Benefits of Annexations to the Community

Land For Growth:  Since its incorporation in 1865, South Bend has been a major focal point of governmental, social, educational, cultural, commercial, and industrial activities in the county. South Bend is the County seat, providing the administrative structure to properly support these activities through essential infrastructure such as sewer, water, and street maintenance, in addition to fully staffed police, fire prevention, and emergency medical services.  The expansion of the city limits enables the city to maintain, expand, and support these necessary urban services, creating the excellent quality of life that all of the community's residents enjoy.

Annexation provides the city the opportunity to compete with other areas on a regional and national level.  Providing a full range of urban infrastructure and services is an important element in the attraction of industry. Areas annexed into the city are provided the full range of urban infrastructure and services, allowing for economic growth and environmental stewardship. By increasing the amount of developable land which has the full range of public services, the city increases the opportunities for planned residential, commercial, and industrial development. A flexible annexation policy is an important part of City Plan, the City's 20-year comprehensive plan.

A Strong Central City:  Everyone within St. Joseph County benefits from a strong central city with its facilities and services. City facilities, such as Stanley Coveleski Regional Stadium, the Morris Performing Arts Center, the East Race, River Walk, and Potawatomi Park and Zoo, to mention a few, are regional attractions, offering the entire community "quality of life" amenities and positive economic impact not only on the city, but the region as a whole. Not everyone bears an equitable share of the cost of supporting and maintaining those facilities and services.   Because of the local tax structure, an unfair burden of subsidization falls on only a portion of those using the facilities and services.  Bringing new growth within the city through annexation helps make this situation more equitable.

Annexation Policy and Plan (1992): The city's Annexation Policy and Plan provides a systematic and logical foundation for the city's annexation efforts.  The City of South Bend will determine, based on the requirements of the law and its Annexation Policy and Plan, which areas to consider for annexation, and when to initiate annexation. Policy guidelines ensure that areas being considered for annexation meet the policies of the City of South Bend and are reviewed for consistency with state law. Download a copy of the Annexation Policy and Plan by clicking on the link above.

Annexation and City Plan:  In November, 2006, the city's 20-year comprehensive plan was adopted by the South Bend Common Council following the most extensive public process in the city's history. Information pertaining to annexation and the community's approach to growth can be found in Chapter 3, Land Use and Growth. The Future Land Use map (page 19, Map 3.1) includes a broad overview of the city's fringe along with the area's projected future uses. Other relevant chapters include Chapter 6, Housing, and Chapter 7, Economic Development. Download a copy of City Plan or selected chapters by clicking on the link above.

Benefits to Residents: After annexation, residents receive the benefit of valuable city services, such as police and fire protection, EMS, etc. Residents of annexed areas are also eligible to vote for City officials, including Mayor, City Clerk, and City Council members.  Residents continue to vote for county-wide offices, as well as their respective township offices.

Elected city officials adopt the ordinances that govern zoning, taxes, public safety, and many other issues that effect city residents.  Although the actions of these officials may have a significant effect upon the quality of life for those living near the city, non-city residents have no role in selecting them.

The Mayor and Council also appoint the members of boards and commissions which affect everyday life in South Bend.  Appointments to many of these boards and commissions are restricted to city residents.

For more information on Annexation into the City of South Bend, please see our Annexation Brochure.*

Contact: If you have questions about annexation or South Bend's approach to planned growth, please contact:

Jeff Vitton, Planner
Division of Community Development
jvitton@southbendin.gov • 574.235.5827

*Acrobat Reader required