Local Food & Beverage Tax revenues dropped 19% in 2020, according to a recently released annual report.

The 1% tax has been collected countywide since 2018. In 2020, nearly $2.8 million was collected, a drop of about $650,000 compared to 2019. 

​Read the full report here.

The following press release was issued by the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce to oppose the proposed Bloomington Council Ordinance 21-06 regarding homeless encampments: 

Based on overwhelming feedback from members, the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce opposes the proposed Bloomington Council Ordinance 21-06 that would allow encampments in public parks for extended periods.
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“Over the past year we’ve heard increasing complaints and deep concerns voiced by members of the business community regarding encampments at Seminary Park and elsewhere,” said Erin Predmore, the Chamber’s president and CEO.  “We must find an alternative way to support the needs of houseless residents that does not negatively impact local businesses, the jobs they provide, and the broader community.”

Downtown Bloomington Inc. is seeking feedback from downtown businesses about possible outdoor dining options along the Kirkwood Avenue corridor. Please complete the survey by Friday, Feb. 26. 

Erin Predmore, CEO of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, has been named president of the Crane Regional Defense Group board. 

The CRDG is a citizen-led committee established through partnerships between chambers of commerce, county councils, financial institutions and local business leaders, and championed by the Southern Indiana Business Alliance (SIBA). It is  a subcommittee of the White River Military Coordination Alliance, was established in 2020 as a grassroots effort to expand community support and advocate for Crane at the local and federal level.​

Click here to learn more about the Crane Regional Defense Group.

The Bloomington City Council is considering an ordinance that would allow homeless residents to camp in public parks, under certain conditions. You can read the ordinance here.
 
We need your feedback! Please share your views in this brief survey

The Council's Committee of the Whole will discuss it on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m. There will be opportunity for public commentary. Depending on their action, it could be considered for a final vote on March 3. If you prefer to contact councilmembers directly, find their contact information here.
 
Click here to take the survey. Thank you for helping us shape our advocacy efforts on this issue.

Three Bloomington councilmembers are proposing an ordinance that would allow homeless residents to camp in public parks, under certain conditions. The proposal will have a 1st reading at the council's Feb. 17 meeting, which starts at 6:30 p.m. here.

Councilmembers Matt Flaherty, Isabel Piedmont-Smith and Kate Rosenbarger are sponsors. 

Click here to read the ordinance.

Mick Renneisen, who has worked for the City of Bloomington for four decades, will retire on April 23. He currently serves as deputy mayor, but spent most of his career in the Parks & Recreation Department, including nearly 20 years as administrator.

Mick also has been an NCAA statistician for the IU men's basketball team and the internal press box announcer for IU football home games since 1983, roles in which he intends to continue. 

Click here to read the city's press release about his career.​

The City of Bloomington planning staff have released a final draft proposal for the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) that will be heard by the city Plan Commission on March 8.

The draft revises some of the initially proposed changes. For example, it pulls back on a controversial plan to allow duplexes, triplexes and quadplexes in several neighborhoods that are predominantly single-family homes. Click here to learn more about the proposal.

The Plan Commission's March 8 public hearing on the UDO begins at 5:30 p.m. on Zoom via this link.

Ellettsville is poised to grow and putting in the infrastructure to support both residential and commercial development. That was one of the highlights of the Feb. 12 "State of the Town" event, hosted by the Ellettsville Chamber of Commerce.

​Mike Farmer, town manager, and Kevin Tolloty, planning director, gave updates on plans for development and annexation to the west and south of town. They also mentioned that Ellettsville will be starting a "revisioning" process soon.

Click here to watch the Feb. 12 event.

Four state legislators representing Monroe County gave an overview of action at the Indiana General Assembly at the Feb. 13 Legislative Update, co-sponsored by the local League of Women Voters and the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce.

​Sen. Shelli Yoder (District 40), Rep. Matt Pierce (District 61), Rep. Peggy Mayfield (District 60) and Rep. Jeff Ellington (District 62) provided updates and answered audience questions. Watch the 90-minute session here.

The next updates will be held on March 6 and April 10. Click here to register.