21 Facts About Steve Luecke

In January 1997, Luecke became mayor of South Bend, filling the vacancy created by the departure of Mayor Joe E Kernan, who had become lieutenant governor.

Steve Luecke was endorsed by Kernan to be his successor, and was thereafter appointed unanimously by the Common Council to fill the vacancy.

Steve Luecke was first reelected in 1999, being reelected in 2003 and 2007.

Steve Luecke opted against running for what would have been a fourth full term as mayor, making the 2011 South Bend mayoral election an open race to succeed him, and the first open mayoral election in South Bend in 24 years.

Steve Luecke abstained from endorsing any candidate ahead of the Democratic primary.

The race to succeed Steve Luecke was ultimately won by Pete Buttigieg.

Steve Luecke took actions which had generated a growth in the offerings of entertainment and dining in the city's downtown.

Two studies conducted around 2007 had demonstrated that these efforts by Steve Luecke were allowing the city to enjoy millions in economic spending.

Steve Luecke is credited for having strengthened the relationship between the City of South Bend and the nearby University of Notre Dame.

Steve Luecke took some actions regarding the reducing city's harm to the environment.

In 2008, Steve Luecke signed the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.

Steve Luecke sought to have the Amtrak component constructed, but was unsuccessful.

In 2006, Steve Luecke opposed a private group's plan to create short line railroad named the South Bend Railway by acquiring and refurbishing a former Norfolk Southern rail line running through the city's west side.

Steve Luecke cited safety and quality-of-life concerns for residents that live near the tracks in his opposition.

Steve Luecke worked to reduce the size of the city's government through staff reductions.

In 2005, when it appeared that the South Bend Silver Hawks were potentially leaving the city, Steve Luecke pledged to make strong effort to keep minor league baseball in South Bend.

Steve Luecke appointed many ethnic minorities to offices, including having African American appointees all heading the largest city departments during part of his tenure.

From 2013 until his retirement in 2017, Steve Luecke was the executive director of the South Bend Alumni Association, which raises money to benefit South Bend schools.

Steve Luecke participated in developing the Near Northwest Neighborhood Quality of Life Plan in 2013 for Near Northwest Neighborhood, Inc.

In July 2014, Steve Luecke joined his mayoral predecessor Joe Kernan and other South Bend community leaders in holding a press conference condemning the conduct of the South Bend Common Council.

Steve Luecke serves as a commissioner on the Housing Authority of South Bend board.