South Bend Mayor Admits 'Trust in Government Is at an All-Time Low'

Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge winners use AI and community input to improve city services

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

James Mueller, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, says that while 'technology is not necessarily good or bad,' it's critical for local governments to use innovative tools like AI to build trust with residents and deliver city services in a proactive way. Mueller's comments come as the winners of the 2026 Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge were announced, with cities using a range of cutting-edge solutions - from geothermal energy to floating parks - to address local issues.

Why it matters

The Mayors Challenge highlights how local governments are increasingly turning to technology and community engagement to tackle problems, at a time when trust in government is low nationally. South Bend's use of AI to proactively identify and assist residents facing issues like overdue water bills demonstrates how cities can leverage data and innovation to better serve their communities.

The details

South Bend's winning initiative uses AI to interpret data about residents, like a family falling behind on paying its water bill, and to help offer them services and support that could prevent larger issues. 'We're trying to use cutting edge tools to deliver city services in a proactive way that meets our residents' needs,' said Mayor Mueller. Other Mayors Challenge winners are using solutions like geothermal energy, floating parks, and resident-led governance councils to improve their cities.

  • The winners of the 2026 Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge were announced on February 24, 2026.

The players

James Mueller

The Democratic mayor of South Bend, Indiana, who has held the position since 2020.

Michael R. Bloomberg

The founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies and Bloomberg L.P., who launched the Mayors Challenge to help cities succeed in solving problems and meeting residents' needs.

James Anderson

The head of government innovation programs at Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Vico Sotto

The mayor of Pasig City in the Philippines, whose winning Mayors Challenge project involves building floating parks in the Pasig River.

Monique Blanco Boulet

The Republican mayor-president of Lafayette, Louisiana, elected in 2023.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Technology is not necessarily good or bad – it's how it's used and how you protect against abuses. We're trying to use cutting edge tools to deliver city services in a proactive way that meets our residents' needs.”

— James Mueller, Mayor of South Bend, Indiana (Fortune)

“The most effective city halls are bold, creative, and proactive in solving problems and meeting residents' needs – and we launched the Mayors Challenge to help more of them succeed.”

— Michael R. Bloomberg (Fortune)

“Testing and learning and adapting new ideas don't generally get funded with public dollars. It is up to philanthropy to support experimentation.”

— James Anderson, Head of government innovation programs at Bloomberg Philanthropies (Fortune)

“The government doesn't have a great reputation when it comes to maintaining infrastructure. So we will be creating a governance council, including people who live in the area, so definitely they're not going to abandon these parks. They're going to take care of them because they're using them as well.”

— Vico Sotto, Mayor of Pasig City, Philippines (Fortune)

“Bloomberg Philanthropies, the staff, Michael Bloomberg – all of them – have such a global impact in ways that most people will never know. They bring in a level of capacity and give you the space to really be creative and to come up with solutions that can change lives.”

— Monique Blanco Boulet, Mayor-President of Lafayette, Louisiana (Fortune)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.