We provide access to tools and resources that foster inclusive workplaces, workforces, communities, and city procurement opportunities. We deliver inclusive policy infrastructure, and public private program partnerships that expand access to talent pools, enforce fair and equitable employment, housing, public accommodations, education practices, and assist in fostering vibrant and inclusive city economies.

What’s New?

Michael A. Patton, MNA

Diversity, Compliance, & Inclusion Officer

Michael A. Patton was appointed by Mayor James Mueller in January of 2020 as the Diversity Compliance Inclusion Officer for the City of South Bend, responsible for implementing and enforcing the City’s diversity, equity, and access goals.

In this role, he works with affected departments to develop policies, procedures, metrics and reporting mechanisms designed to promote equitable utilization and opportunities for minority and women owned businesses.

Patton also serves as South Bend’s Human Rights Commission (HRC) Executive Director. This involves ensuring the operation and maintenance of the program that works to eliminate discrimination within the city’s educational, employment, and housing systems.

Patton brings to the Office of Diversity and Inclusion a history dedicated to service with over 30 years of for-profit and non-profit experience, and as an Air Force Veteran who served this country.

Patton’s commitment to equity is seen through his prior role as the President of the South Bend Branch of the NAACP and as the past President/CEO of the Urban League of South Bend.

An alumnus from two local universities, Michael Patton holds his undergraduate degree in Organizational Management from Bethel University, and Executive Masters of Non-Profit Administration degree from the University of Notre Dame.

Utilizing strategic planning, budgeting and innovation, Michael Patton’s focus is towards the pursuit of Mayor James Mueller’s vision for this Office. That vision is to promote more inclusivity in workplace cultures, communities, and city procurement opportunities by uplifting those most vulnerable in our city.

The Office of Diversity & Inclusion

Antonius Northern
Inclusion Project Manager
574-235-9710
anorther@southbendin.gov

Larry King
Contract Compliance Administrator
574-235-7575
lking@southbendin.gov

Inclusion Fellow: Kimberly West

Legal Counsel: Jenna Throw, Esq.

IPC Board

• Bilijah Williams, President
• Jeff Rea, Vice President
• Breanna Allen, Secretary
• Rachel Tomas Morgan, Esq.
• Juan Hernandez
• Michael Morris, PhD.
• Alkeyna Aldridge
• Murray Miller
• Kara Boyles, PhD.
• Larry King
• Keana Baylis

Connect with us on Facebook to see our Business Development at work!

Grants, Business Opportunities, and Trainings Updated Regularly

Key Dates:

September 14, 2021

Inclusive Procurement and Compliance Board Meeting

Time: 4:30pm

Location: Microsoft Teams

October 6,  2021

Subcontractor and Prime Contracting Workshop

Time: 1-3pm

Location: Howard Park

October 21, 2021

Vendor Opportunity Fair

Time: 10am-2pm

Location: TBA

Small Business Grant Opportunities to consider:

Magic Johnson Enterprises

Small Business Grants

Lowe’s Small Business Grants

Small Business Grants

Chase Bank

Black-Owned Small Business Support 

Black Enterprise

BLACK ENTERPRISE Entrepreneurs Summit

Entrepreneurs Summit (blackenterprise.com)

Small Business Administration

COVID-19 EIDL Loan

https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/eidl/covid-19-eidl#section-header-10

Small Business Living Library

City Resources:

Business Development Support part 1, part 2, part 3

School Districts:

Penn-Harris District part 1, part 2

Small Business Lending :

PPP Program and More

Human Rights Commission

M. Diana Moya
Director of Housing
Crystal F. McCain
Director of Employment

City of South Bend Disparity Study

2019 Disparity Study
October 3, 2019 Disparity Study Public Meeting Presentation Slides

Inclusive Policy

Inclusive Procurement Policy
Inclusive Talent Policy
Inclusive Workplace Policy
Inclusive Community Policy
Inclusive Economy Policy

Inclusive Toolkits and Workshops

Inclusive Small Business Development-General
Inclusive Small Business Development-Construction and Contracting
Inclusive Procurement Toolkit
Inclusive Talent Management Toolkit
Diversity and Inclusion Workshops
Inclusive Leadership Toolkit

City Partnerships

Human Resources Department
Economic Empowerment and Engagement—Department of Community Investment
Purchasing Department

Community Partnerships

Imani Unidad

In the News

South Bend hires firm to study minority contracting
South Bend boy recognized by city’s Human Rights Commission for gentle spirit
St. Joseph County, South Bend look to extend human rights pact
South Bend looks for diversity in purchasing
South Bend to keep fighting for the best future for the next generation
South Bend Common Council passes sexual harassment training bill
South Bend approves measure that ties tax breaks to higher wages
St. Joseph County’s Human Rights ordinance to be enforced locally
St. Joseph County commissioners endorse human rights ordinance
New report details South Bend’s inclusivity of LGBTQ community
St. Joseph County human rights complaints will be investigated in South Bend
St. Joseph County Council approves agreement with South Bend in 6-3 vote
South Bend Civic Theatre starts conversation on diversity with ‘In The Heights’
SB panel to discuss relationship between community and police
South Bend project hopes to grow small businesses and target racial wealth divide
South Bend celebrates Martin Luther King with march and new boulevard
Breaking down South Bend’s Diversity Purchasing Report
The city of South Bend reveals Diversity and Inclusion Plan
SB mayor seeks feedback on city’s new diversity and inclusion plan
Residents give feedback on South Bend’s diversity and inclusion plan
South Bend’s Diversity and Inclusion Officer breaks down diversity report