 My journey at IU Bloomington is coming to a close. In a little over a week, I'll attend my commencement ceremony to receive my Master of Public Affairs degree. While much has changed for me over the past two years (including getting engaged), one constant has been my time here with the Chamber. Sadly, the end of my IU journey also means the end of my two-year fellowship with the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. My last day at the Chamber will be this Thursday, May 1st.
I want to start by extending my heartfelt thanks to my colleagues at the Chamber. Their partnership with the O'Neill Leadership Program paved the way for my fellowship. A special shout out to Christopher Emge who brought me in as part of the Advocacy team. Having previously worked in politics and government, my time with the Chamber offered a new experience--the opportunity to engage in issues-based advocacy. My work with the Chamber also allowed me to test out my classroom learning in real-time. From writing memos and newsletters, to conducting member surveys, tracking legislation, and--my personal highlight--testifying before a State House committee, I gained valuable insight in the advocacy realm. In a more personal light, working with and advocating for our members helped me to connect with Bloomington in a way that I never would have as a commuter student. I'm immensely grateful for the connections I've made, and I have no doubt these experiences will serve me well in my future career. I will always look back fondly on my time here at the Chamber and Bloomington will always have a special place in my heart. For now, a few more days of burning the midnight oil and a well-deserved vacation before tackling whatever comes next. Farewell, Josh
0 Comments
 This Saturday, I will be sitting at The Winslow Sports Park—hot dog in hand, surrounded by families cheering on the Little League baseball Jamboree, opening day. There, under the canopy bleachers and over the crack of aluminum bats, I will find something that defines this community: neighbors chatting across generations, Monroe County residents from every corner mingling, and a spirit of togetherness that zoning maps can’t capture. I call this “community”.
On April 17, the Monroe County Board of Commissioners voted 2-1 to approve Ordinances 2025-11 and 2025-12, downzoning more than two hundred parcels in the Sunset Hill and Maple Grove Baby Farms neighborhoods from High Density (HD) to Residential 1 (RES). This was not a tweak—it was a shift. One that limits housing choice, shrinks opportunity, and ignores the economic needs of our shared future. Zoning with a Rearview Mirror Let us be clear: good zoning should look 30 years ahead, not 30 years back. Instead, this vote embraces a “last settler’s mindset”—a planning philosophy that says, “I’m here now, so no one else can come.” But our economy—and our people—need something more. Monroe County employers are struggling to find housing for their workforce. Young professionals, teachers, healthcare workers, and seniors looking to downsize need options. And yet, this decision removes those options by restricting housing types that are more attainable: duplexes, triplexes, ADUs, tiny homes. According to County Councilmember David Henry, the downzone "forecloses on opportunities for creative, small-footprint development,” which not only limits affordability but removes tools to actually restore community character. County Surveyor Trohn Enright-Randolph also weighed in, pointing out that the rezoning will force property owners to jump through more hoops just to make modest improvements. More variances, more red tape, more frustration. Is this how we welcome innovation? A Missed Opportunity for Smart Growth The affected parcels fall within the Urban Growth Area—exactly where housing should go. This decision pushes development further out, into rural areas, increasing vehicle miles travel, infrastructure costs, and environmental impact. It is sprawling by policy. We need smart growth, not the stunted variety. That means focusing on new housing where we already have roads, schools, and utilities. It means building the kind of compact, walkable neighborhoods that serve people at every stage of life. And yes, it means zoning to increase our housing stock, not lock it in amber. The Fiscal Reality: We Need a Bigger Pie Monroe County has already lost $3.8 million in revenue due to property tax caps and exemptions. Now, Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) at the Indiana Statehouse threatens to limit local government’s ability to grow property tax revenues even further. Here is the bottom line: we need more taxpayers, not just higher taxes on the few who remain. We need to increase the tax revenue pie. How else will we fund critical investments like the soon to be bonded Justice Center? Limiting growth where infrastructure already exists only handcuffs the County’s ability to generate the revenue it needs to pay for tomorrow’s needs. This is not theoretical—it's math. A Voice of Reason: Commissioner Madeira In the midst of the noise, Commissioner Jody Madeira stood tall. Her vote against the downzoning was a stand for thoughtful planning and economic foresight. She understood the implications—not just for a handful of property owners today, but for the thousands of residents who need housing tomorrow. She