The Community Forum for Economic Development once again will partner with the Internal Revenue Service, the United Way of St. Joseph County, and two dozen other institutions, organizations and agencies that form the Tri-County Tax Team, a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA).  VITA is the IRS-certified program that prepares and e-files tax returns free…

From the Michiana Social Forum: You are invited to attend an event next Thursday August 26 to mark the end of summer and to hear stories from the youth and students and others who attended the historic US Social Forum in Detroit this past June.  Nearly 20,000 activists gathered in Detroit for five energetic and…

LaSalle Library still needs our help: Download Library appeal Feb 2011 Text of Recommendation to keep LaSalle Library Open  Download LAS_Recommendation_10-25-10 WORKING TOGETHER TO SAVE THE LIBRARY UPDATE – 9/30 September Library Board meeting The room was overfilled; a small number of latecomers left because there was no more room.  The public was there to oppose…

Tuesday, August 17 — 7 PM — LaSalle Branch Library, 3232 W. Ardmore Trail, South Bend Focus for discussion: WHY DOES THE PROPOSED TAX ABATEMENT ORDINANCE HAVE BROAD COMMUNITY SUPPORT? Currently, fifteen community organizations make up the Coalition for Responsible Tax Abatement: Community Forum for Economic DevelopmentLaSalle Park Neighborhood AssociationLeague of Women Voters of the…

On July 20th, about 65 community residents gathered at the Charles Martin Center to share ideas and information and to develop plans to save the LaSalle Branch Library.  A decline in revenues for the St. Joseph County Public Libraries has led to a proposal by Library Director Napoli to close the LaSalle Branch Library so…

MAIL: Community Forum for Economic Justice P. O. Box 11082 South Bend, IN 46634   EMAIL: sjc.cfed@gmail.com      

1. This week at the Urban Garden Market: At the Urban Garden Market, you can buy fresh produce direct from producers in a friendly, open-air environment. The Market also provides an opportunity for backyard gardeners and small farmers to sell their crops to our local community.  If your tomato or zucchini plants have produced more…

1. Featured this week at the Urban Garden Market: Stormy weather forced the cancellation of last Saturday's “hoopJAM” at the Urban Garden Market, but we'll have a second chance next Saturday, July 31st from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. A hoopJAM spontaneously occurs when a large number of hula hoops arrive at any given location.  Hula hoop dance is fast…

1. Featured this week at the Urban Garden Market:When:  Saturday, July 24th (also Saturday, July 31st)            10:00 am to 1:00 pm  ___________________Remember the fun of the old hulla hoop?  Kids of all ages still love them. Come join in a “hoopJAM” at the Urban Garden Market the next two Saturdays (July 24th & 31st) from…

On Saturday, July 17, the Urban Garden Market will feature … New vendors, including "Dizzy Dogs" (hot dogs) and Marigolds (fresh flowers and potted herbs), … Bags of "Sustainable Greens" for sale at the Urban Garden Market table, … Our regular vendors with loads of delicious, freshly picked produce and a wide variety of home-made…

A Public Meeting sponsored by the Lincoln Way West Gateway Association, in cooperation with the Community Forum for Economic Development. TUESDAY, JULY 20 6:30 – 8 PM CHARLES MARTIN CENTER (914 Lincoln Way West, South Bend) This meeting will provide community organizations and individuals with an update on current efforts underway and an opportunity to…

A new page has been added to the Community Forum web site.  See the page on Tax Abatement Documents in the right-hand column.  There you will find the complete text of Bill 25-10, the tax abatement proposal sent to the South Bend Common Council on May 19th by Mayor Luecke (with the support of six…