The City of Bloomington has issued a will-serve letter for Monroe County Airport, supporting infrastructure readiness and future aviation-related economic development at one of the region’s key public assets.

Monroe County Airport supports business travel, emergency response, visitor access, aviation services, and connections to regional employers and institutions. By clarifying that sanitary sewer service can be considered for airport-related uses, the City is helping make the airport more ready to attract businesses, create jobs, and bring more investment to Bloomington and Monroe County.

“This is what economic development looks like before the ribbon cutting,” Mayor Kerry Thomson said. “It is infrastructure, partnership, and planning that make future jobs and investment possible. Monroe County Airport is a regional economic resource, and this step helps make sure Bloomington and Monroe County are ready to compete for opportunities that strengthen our community.”

A will-serve letter is a utility service document. In this case, the City of Bloomington Utilities Department has confirmed that it can accept sanitary sewer service for airport parcels at 960 S. Kirby Road, subject to approved terms and conditions. The approval remains subject to Utilities engineering review, infrastructure requirements, capacity findings, and other applicable conditions.

“We are grateful to Mayor Thomson, City Utilities, and the City of Bloomington for taking this important step in support of Monroe County Airport,” said Carlos Laverty, Airport Director. “This will-serve letter helps remove uncertainty around future airport-related development and strengthens our ability to compete for aviation, aerospace, defense, and other compatible business opportunities. Infrastructure readiness is not always visible to the public, but it is often what determines whether a community is truly prepared to attract jobs and investment.”

The letter does not approve a specific development project, airport expansion, or sewer connection. Any future proposal must still complete the applicable engineering, permitting, funding, review and approval processes. 

The action comes as cities across Indiana are operating in a changing fiscal environment following Senate Enrolled Act 1, or SEA 1, which is expected to reduce revenue available to local governments. As traditional revenue growth becomes more constrained, infrastructure readiness and economic development become increasingly important tools for supporting future jobs, investment, and tax base growth. 

“SEA 1 is part of the fiscal landscape, but this decision is about doing the right thing for a regional economic asset, supporting City-County partnership, and creating clearer conditions for future jobs and investment,” Mayor Thomson said.

The City will provide additional information as the review matrix is developed and as future airport-related proposals move through the appropriate review processes.

Bryan Park Pool, 1020 S. Woodlawn Ave., and the Community Foundation Switchyard Plaza Spray Pad at Switchyard Park, 1601 S. Rogers St., open for the 2026 season on May 23.

The opening of Mills Pool, 1100 W. 14th St., has been delayed after staff discovered a significant leak. Staff are working to identify the source of the leak and determine the scope of repairs. An opening date has not yet been determined. 

Bryan Park Pool is open daily, weather permitting, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Community Foundation Switchyard Plaza Spray Pad is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Current hours of operation are available on the Splash & Skate Hotline at 812-349-3741.

Daily general admission to Bryan Park Pool is $7 per person. Economy punch passes with 20 admissions are available for $100, and season passes are $90 for unlimited admission for one person during the 2026 season. Admission to the Spray Pad is free. 

Pool admission fee waivers, supported in part by the Bloomington Parks Foundation, are available to qualifying children. Apply for a pool admission fee waiver, or call Parks and Recreation at 812-349-3700 for more information.

Admission to the pool on Saturday, July 4 is free.

Bryan Park Pool hosts two, three-week, Tuesday through Thursday sessions of swim lessons this summer. All sessions include skill levels from Guardian and Toddler up to Level IV, for children up to 13 yrs. The first session begins June 9. Swim lesson fees are $65 per person, or $20 per adult/child pair for Guardian and Toddler. Browse class levels and register for swim lessons, or apply online for a scholarship for swim lessons. 

For additional information about hours of operation, or emergency or weather-related closures of the pools, Community Foundation Switchyard Plaza Spray Pad, or summer programs the Frank Southern Center, call the Splash & Skate Hotline at 812-349-3741.

The City of Bloomington Geographic Information Systems (GIS) team has been awarded the Indiana Geographic Information Council’s (IGIC) 2026 Excellence in GIS – Large Community award for its Bloomington Housing Dashboard.