recognized that the County cannot plan in isolation or based solely on nostalgia. Her attention to detail and long-term thinking were refreshing reminders that we can govern with both heart and head. The Anti-Bloomington Crusade The Chair of the Monroe County Plan Commission seemingly isn’t opposed to housing options, she was opposed to Bloomington itself. In her own words today, Bloomington “has lost its community.” No community? Someone might want to tell the 80,000 people who live there, the thousands of local business owners, teachers, nurses, artists, and, yes, Little League families who are part of what is very much a community. Just because you do not like annexation doesn’t mean you get to write off an entire city. The fixation on the city’s boundaries has veered so far off the mainstream path that she has become a cautionary tale in governance. If your primary goal in land use planning is to block progress out of spite, it may be time to retire the gavel. We need forward thinkers on the Monroe Plan Commission. The Chamber’s Position The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce respectfully opposed the downzoning ordinances. As we shared in our public comment:
Final Thought At Winslow this weekend, I will be reminded that the community isn’t about zoning categories. It’s about people. It’s about being able to stay, to grow, to invest, and to belong. Let’s zone for that.  Parking is an urban issue affecting many cities as they grow and develop. Parking in college towns has been an increasingly difficult issue to tackle. The growing demand for parking is straining available resources and is making it difficult to venture to many downtowns. There is often a greater lack of transit access in college towns compared to big cities. Managing the availability and price of parking, especially in crowded areas, can reduce congestion. Encouraging transit and carpools reduces the number of vehicles on major roads and city streets. Some college towns have proposed different ideas to try and combat the parking issue, while some are dealing with expansion projects that could make parking even worse.
University of Iowa:
With the Convention Center expansion, many are worried about parking and whether there will be enough to meet expected increases in demand. Capital Improvement Board President John Whikehart said that between the lots the convention center will own and the fourth street garage, there will be 970 parking spaces, and the convention center would never have 1200 people coming to one event dinner with 1200 separate cars. There was also a proposal by the host hotel that considered underground parking on top of four parking garages, three surface parking lots, and parking at the former Bloomington hospital site. He acknowledged that there may need to be some creative measures taken in the future to address parking, but that there are always shuttle services. A study by the Desman Design Management Group brought some suggestions on how Bloomington could improve parking downtown. Some suggestions include improving the wayfinding to and within off-street parking facilities. This would require additional signage to direct drivers to parking. The signs should be placed in high-traffic areas such as Kirkwood Avenue, College Avenue, and Walnut Street. Another idea is to change off-street parking to be enforced at least as long as on-street parking. This change will provide consistency and prevent people from getting away with not paying because they left after ‘closing’. Reducing the number of reserved parking spaces in the garages could also help increase the number of parking spaces. The practice of reserving parking spaces often leaves most of them empty, while the rest of the garage is full. Since the 4th street garage is too expensive to maintain over the long term, and there is a possibility that additional parking capacity will be needed to satisfy the needs of new developments, the city could consider demolishing the garage and replacing it with a larger, better-designed garage. While it is expensive to build a new garage, the city must have a long-term plan in place before hundreds of thousands of dollars are sent to repair the 4th Street garage. In the meantime, there are several options to improve parking efficiency downtown, such as adjusting the price of parking garage permit rates to balance demand and cover operating costs, adjusting on-street meter rates to increase turnover, and establishing a reserve fund for parking. All these ideas would improve parking efficiency downtown and make it easier for people to find parking as the demand for parking continues to increase.  We now have less than a month until the Indiana General Assembly must statutorily end its legislative session (April 29th). In all likelihood, however, session will end earlier. Both the Senate and House calendars have April 24th as the anticipated last day. There are sure to be some late nights ahead as both chambers work to get through committees, debate bills on the floor, offer up last minute amendments to the budget, and try to hash out difference between House and Senate versions of bills. Further complicating things, since it is a budget year, any bill that impacts the budget must be approved by the Ways and Means Committee in the House and the Appropriations Committee in the Senate.
