South Bend Common Council

The Common Council was initiated by the incorporation of the City of South Bend on May 22, 1865. The first members were elected to the council on June 5 that same year.^[2] The council currently meets in the County-City Building, a fifteen-story building in the heart of downtown. The building houses City and County offices. For the much past several decades, the Democrats have had a majority on the council. This is partially due to South Bend's diverse and urbanized population which has traditionally favored modern liberalism.

Per Indiana state law, the council may pass resolutions and ordinances. Resolutions relate to internal council procedures, while ordinances address municipal codes.^[3] If a bill is approved, it is sent to the mayor (James Mueller) to be signed into law. They mayor can veto, but a six-vote majority can override this action.

The Common Council currently has a 9-0 Democratic majority. There is also, as of 2024, a 6-3 female preponderance.^[4] Councilpersons serve four-year terms.^[5] Canneth Lee, a member of the council since 2020, serves as its president.

The council has multiple committees^[6] including;

• Community Investment
• Community Relations
• Council Rules
• Health and Public Safety
• Information and Technology
• PARC (Parks, Recreation, Cultural Arts, & Entertainment)
• Personnel Finance
• Public Works and Property Vacation
• Residential Neighborhoods
• Utilities
• Zoning and Annexation

The next election for Common Council election will be held on Tuesday, November 2, 2027.