How Did Pete Buttigieg Turn South Bend, Indiana, Around?

When we first considered attending an event in South Bend last year, we hesitated after reviewing the promotional materials. The marketing highlighted the beautiful aspects of downtown and some parks, all while emphasizing Mayor Pete Buttigieg's personal attachments to these areas. What was less emphasized, however, were the dilapidated parts of the city that remained neglected.

Mayor Buttigieg's approach seems to have been aimed at beautifying the areas frequented by the upper class, while leaving the rest of the city behind. This selective beautification strategy did little to address the broader issues affecting the majority of South Bend residents. As we await further improvements, we must critically examine the impact of his tenure.

Is South Bend Truly Turning Around?

To be clear, South Bend has not achieved visible revitalization under Mayor Pete Buttigieg's leadership. While he has brought in new businesses to the city in the short term, it remains uncertain whether these businesses will remain for the next five to ten years. Moreover, we must consider factors beyond his control that may affect their longevity.

Buttigieg's administration has halted the decline of certain aspects of the city. For instance, the quality of the South Bend Community School Corporation has improved due to the state's school choice law, a factor that is largely out of his hands. Additionally, minor improvements have been made in public works, such as reducing crime rates, though the decline has been small and gradual.

Publicity and Policy: A Mixed Bag

While Mayor Buttigieg's campaign for public support has been successful, largely due to his intelligence, military service, and liberal stances, his legacy as a mayor remains largely undefined. His policies and their effects are still being evaluated, and it is too early to draw definitive conclusions about their long-term impact.

The city's revitalization efforts have been marked by gentrification, particularly in the downtown area. This is paired with neoliberal "solutions," such as a pothole reporting app, aimed at modernizing the city's infrastructure. However, these efforts have often been met with resistance from minority homeowners who have faced unfair treatment and discrimination during the process of house demolition.

Deeper Structural Changes

The extent to which South Bend has actually transformed on a deeper structural level is still a matter of debate. While some areas have seen improvements, the impact on the broader community remains limited. The gentrification process, coupled with the aggressive actions taken against dilapidated housing, has raised questions about the city's commitment to all its residents.

In conclusion, while Mayor Pete Buttigieg's efforts have brought some positive changes, the true measure of South Bend's revitalization remains to be seen. The city's journey towards a more equitable and prosperous future is far from complete.