Who is eligible for the Lamppost Lighting Program?

The program is offered to South Bend homeowners within city limits. For 2026, the City selected four target areas based on income, number of vacant lots and need for lighting in the neighborhood; however, all homeowners can apply.

Homeowners who live within these target areas will pay a lower share of the total cost of the lamppost:
 
• Within target areas, homeowners pay 10% of total lamppost cost: $50 

• Outside target areas, homeowners pay 50% of total lamppost cost: $250 

Target areas are listed below. Payment is due at time of application. Cash, check/money order or credit card will be accepted. 

Is there a deadline to participate in the program?

Applications must be submitted by June 5, 2026.

View brochure/application.

Do I need professional help to install the lamppost?

The EZ Lamppost Mounting System eliminates the need for any wiring, digging, trenching or concrete foundation for installation. It is a simple DIY hand auger installation. Watch this two-minute video on how to install. 

How do I sign up for the program?

Fill out the application by June 5, 2026 and mail with payment to:

City of South Bend–Division of Engineering
215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Suite 400
South Bend, IN 46601

What is the process to get a lamppost?

1. APPLICATION
Fill out and mail in application with payment by June 5, 2026. 

2. APPROVAL
Engineering will notify homeowners via email once their application is approved. 

3. DISTRIBUTION
Homeowners pick up their lamppost at the Public Works Service Center, located at 731 S. Lafayette Blvd. on:
• Thursday, June 25 from 4 – 6 pm, or
• Saturday, June 27 from 10 am to noon

4. INSTALLATION
Homeowners must verify that the lamppost location does not interfere with utilities. Homeowners must call 811 to have utilities located on the property. The lamppost should be placed in direct sunlight and away from trees for best results. The lamppost must be placed on the homeowner’s property, not in the tree lawn, and within five feet of the front sidewalk.

Installation must be completed by the homeowner within two weeks of distribution. Engineering will inspect lampposts after the two weeks to ensure proper installation. Visit http://bit.ly/LamppostInstall to watch a two-minute video on how to install the lamppost. 

For installation questions, contact 311. 

311 Process Notes

PROCESS FOR 311 LIAISONS:

1. Verify that the applicant is in the target area by using the GIS map at https://arcg.is/WmvzS1. The search button is in the bottom right corner. 

 

Overview
The Lamppost Lighting Program applications/payment are being processes by the CSS team.  . Applications and payments are processed either in person (1st floor of City Hall) or over the phone. Customer Service Liaisons are responsible for both application entry and payment processing.

Application Intake and payment processing

In Person:

• Enter all application details directly into the  Lamppost Lighting Application.
• If a resident provides a completed paper application:
  • Scan the document.
  • Attach the scanned copy to the corresponding submission for recordkeeping.
• If no application is provided:
  • Complete the form on behalf of the resident using the information they provide.
• Post the payment via Divdat using the Miscellaneous option, being mindful to indicated whether the address is inside or outside the target area.

Phone:

• Complete the Lamppost Lighting Application while on the call with the resident.
• Ensure all required fields are accurately captured before proceeding to payment.
• Request assistance from the front lobby to complete the payment portion of the interaction. Communicate to the resident that you are transferring the call to complete the payment.
• Front Lobby Staff will receive the transferred call to complete the payment in Divdat

Eligibility & Pricing Determination

• Reference the Target Area Map located within the Lamppost Lighting article.
• Determine whether the address falls:
  • Inside the Target Area (reduced cost), or
  • Outside the Target Area (standard cost).
• No additional eligibility criteria apply.
• As long as the application is complete and payment is received in full, the resident qualifies.

Payment Processing

• All payments are processed through DivDat.
• Complete payment immediately after application entry.
• Under Miscellaneous Items, choose:
  • Department: BPW
  • SKU: Either BPW-103 (Outside Target Area) or BPW-104 (Inside Target Area) accordingly
  • ​​​​​​​Then fill in all remaining fields (Description, Name, Phone, Email and Address)

Pickup Scheduling

• Residents must select one of two designated pickup dates.
• Pickup location and dates are outlined in the program brochure.
• Ensure the resident is aware of:
  • Their selected pickup date
  • The pickup location (Street Department)

In Person:

• Provide a brochure if the resident does not already have one.

Phone:

• Instruct the resident to reference the brochure mailed to them.
• Confirm they understand pickup details before concluding the call.
• Emphasize retaining the brochure for pickup reference.

 

Confirmation & Documentation

• Provide the resident with a receipt number upon completion.
• This serves as proof of payment if needed during pickup.

Operational Coordination

• The Public Works Department will maintain a list of all:
  • Approved applicants
  • Paid participants
• This list will be used at the pickup site to verify eligibility.

Key Reminders

• All applications must be entered digitally—no exceptions.
• Always verify Target Area status before quoting cost.
• Ensure payment is completed before confirming participation.
• Reinforce pickup logistics to avoid resident confusion.
• Attach all supporting documentation (if applicable) to the form.

If a resident calls needing assistance with installation, transfer the call to Lidya Abreha at x5961.