While the list of bills left alive has whittled down considerably, we are still tracking a number of pieces of legislation. First, it is important to note that the Governor can sign bills as they are passed. He doesn't have to wait until session is over to sign them all at once. Here are a few bills we've been following that have been signed into law by the Governor: SB 199--Provides that 2 or more candidates of a political party may sign a written statement indicating their desire to name a watcher to be present at a county primary election HB 1122--Authorizes law enforcement officers to order someone to stop approaching if the officer believes the person's presence within 25 ft of the officer will interfere with their duties HB 1289--Defines "employment social enterprise" A handful of bills have passed both chambers but simply await the Governor's signature. We are also tracking some bills authored, co-authored, or sponsored by legislators representing Monroe County. Some of these bills include: SB 4 (Authored by Sen. Koch) -- Deals with long haul water pipelines and water transfers SB 126 (Sponsored by Dave Hall) -- Requires municipality that initiates annexation process to with the court a petition approved by signatures of at least 51% of owners of non-tax exempt land in annexation territory SB 176 (Authored by Sen. Yoder) -- Aims to tackle nursing shortage through increased eligibility to state-accredited programs SB 287 (Sponsored by Rep. Heaton) -- Requires school board candidates to list party affiliation or to list as independent candidate HB 1080 (Authored by Rep. Mayfield) -- Authorizes Ellettsville to collect food & beverage tax HB 1245 (Authored by Rep. Hall) -- Allows counties with state parks to impose surcharge on entrance fees to use for public safety & infrastructure improvements Many of these bills and others face an uncertain future until signed by the Governor. Many still have to be heard various committees, may get hung up on legislative procedures, or--in rare cases--fall victim to what we call a strip and insert where the bill is stripped of its existing language and replaced with language from another bill that passed its original chamber and hasn't been voted down. As always, you can keep track of all the bills on the Indiana General Assembly's "Legislation" tab here. 
On March 5, 2025, the Bloomington City Council made a significant decision that will shape the future of downtown Bloomington and further strengthen the local economy. With a unanimous vote, the Council approved the issuance of $46.8 million in bonds, marking the final step needed to fund the expansion of the Monroe County Convention Center. This decision not only unlocks the potential for a modernized convention facility but also cements the city’s commitment to economic growth and regional collaboration. A Vital Economic Asset for Bloomington The Monroe County Convention Center plays a crucial role in the economic vitality of the Greater Bloomington area. It serves as a gathering space for events, conferences, and trade shows, which in turn attract visitors and tourism dollars to our local businesses. The expansion, which will add 60,000 square feet to the existing 40,000-square-foot facility, will significantly increase the center’s capacity, enabling the city to host larger events, provide more meeting spaces, and offer opportunities for new conferences and conventions that were previously unavailable due to space constraints. This is a win for local businesses, who will benefit from the increased traffic in downtown Bloomington. From restaurants to retail shops, the convention center is an engine for the local economy, particularly during the off-peak months when small businesses struggle to maintain steady sales. By increasing the capacity for events, the expansion promises to drive business year-round, helping local entrepreneurs thrive. The Chamber’s Role in Advocacy The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce has been at the forefront of advocating for the expansion of the Monroe County Convention Center. Over the past few years, the Chamber has actively worked to highlight the economic benefits that the expansion will bring to local businesses and the community as a whole. By working closely with local leaders, business owners, and community stakeholders, the Chamber has helped to ensure that this project remains a priority for the City Council. Our CEO/President, Eric Spoonmore, has been instrumental in this effort, representing the Chamber in meetings with the Capital Improvement Board (CIB) and other key stakeholders. The CIB has played a crucial role in managing the project, ensuring that it progresses smoothly and aligns with the needs of the community. Eric's involvement with the CIB has provided a valuable voice for local businesses, helping to shape the vision for the expanded convention center in a way that supports both economic development and community growth.