The award recognizes organizations for their use of geospatial technology to better serve their communities. This recognition highlights the City’s ongoing commitment to using GIS technology to improve public safety, data transparency, and community planning. The Bloomington Housing Dashboard brings housing and demographic data into one public-facing tool to help residents, staff, elected officials, and community partners better understand local housing conditions and trends.

"Receiving this award three years running reflects not just our team's technical work, but the real need Bloomington residents and city staff have for accessible, clear housing data," said GIS Manager Meghan Blair. "The Housing Dashboard puts census trends, building permits, and demolitions in one place so we can understand how our community is changing."

GIS is a technology that allows the capture, storage, manipulation, analysis, and presentation of spatial or geographical data. The City of Bloomington has utilized GIS tools since the early 1990s, and over the last few years, it has updated its GIS platform to allow for the development of user-centered interactive applications.

The City’s GIS team is responsible for developing and maintaining the City’s central enterprise geodatabase, creating and updating datasets, producing cartographic maps, providing data analysis, and developing web mapping services and applications. The GeoHub showcases city data and applications on a fresh and easy-to-navigate website. 

The Housing Dashboard was developed through collaboration between Information & Technology Services staff and Planning & Transportation staff. ITS staff provided technical development and GIS expertise, while Planning & Transportation staff helped identify housing data needs and project goals.

For more information about the City’s GIS activities and initiatives, please visit bloomington.in.gov/gis. To access the Bloomington Housing Dashboard, visit  Bloomington Housing Dashboard.

About the Indiana Geographic Information Council

The Indiana Geographic Information Council (IGIC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to lead the effective application of geographic information in Indiana. Its members include individuals from all levels of government, private industry, educational institutions and other nonprofit groups. Through its membership and elected board of directors, the Council strives to make a real difference in Indiana GIS, both for those who use it and those who benefit from it. IGIC aims to provide modern, accurate, documented, and accessible geospatial information infrastructure for all of Indiana.

The City of Bloomington invites residents to apply for positions on multiple boards and commissions. These service opportunities will allow members of the public to directly participate in city government initiatives and policy-making processes. Positions are currently available as follows:

Bloomington Arts Commission – Provides a means for the City of Bloomington to stimulate and promote community appreciation for and participation in the arts.

• Seat(s) available: 2 • Appointed by: Mayor 
• Eligibility Requirements: Must be a City of Bloomington resident

Board of Housing Quality Appeals – Hears appeals from individuals who are the subject of, or directly impacted by, a ruling or decision of the enforcing officer or any administration official, in any matter relative to the interpretation or enforcement of any of the provisions of Title 16 of the Bloomington Municipal Code. The board is authorized to conduct investigations relative to appeals and may overrule the decisions of any administrative officer, including the neighborhood development division. 

• Seat(s) available: 1 • Appointed by: Mayor 
• Eligibility Requirements: Must be a City of Bloomington resident

Board of Zoning Appeals – Hears and makes the final decision on requests for variances from development standards in the Unified Development Ordinance. 

• Seat(s) available: 1 • Appointed by: Mayor 
• Eligibility Requirements: Must be a City of Bloomington resident and member of the Plan Commission

Capital Improvement Board  – Tasked with the development and management of the Monroe County Convention Center and its expansion. Duties include selecting and contracting with organizations for operations, facilitating hotel partnerships, hiring support staff, and assessing the need for extra amenities to enhance the visitor experience.

• Seat(s) available: 1 • Appointed by: Mayor 
• Eligibility Requirements: Must be a City of Bloomington resident

Community Development Block Grants Funding Citizens Advisory Committee, CDBG – Reviews and recommends grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for various community development projects.

• Seat(s) available: 2 • Appointed by: Mayor
• Eligibility Requirements: Must be a City of Bloomington resident

Commission on Aging – Serves as a catalyst to elevate awareness of the senior community, actively promote solutions to their challenges, and celebrate their vital contributions.

• Seat(s) available: 2 • Appointed by: Mayor
• Eligibility Requirements: Must be a City of Bloomington resident

Commission on Sustainability and Resilience – Promotes economic development and environmental health in the community. 

