South Bend mayor outlines progress on reparatory justice recommendations

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- South Bend Mayor James Mueller says the city has made progress on recommendations from the Reparatory Justice Commission's final report, but some initiatives will require support from outside partners.

The commission spent 18 months studying racial discrimination in South Bend and its lasting effects on Black families. Its final report includes 62 recommendations addressing disparities in areas including housing, economic opportunity, education and public health.

Of those recommendations, 38 falls under the city's authority. Mueller says 32 are already in place or underway.

That work includes investments in housing and neighborhood development, including the cleanup and redevelopment of LaSalle Park. More than 4,000 tons of lead-impacted soil have been removed from the area, and 150 units of subsidized housing are being built.

Mueller says the city had already been working to address housing disparities before the commission released its findings.
The mayor said South Bend has invested more than $30 million in neighborhood redevelopment projects, with that investment doubling in 2026. He also pointed to nearly $60 million invested in West Side parks and community centers over the past several years.

Through the city's Let's Save South Bend program, about 20 homes have been repaired, with another 29 enrolled, Mueller said.

However, not all of the commission's recommendations can be addressed through city government.

Nine recommendations are being transferred to other departments and community partners, many of them focused on education. Several specifically call on South Bend Community School Corp. to establish a Black youth mentorship program, recruit more Black teachers and provide racial competency and sensitivity training.

Mueller said the city has formally sent those recommendations to the school corporation and other partners. He said some initiatives may be straightforward to implement, while others could require alternative approaches to achieve the commission's intended goals.

Another recommendation calls for creating a fund that would not be subject to the same restrictions as public dollars.
Mueller said he plans to explore the feasibility of establishing such a fund with philanthropic organizations, business partners, faith leaders and other community members.

Some recommendations involving funding and programs also face legal limitations, Mueller said. He pointed to federal requirements that government programs provide equal protections regardless of race, which could prevent the city from implementing certain proposals as written.
Instead, the city plans to explore alternative ways to meet the commission's goals while complying with those requirements.

South Bend officials plan to provide an update on the progress of all 62 recommendations, including those being handled by outside partners, by November 2027.