Community Impact and Future Opportunities
The expansion is not just a building project—it’s a statement about the future of Bloomington as a regional hub for tourism, business, and civic engagement. The increased space will allow local charities, organizations, and businesses to host more large-scale events, making it easier for them to connect with the community and expand their reach. Whether for a local fundraiser, a national conference, or a regional trade show, the new convention center will foster greater collaboration and innovation. Furthermore, the expansion’s emphasis on sustainable design and modern amenities will make the Monroe County Convention Center a premier destination for visitors and event organizers, ensuring that Bloomington remains competitive with other cities in the region. Looking Ahead This approval is a momentous achievement for our city and will have lasting benefits for years to come. The City Council’s leadership in approving the expansion is a testament to their commitment to building a brighter future for Bloomington and Monroe County. As the construction begins and the expansion takes shape, we look forward to the new opportunities that will come with a larger, more vibrant convention center. With this project moving forward, Bloomington is poised for continued growth, attracting more business, tourism, and economic development opportunities. The expansion of the Monroe County Convention Center is not just an investment in infrastructure—it's an investment in the future of our community. The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, along with the leadership of Eric Spoonmore and the hard work of the Capital Improvement Board, is proud to have played a role in making this historic night a reality. Let’s continue to support projects like these that drive our economy, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for all Bloomington residents. Renewing Community Through Leadership, Education, and Volunteerism: A Response to David Brooks'3/5/2025 
David Brooks’ recent speech on cultural renewal challenged us to reassess how we build and strengthen our communities. He emphasized the importance of reconnecting with our moral roots and restoring trust in our institutions. His reflections on how we’ve privatized morality, created divisions, and weakened our institutions strike a chord. The work we are doing at the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce through initiatives like Bloomington Women in Leadership (BWIL) and The Success School works to counter the recent cynicism. These programs with the critical role volunteers play, demonstrate how we are actively working to rebuild the cultural fabric of our community.
BWIL: Empowering Women, Building Community Brooks argued that cultural transformation happens when individuals come together for a collective purpose. “Culture changes when a creative minority finds a beautiful way to live, and the rest of us copy,” he said. This idea resonates deeply with the BWIL program, which connects and empowers women leaders in Bloomington to create a ripple effect of growth, support, and community.
Through BWIL, the Chamber cultivates a network where women leaders, especially those who have overcome personal or professional challenges, can mentor and guide others. BWIL events, like the Women Excel Bloomington (WEB) Awards, celebrate the accomplishments of local women and inspire others to take on leadership roles. This program exemplifies Brooks' idea of “being broken open” during times of struggle and transforming those moments into opportunities for renewal. The stories of resilience and growth shared within BWIL are central to fostering a connected, vibrant community where leadership flourishes.
Brooks also highlighted the power of suffering and struggle in shaping transformation, saying, “In moments of suffering, you can either be broken or you can be broken open.” BWIL exemplifies this as a space where women who have faced adversity—whether in their personal lives or careers—come together to support and lift one another. These connections lead to personal and professional growth, strengthening the cultural fabric of Bloomington. The Success School: Bridging the Gap Between Education, Volunteers, and the Business Community Brooks also emphasized the importance of strengthening institutions like our school districts, noting that institutions are the bedrock of society, providing stability and trust. At the Success School, we have an opportunity to help young people and community members alike see the value of strong institutions and how they contribute to societal well-being. The Success School partners with local school districts to provide over 4,500 students annually with programs that offer career learning opportunities, from Reality Store® simulations to Job Shadowing and Career Panels. These programs connect education with the workforce and underscore how individuals’ choices today shape their future. . But one of the most impactful aspects of the Success School is the involvement of volunteers from the business community. Volunteers at the Success School play a pivotal role in strengthening the very institutions Brooks mentions. By dedicating their time and expertise, volunteers help students see the direct connection between their education and future success. The Reality Store®, for example, wouldn’t be possible without volunteers from local businesses who guide students through the simulation of budgeting and financial planning. These hands-on experiences foster a deeper understanding of how institutions, like schools and businesses, interact to support individual and community growth. Volunteers, by engaging directly with students, contribute to creating a sense of belonging and trust in the system. As Brooks reflected, moments of struggle can lead to profound transformation, and volunteering at the Success School is an example of how the business community is helping to strengthen the educational system. By supporting local students and providing mentorship, volunteers are