• Seat(s) available: 3 • Appointed by: Mayor
• Eligibility Requirements: Must be a City of Bloomington resident

Commission on the Status of Women – Explores women's issues and concerns, celebrates women's accomplishments, and promotes solutions to the problems and challenges faced by women.

• Seat(s) available: 2 • Appointed by: Mayor
• Eligibility Requirements: Can be a City of Bloomington or Monroe County resident

 

Community Advisory on Public Safety Commission – Advises the Bloomington City Council on community perceptions of and preferences for public safety.

• Seat(s) available: 3 • Appointed by: Common Council
• Eligibility Requirements: Must be a City of Bloomington resident

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Commission – To promote and honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and legacy in our community that supports programs to commemorate the federal holiday, including the community-wide Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration and volunteer service day initiatives. 

• Seat(s) available: 2 • Appointed by: Mayor - 1, Council - 1
• Eligibility Requirements: Can be a City of Bloomington or Monroe County resident

 

Environmental Commission – Advises the City of Bloomington on how its actions and policies may preserve and enhance the quality of Bloomington’s environment, including the life-supporting processes that natural ecological systems provide to humans and other organisms. 

• Seat(s) available: 3 • Appointed by: Mayor
• Eligibility Requirements: Must be a City of Bloomington resident

Environmental Resources Advisory Council – Acts in an advisory capacity to the Board of Park Commissioners in all policy matters pertaining to the operations of the city’s natural areas or facilities. The ERAC also assists in the formulation of policies relating to the use and protection of environmentally sensitive and natural areas.

• Seat(s) available: 1 • Appointed by: Board of Park Commissioners
• Eligibility Requirements: Must be a City of Bloomington resident

 
Historic Preservation Commission – Ensures the historic preservation of and design-conscious development in Bloomington's historic neighborhoods and buildings.

• Seat(s) available: 4 • Appointed by: Mayor - 1, Common Council - 3 Advisory Seats. Please note that the Common Council-appointed seats on this commission do not have voting privileges.
• Eligibility Requirements: Must be a City of Bloomington resident

 

Citizen Advisory Committee of the Metropolitan Planning Organization – The Metropolitan Planning Organization, also known as MPO, is a volunteer group of community representatives. The Citizens Advisory Committee offers input on transportation planning to the Policy Committee and helps raise awareness of transportation policies.

• Seat(s) available: OPEN - There are no seat limits for this committee 
•  Individuals who wish to become members must complete a form from the MPO staff and attend three consecutive meetings.
• Eligibility Requirements: Can be a City of Bloomington, Monroe County, or Town of Ellettsville resident

Plan Commission – Responsible for site plan reviews, preliminary and final plats, and final Planned Unit Developments, also known as PUDs. 

• Seat(s) available: 1 • Appointed by: Mayor - 1
• Eligibility Requirements: Must be a City of Bloomington resident.

 

Tree Commission – Assists the Urban Forester with urban forestry, implementing policies and procedures, and promoting public education on tree care.

• Seat(s) available: 1 • Appointed by: Board of Public Works
• Eligibility Requirements: Must be a city of Bloomington resident

Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association – Works to improve the economic, physical, and social environment for BUEA Zone residents and businesses. The BUEA Zone is an area north, west, and south of Downtown whose residents and businesses are eligible for scholarships, arts and business grants and tax incentives.

• Seat(s) available: 2 • Appointed by: Mayor - 1, Common Council - 1
• Eligibility Requirements: Must be a Zone Resident and of a differing political party from the other appointed zone resident

After submitting an application, candidates must be appointed to the boards or commissions by either the Bloomington Common Council or Mayor Kerry Thomson. City residency is required for most, but not all, of the boards and commissions.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend a meeting of their board or commission of interest before applying. Meeting schedules for each body can be accessed at bloomington.in.gov/public-meetings. All board and commission meetings are open to the public, allowing prospective members to gain a clear understanding of the work involved.
This notice is issued in accordance with Bloomington Municipal Code 2.02.020.

