Welcome
Meet Steve
Decade of Progress Building South Bend Projects Metronet Existing Business Quality of Life Arts & Culture Recreation Neighborhoods Environment Public Safety Fiscal Accountability
Building on Success
Campaign Updates Press Releases Calendar of Events
Take Action Volunteer Get a Yard Sign Donate Endorse Steve

A Foundation in Family

Steve Luecke’s career as a public servant was formed in Midwestern values of family, faith, persistence and civic responsibility. Raised in Freeport, Illinois, site of the second Lincoln- Douglas debate, Steve grew up in a family of seven children. His parents instilled in him bedrock values: Treat others as you would be treated, seek justice for all, leave a place better than you found it. Steve has worked toward these goals all his life.

When Steve and Peg chose as newlyweds to live in South Bend 35 years ago, they fell in love with its historic neighborhoods. With more motivation than money, they settled into a 100-year-old northwest side home they renovated while raising their four children. They count it a privilege to have served over the years in a variety of civic efforts -- from directing their church (St. Augustine) soup kitchen and participating in their neighborhood organizations to planning and building homes with Habitat for Humanity, serving on numerous boards, to volunteering in the South Bend Community schools. Steve and Peg have sought to give back to the community that welcomed them as strangers. And South Bend is a better place because of his leadership.

A Career in Public Service

After graduation from Fordham University in 1972, Steve completed an apprenticeship with the Carpenters Local 413. He worked as a union carpenter before establishing his own small business, restoring historic homes in South Bend’s inner city. In 1981, he became project manager for South Bend Heritage Foundation, a housing development corporation pivotal to our urban revitalization. He oversaw construction of several housing develop¬ments: from the West Washington homes (on a previously crime-infested block) to the transformation of Robertson’s department store into downtown apart¬ments. Gaining valuable experience and insight into local government’s role in charting a city’s course Steve decided to pursue public office.

In 1987, he was elected with vigorous grass-roots support to the South Bend City Council representing the 1st District. As councilman, Steve focused on strengthening South Bend’s neighborhoods while addressing the challenges of economic development. He introduced legislation to address quality-of-life issues, such as the curfew, drug/nuisance house and noise ordinances, and a comprehensive plan to separate the city’s storm and sanitary sewers. He helped to negotiate police, fire and teamster con¬tracts, and rewrote tax-abatement guidelines to encourage job creation and spur development. Steve served nine years on the council working for residents, chairing several committees and serving two terms as council president. Because of his thorough understanding of city government, Steve was elected by precinct committee members in 1997 to complete the unfinished mayoral term of newly elected Lt. Gov. Joe Kernan. Re-elected by popular vote in 1999 and 2003 by wide margins, Steve is South Bend’s longest-serving mayor.

Visit 'A Decade of Progress' to learn of Steve’s accomplishments as mayor.

Home    |    Meet Steve    |    Decade of Progress    |    Building on Sucess    |    Campaign Updates    |    Take Action    |    Site Map