At the time, South Bend did not have an active comprehensive plan and officials were in discussions on how to create the first one in over 40 years. Over the next few years, I worked closely with other planners, city officials and community members to create an inclusive community process to develop a vision and policy guide for the next 20 years.
In my role with the city evolved into a liaison with a local non-profit, Downtown South Bend, Inc. Over the next four years, I built new partnerships with the local business community, managed grant programs and oversaw special events that highlighted the downtown even as it struggled to invite new investment. In , a new mayor took office and reorganized the community and economic development efforts into a new department which included for the first time a dedicated office of planning.
I was named the planning director by Mayor Pete Buttigieg and had the pleasure of working on transformative placemaking and transportation projects, including the conversion of one-way streets in the downtown to two-way. Our efforts to have a more collaborative approach between planners and engineers on projects and initiatives opened up a higher management position for me with the city in The position as deputy director of public works was an opportunity to expand my management and operational skills while continuing the important work to transform South Bend.
As deputy director of public works, I provide oversight for departmental operations that include design and maintenance of public infrastructure, street maintenance, refuse collection and the provision of water and wastewater functions. Even in a public works role, I utilize planning knowledge, principles and ethics to make daily decisions on how to provide better services for our residents and improve their quality of life. I led the planning, design and implementation efforts of this project that has created a safe environment for pedestrians and bicyclists, allowing over new residential units to be built in the last few years.
New residents have brought vitality to the downtown which has further triggered retail and mixed-use investment. We worked with neighbors and community leaders to redesign a portion of US that goes through the heart of the city. The charrette format of the exercise meant we had little time to get an understanding of issues and present ideas that the community could benefit from. Our team was welcomed by the community and applauded for the design solutions presented.
