Mayor Julie Struck praised as she steps down after 12 years

Mayor Julie Struck used her final official report to thank council members, staff and residents and to reflect on 12 years leading South Bend. In a mayoral report the city credited recent public works and park improvements and Struck said she was leaving office "with mixed feelings" while remaining available to the community.

Residents and fellow council members opened the meeting with a series of tributes. A speaker identified in the record as D. read a plaque aloud: "In honor of Mayor Julie Struck. Thank you for leading with integrity and purpose. City of South Bend 2014 through 2025." Council members and other attendees cited improvements such as Mary Rogers Park, renovations to the Bob Bush Memorial and recent street work as examples of projects completed during Struck's tenure.

The mayor thanked staff and council members by name in her remarks, praising city staff for their handling of recent storms and other operational challenges. She also noted transitions on the council, referenced incoming members Norm and Teresa, and closed by saying she would remain involved informally: "I'm not going anywhere," she said. The meeting offered no formal ceremony beyond the plaque presentation and verbal tributes; no official succession action occurred at this session.