10-14ee798fbb8d.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/23/us/politics/pete-buttigieg-mayor-south-bend-president.html|title=Pete Buttigieg, Mayor of South Bend, Ind., Joins Democratic 2020 Race|last1=Burns|first1=Alexander|date=January 23, 2019|work=The New York Times|access-date=January 23, 2019|archive-date=January 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123160221/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/23/us/politics/pete-buttigieg-mayor-south-bend-president.html|url-status=live}} By the time he left office as mayor in January 2020, Buttigieg had already become a top-tier candidate for the Democratic nomination.{{cite news |last1=Scott |first1=Eugene |title=Analysis {{!}} Pete Buttigieg's Struggles and Stumbles With Black Voters, Explained |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/12/18/pete-buttigiegs-biggest-campaign-struggle-earning-support-black-voters/ |newspaper=Washington Post |access-date=8 January 2021 |date=18 December 2019 |archive-date=9 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109161619/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/12/18/pete-buttigiegs-biggest-campaign-struggle-earning-support-black-voters/ |url-status=live }}
Analysis of Buttigieg's leadership style
A number of writers for outlets such as The Wall Street Journal and HuffPost have described Buttigieg's approach to governance during his tenure as technocratic.{{cite web |last1=Zitner |first1=Aaron |title=As Mayor, Buttigieg Drove City Growth, Picked Up Critics Along the Way |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/as-mayor-buttigieg-drove-city-growth-picked-up-critics-along-the-way-11581172878 |website=Wall Street Journal |access-date=12 January 2021 |date=8 February 2020 |archive-date=13 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113210028/https://www.wsj.com/articles/as-mayor-buttigieg-drove-city-growth-picked-up-critics-along-the-way-11581172878 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/pete-buttigieg-effective-mayor-blind-spot_n_5cb4c9bce4b0ffefe3b4d93b |last1=Hobbes |first1=Michael |title=Pete Buttigieg Was An Effective Mayor -- With A Gaping Blind Spot |website=HuffPost |date=16 April 2019 |archive-date=14 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114183845/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/pete-buttigieg-effective-mayor-blind-spot_n_5cb4c9bce4b0ffefe3b4d93b?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAFecYgLSbYFKPasiRLyGOM0eq9Gs6SVPbFCXkTSucAxlDBsFj1EyGLESu9zVSswjKxOrJW1bXbRGzoR1G5OSuytQYFmbaCuLrHp5cZtT4WdvsH0zmJb_xzXJLY_qqIsJJPLPZZkZgdjhjnCgNjf--gBjXMdX3pUPkV8V2_5eXdCV |url-status=live }}
In 2019, Jeff Rae (who served as president of the South Bend Chamber of Commerce during Buttigieg's mayoralty, and was a former Republican mayor of the neighboring city of Mishawaka) credited Buttigieg as having brought positive new leadership to the city, remarking, "
An April 2019 profile NBC News profile of Buttigieg by journalists Alex Seitz-Wald and Adam Edelman described Buttigieg as having the leadership style of a "delegator" during his tenure as mayor. Relying on interviews with individuals familiar with Buttigieg during his tenure as mayor, the profile further characterized him as having initially entered office as a "data geek", reporting that he initially came into office, "thinking like a hired-gun consultant, full of big ideas and piles of numbers and studies to transform the city." The profile credits this approach with achieving some successes, opining that by implementing "data-driven plans like those for 'smart' sewers and 'smart' streets, he began to awaken a city that had become resigned to its slow demise." However, the profile also notes that early into his mayoralty, Buttigieg suffered from "gaps in his experience, especially with people from outside his rarefied world," noting that his background as the "
In a May 2019 Time magazine profile of Buttigieg, reporter Charlotte Alter noted that in her interviews of South Bend residents nearly all residents had given generally positive opinions of Buttigieg's tenure as mayor. However, she noted that despite tis largely positive reception to his mayoralty, she heard some critiques, with some residents voicing a belief that Buttigieg bad "blind spots on issues affecting black and Hispanic residents," and some noting that while city had improved under Buttigieg benefits of improvements were not distributed equally among all residents, and the a racial wealth gap had remained a pronounced issue in the city. At the same time, Alter quoted some African American community leaders of South Bend as praising Buttigieg and his working relationship with them and their community organizations.{{cite web |last1=Bend |first1=Charlotte Alter/ |title=Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s Unlikely, Untested, Unprecedented Presidential Campaign |url=https://time.com/5581289/pete-buttigieg-2020/ |website=Time magazine |access-date=2 June 2025 |language=en |date=2 May 2019}}
References
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{{succession box | before = Steve Luecke| | title = Mayor of South Bend, Indiana| | years = 2012-2020 | after = James Mueller}}
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Category:2010s in LGBTQ history
Category:2012 establishments in Indiana
Category:2020 disestablishments in Indiana
Category:Government of South Bend, Indiana
{{Pete Buttigieg}}
{{Mayors of South Bend, Indiana}}
{{South Bend, Indiana}}