Planning & Relationship Development
As the "global village" develops, the successful communities will be those which have an extended point of view as regards both space and time. Because it is a regional center, Bloomington should take the lead in developing long-term regional strategic plans, which are beneficial to us and all our neighbors. The university, as our largest and most influential employer, should be involved in all planning efforts.

The Chamber advocates:
Visioning: The community would greatly benefit from a process that develops a common understanding of what it will look like in 15 to 25 years. This will enable shorter-term initiatives to fit together more cohesively and to result in complementary outcomes. The mayor should lead the visioning process with assistance from a consultant.

Metropolitan Planning Group: The community would greatly benefit from a planning process that incorporates all stakeholders. A coordinated metropolitan planning group should be formed. This group should facilitate the consolidation of city and county planning functions.

Planning Process: The current development planning process in our community requires a new approach. Two important changes need to be made. First, the city and county should carefully coordinate planning functions. Second, the recent study conducted by the city planning department should be used as a place to start improving the process. The precepts of total quality management should prevail, especially those that emphasize continuous process improvement and customer satisfaction.

Shared Resources: The city, county, school systems, and Indiana University should seek to share more resources. Examples of resources that might be shared to the benefit of all include libraries, sports facilities, performance venues, and recreational assets.

Improved Intergovernmental Relations: The State of Indiana is handicapped by its system of government, many aspects of which are archaic, inefficient, and ineffective. In another section of this document, recommendations for improving county government are presented. Unfortunately, restructuring government will be a difficult and long task.In the meantime, elected officials should seek every opportunity to conduct a de facto restructuring by enhancing cooperation between government agencies. For instance, the city and county parks and recreation departments could be effectively consolidated. The university and community transportation systems could be combined. And public safety agencies, especially fire departments, can continue to find ways to share resources.

Town-Gown: The relationships between the community and university have improved substantially in the past three years. The president of the university is clearly committed to improving cooperation with the community. However, there are many areas in which cooperation could be improved, including transportation, parking, housing, land use, infrastructure development, and long-range planning. Leaders on both sides should continue their efforts to cooperate to the mutual benefit of both parties.

Doing Business with Indiana University: Some local businesses report that doing business with Indiana University is difficult and costly. The university should modify its goods and services purchase processes so as to be more user-friendly. A business fair, modeled on the Crane "Buy Indiana" program and fair, may serve both parties well. One likely outcome is lower costs to the university.

Magic: As the global market develops, Bloomington's relationship with Greater Indianapolis will become increasingly important. Much of the power and wealth in the state is concentrated in and around the capital city. Bloomington should exercise influence there to the extent possible. Continued involvement with the Metropolitan Association of Greater Indianapolis Communities (MAGIC) provides a good way to achieve this. City and county leaders should take a more active role in MAGIC.

Regional Strategies: Bloomington is, by any measure, a regional center. It is important for community leaders to ensure their activities enhance this role. Planning activities should include smaller Monroe County communities, especially Ellettsville, and contiguous counties. Economic development initiatives should address the region. Infrastructure investments must consider the region.

West Side: As the west side continues to develop, economic, cultural, and geographic factors may combine to create a bipolar community. This outcome will have few advantages as the area competes for economic growth. Community leaders must integrate the community into a cohesive whole. The visioning process addressed elsewhere in this document can help accomplish that.

The Environment: The condition of the environment is an essential ingredient of our community's quality of life. Representatives of the various conflicting perspectives about environmental protection issues should continue to utilize the Chamber's Environmental Issues Committee and other forums to seek balanced, "win-win" solutions and strategies.