SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- After 16 public hearings and months of input from residents, the South Bend Common Council's Personnel and Finance Committee held its final working session Tuesday, just weeks before the city is set to vote on its 2026 budget.

The session gave council members a last opportunity to raise questions as concerns mount over reduced funding.

The Build the Budget 2026 initiative began with a community survey, aimed at identifying residents' top priorities. Among them is road and sidewalk repairs, improved housing accessibility, public safety, and park investments.

But with the ripple effects of state legislation Senate Enrolled Act 1, city leaders are preparing for leaner budgets in the years ahead.

Cuts are expected across various departments, with particular concern around the Office of Sustainability. The proposed budget eliminates certain projects and staff positions—including a planned rollout of electric vehicle chargers across the city.

Despite the challenges, Council President Canneth Lee remains optimistic.

“I believe that South Bend is resilient. I believe in our capacity to make difficult choices without losing our compassion,” Lee said during the session. “And I believe we can emerge from this more efficient, more responsive, and hopefully more united.”

The final budget vote is scheduled for October 13.