For more information on current vacancies or to apply, visit bloomington.in.gov/onboard/committees

Applications are now open for the 2026 Bloomington Green Home Improvement Program (BGHIP), a rebate program that supports Bloomington homeowners who install clean energy and energy-efficiency upgrades. The City of Bloomington is offering rebates for solar panels, battery energy storage, level 2 EV chargers, heat pumps, energy efficient heating and cooling systems, energy efficient door or window replacements, and attic insulation projects. This program was created to advance the City of Bloomington’s goals to improve environmental and economic equity in Bloomington, and to reduce the community-wide consumption of fossil fuel energy sources.

Rebate amounts depend on income and project type. The general population qualifies for a rebate equal to 25% of the project cost, up to a maximum amount based on the project type. Low-income applicants are eligible for larger rebates of 40% of the project cost, up to a maximum amount. For example, a low-income household can receive up to $10,000 to install solar panels. Details on rebate amounts are available on the BGHIP website.

Residents who own and occupy their home within Bloomington city limits may submit an application, which is found on the City’s BGHIP website. Rebates are awarded to those who qualify on a first-come, first-served basis. It is advised to apply for the rebate prior to beginning work on the project to ensure funding is available. Applications require a project quote from a contractor. Projects already completed in 2026 qualify for the rebate. Rebate recipients will be reimbursed when a completed invoice is submitted to the City.

Interested applicants are encouraged to seek other financial incentives, which can be combined with the BGHIP rebate to bring down project costs. Duke Energy offers rebates through the Smart $aver program for eligible energy efficiency upgrades. The Indiana Office of Energy Development launched the Indiana Energy Saver Program to distribute HOMES and HEAR home energy efficiency rebates. Certain expenses for low income households qualify for a rebate covering 100% of the project cost through the Indiana Energy Saver Program. 

In addition, The City of Bloomington has partnered with Clean Energy Credit Union and Hoosier Hills Credit Union to offer loans with a 0.5% bought-down interest rate for BGHIP rebate recipients, to help offset the cost burden of larger projects.

“The City of Bloomington is working hard to increase clean energy sources and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions in our community,” said Jolie Perry, Sustainability Program Coordinator. “Our homes and buildings are still the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions here. With BGHIP, we’re here to support residents who take steps to make their homes more energy efficient.”

For more information on the Bloomington Green Home Improvement Program, visit the program website at https://bloomington.in.gov/sustainability/bghip. For information on the City’s sustainability efforts, Climate Action Plan, and greenhouse gas emissions reports, visit our Sustainable Bloomington Website and Bloomington’s Climate Action Dashboard.

The City of Bloomington Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) is pleased to announce seven recipients of the 2026 Neighborhood Improvement Grant. A total of $30,000 in grant funds were awarded in a competitive application process for the following neighborhood-driven projects:

Bentley Court HOA ($8,000) — Funding will support Phase 2 of their Wildlife Corridor project, transforming a half-acre into a green space with native plants, bird boxes, and educational signage to support local biodiversity.

Bloomington Housing Authority Residents Council ($6,550) — The Walnut Woods Community Pantry will receive a makeover to create a large-capacity storage area for food, hygiene, and household items for the community.

Gentry Estates HOA ($3,000) — This grant will replace three deteriorating and unsafe mailbox clusters and their associated concrete pads.

Gentry Honours HOA ($2,600) — Funds will be used to refurbish and repair two existing neighborhood entrance signs that have physically deteriorated.

Prospect Hill Neighborhood Assoc ($4,000)— This project supports headstone restoration in Rose Hill Cemetery, including professional restoration for large monuments and volunteer workshops.

Sherwood Green HOA ($3,500) — Outdated and faded private street signs will be replaced with new, reflective, and City-compliant street signs, and wayfinding signs will be added to enhance safety and visibility.

Spicewood 2 Neighborhood ($2,350) — A vacant, overgrown lot will be cleaned up and transformed into a native pollinator garden for the neighborhood to enjoy.

Offered annually, the Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program is designed to enhance the quality of life within neighborhoods, by empowering residents to address local needs while creating lasting community benefits. Applications are reviewed by a five-member council, made up of two at-large neighborhood association members, two City staffers, and one commissioner from the Redevelopment Commission (RDC). The council makes funding recommendations to the RDC, who ultimately determines the allocation of funds.

Thank you to this year’s council for their careful and thoughtful consideration of the grant applications: 

• Tom Payne, Near West Side Neighborhood Association
• Kaleb Throckmorton, Matlock Heights Neighborhood Association
• Maria McCormick, Engineering
• Danna Stephens, Public Works, Street and Traffic Division
• Laurie McRobbie, Redevelopment Commission

For more information about this and other grant programs for Bloomington neighborhoods, please visit bton.in/NHood or contact Angela Van Rooy, HAND Operations Manager at angela.vanrooy@bloominton.in.gov or 812-349-3505.

The City of Bloomington is moving forward with a series of downtown and near-downtown infrastructure, maintenance, and public space investments. The work includes street paving, sidewalk repair, alley improvements, planter maintenance, public space cleaning, parking lot repairs, and continued support for downtown activation. Timelines may shift due to weather and other operational factors.

The City has identified nearly $4.7 million for improvements along Kirkwood Avenue, Rogers Street, Grimes Lane, and Patterson Drive. Planned work includes street paving, crosswalks, accessible curb ramps, traffic signal improvements, curb changes, stormwater infrastructure, median islands, bumpouts, and other corridor updates intended to improve safety, access, and movement. Funding includes City Public Works and Engineering funds, pedestrian safety funding, utility funds, bond proceeds, and $1 million from the state’s Community Crossings Matching Grant program.

The City will complete more than $800,000 in paving on downtown and downtown-adjacent streets, including portions of 6th, 7th, 9th, and 10th Streets, Madison Street, 3rd Street, Kirkwood Avenue, Walnut Street, Dodds Street, College Avenue, and Henderson Street. Scheduled for the week of June 8, surface parking lots 1, 3, and 5 will receive pavement maintenance and repairs funded through parking meter revenue. The City will also install alley bollards funded by $107,555 in parking meter revenue to support safety during festival setups.

A separate $491,600 Kirkwood sidewalk maintenance contract with E&B Paving, LLC will address East Kirkwood Avenue from North Indiana Avenue to North Walnut Street between mid-May and mid-July. The project will include block-by-block road closures:

• May 11 - 31 — 500 block closed
• June 1 - 14 — 400 block closed
• June 15 - 21 — 300 block closed
• June 22 - July 1 — 200 block closed
• July 2 - 11 — 100 block closed

In mid-May, Downtown alleys will receive attention, with a $311,575 alley renovation project between College Avenue and Walnut Street. This funding is in partnership with the City’s Parks & Recreation Department, with a portion of the funds coming from the remaining Bicentennial Bond that authorized downtown alley enhancements and rebuilding.

The City will continue maintaining the public spaces that shape the downtown experience. Planned work includes planter maintenance and enhancements around Courthouse Square and Kirkwood Avenue, tree and shrub replacement, powerwashing, and continued public space care through the Brighten Bloomington program, a Public Works-assigned crew partnership with Centerstone funded at $381,000. Planter care and powerwashing are supported by parking meter revenue, which is reinvested into downtown improvements and operations. This dedicated funding source allows the City to address ongoing downtown maintenance needs while reducing pressure on other local funding sources.

Public Works is also evaluating long-term facility needs, including space for equipment storage, maintenance, and daily operations. City equipment includes sanitation trucks, snowplows, fire engines, police vehicles, electric fleet vehicles, and other equipment used to provide public services. Many of these vehicles and pieces of equipment cost more than $100,000 per unit. Storing equipment outside can shorten its useful life and increase long-term maintenance costs. Facility planning will help the City better protect these public assets and support daily service delivery.

These planning efforts are underway as traditional local funding sources become increasingly constrained. The City is assessing the impacts of state-level funding changes, including Senate Enrolled Act 1, and prioritizing investments that maintain existing infrastructure, extend the life of public assets, and support essential services.

About Brighten Bloomington

Brighten Bloomington offers no-to-low barrier employment with the City of Bloomington for residents experiencing substance abuse, mental health issues, and homelessness. The crew members manage curbline and alley cleaning, trash pick-up, clearing storm drains, graffiti removal, and general custodial work throughout downtown, trails, and parks. As of this year, the program has coverage for all seven days of the week.

The City of Bloomington, with sponsorship support from Downtown Bloomington Inc., will organize a series of recurring downtown activation events now through November 2026.

The programming is designed to encourage residents and visitors to spend time downtown, support local businesses, and participate in family-friendly and community-centered activities. Events will take place monthly and will include restaurant promotions, family activities, extended shopping hours, and live street performances. Programming includes:

Bloomington Bites Bingo — begins first week of each month: Bloomington Bites Bingo encourages participants to visit downtown restaurants, complete squares on a bingo card, and explore a variety of local dining options. Completed bingo cards may be entered for prizes, including restaurant gift cards and local treats. 

Details for June Bloomington Bites Bingo, including participating businesses, bingo card information, and prizes, will be released soon.

Family Night Out on Kirkwood — second Wednesday of each month, 5–8:30 p.m: In partnership with the Monroe County Public Library, Family Night Out on Kirkwood invites families to spend an evening downtown with family-friendly games and activities, entertainment, and opportunities to visit businesses and restaurants along Kirkwood Avenue. The street will be lined with tables and chairs for community-style dining.

• May 13
• June 10
• July 8
• August 12
• September 9
• October 14

Downtown Shop Night & Busk at Dusk — third Wednesday of each month, 4–7 p.m: Downtown Shop Night encourages residents and visitors to shop local and explore downtown retailers during extended evening hours. Participating businesses may offer refreshments, specials, or in-store experiences. Busk at Dusk will feature local musicians and performers in downtown public spaces and along downtown corridors. The event is intended to support local artists and create a more active evening atmosphere for residents and visitors.

• May 20
• June 17
• July 15
• August 19
• September 16
• October 21

Downtown Activation programming is organized by the City of Bloomington and sponsored by Downtown Bloomington Inc.

The City of Bloomington is implementing the first phase of a citywide traffic signal retiming and safety upgrade effort, a project that adjusts signal timing to make intersections safer, more predictable, and easier to navigate for people driving, walking, biking, and using mobility devices. Recent updates completed along Walnut and College Avenues and at key intersections, including 10th Street and 17th Street.

With funding from the Highway Safety Improvement Program, this work is part of a three-phase initiative to modernize pedestrian protection measures at signalized intersections across Bloomington

These updates are designed to improve safety and predictability for all roadway users, including drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, while supporting smoother traffic flow across some of the city’s busiest corridors. For residents and visitors, the most notable change may be a short delay before some vehicle signals turn green, allowing pedestrians to enter the crosswalk first.

“This is practical safety work that helps make Bloomington streets safer and more predictable,” Garzee said. “These improvements support safer travel for people walking, biking, riding transit, and driving throughout the city.”

Among the changes being introduced are Leading Pedestrian Intervals, or LPIs, which give people walking a few seconds of dedicated crossing time before vehicles receive a green light. This treatment helps make pedestrians more visible in the crosswalk and reduces conflicts with turning vehicles, one of the most common safety concerns at signalized intersections.

Senior Project Engineer Neil Kopper presented an overview of the project on behalf of the Engineering Department at a regular hearing of the Transportation Commission on February 23, 2026. The current signal updates put policy into practice by applying LPIs and related timing changes across multiple corridors, rather than addressing intersections one at a time.

The City of Bloomington Council for Community Accessibility (CCA) asks residents to review and provide feedback on its ADA Transition Plan, a document that identifies accessibility barriers in City facilities, programs, services, and activities and outlines steps to address them. The plan is available at bloomington.in.gov/accessible, and community feedback will be accepted at bton.in/26ADA until May 22, 2026.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted on July 26, 1990, and amended effective January 1, 2009. Title II of the ADA prohibits state and local governments from discriminating against people on the basis of their disability and from excluding people from participation in programs, services, or activities because of their disability.

Title II mandates that local governments prepare Transition Plans that identify barriers to accessibility in government facilities and outline strategies to make those buildings and services accessible. The City of Bloomington developed its initial ADA Transition Plan in 1990. The most recent update was completed in 2024 and is available online at bloomington.in.gov/accessible.