reinforcing the social fabric and showing how civic engagement can heal and rebuild our institutions. These acts of service help restore the faith in institutions that Brooks described as vital for cultural renewal. Strengthening Community Through Collective Action David Brooks spoke powerfully about the need for cultural renewal through collective action. “In moments of suffering, you can either be broken or you can be broken open,” he said. At the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, our BWIL program and Success School are examples of how we are choosing to be “broken open” as a community. Through leadership development, volunteerism, and educational initiatives, we are actively working to rebuild the moral, social, and institutional fabric that sustains us. Volunteers, especially those at the Success School, play an essential role in this transformation. Their contributions help strengthen the institutions that support our future leaders, making sure that our educational system remains resilient and responsive to the needs of the community. These volunteers embody the renewal Brooks described: they give of their time and talents to help others, creating a ripple effect that strengthens both individuals and institutions. Brooks also suggested that change occurs when “a small group of people finds a better way to live, and the rest of us copy.” The volunteers at the Success School are the embodiment of this principle—they are the ones showing how collective effort and community involvement can create lasting change. Through their actions, they inspire others to engage, volunteer, and contribute to the broader cultural renewal that our community needs. Moving Forward Together As Brooks urged, we have an opportunity to embrace moments of crisis as opportunities for growth and transformation. The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce remains committed to nurturing leaders, strengthening institutions, and fostering volunteerism that supports our community. Whether through BWIL or the Success School, we are focused on creating a community where trust, shared values, and collective purpose guide us forward. We invite you to join us in this effort—whether through volunteering at the Success School, participating in BWIL, or supporting other Chamber programs. Together, we can create the foundation for a renewed community that reflects the values David Brooks calls for and that will continue to thrive for generations to come. The City of Bloomington Council meeting is happening soon, and we need YOUR voice! On March 5th at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, the Council will vote to approve the bonding for the Convention Center Expansion — this is the last hurdle before we can move forward with funding the project, and we need YOU there!  Why It Matters:
 Anyone who has followed the state legislature for the past few cycles will have heard legislators sounding the alarm about our state's 3rd-grade reading proficiency. In the 2023 session, lawmakers passed a bill requiring schools to adopt a curriculum aligned with the science of reading--a structured learning approach that has been successful in improving literacy rates (read more the science of reading here). In the 2024 session, before there had even been a chance to analyze the results of the science of reading curriculum (spoiler alert: the 2023-24 IREAD results showed the largest single-year increase in 3rd grade literacy rates since 2013), legislators passed a bill requiring 3rd graders who don't pass the IREAD to be held back.
Given this seeming sense of urgency, it came as a surprise that the latest version of the state's budget bill did not include funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library (IndyStar). The Imagination Library aims to support early literacy by sending age-appropriate books to children's homes from birth to the age of five. In 2023, Indiana began its relationship with the Imagination Library and approved $6 million across its biennial budget (IndyStar). Future funding, however, is now in peril. Instead of building on last year's IREAD scores and funding the mandate to improve childhood literacy, the Governor has indicated he will task the First Lady with spearheading an effort to get private investors for the project (WISHTV). Funding the Imagination Library would have helped the state walk the walk in terms of improving literacy rates with a proven program. Over 125,000 Hoosier children are reported to have signed up and joined the Imagination Library (WISHTV). It's no secret that kids do better when they get a head start on reading. Yet teachers and parents are now left with an unfunded mandate--a mandate to make sure their kids can read or else be held back all without the crucial funding of the state.  Today is the last day before the week-long break from session that marks the halfway point of the legislative calendar. All bills hoping to advance have to be voted out of their original chambers by end of day today. As I write this, the Senate has been locked in a debate for over 2 hours on SB 518 which would have massive implications for the redistribution of tax dollars between traditional public and charter schools.
Many bills have already had their fate sealed. This year saw many bills brought forward to decriminalize/legalize medical/recreational marijuana. All bills have failed to move forward. Many other bills targeting immigration and drugs such as Mifepristone and Misoprostol failed to make it out of their chambers as well. Many other bills, however, have made it out of their respective chambers and will be picked up by their counterparts after the break. Below are updates on some of the bills we have been following:
 The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce stands at the intersection of education and economic growth where our Success School exemplifies the partnership between public education and workforce development. Indiana's new high school diploma requirements mean that students must now complete 150 hours of work-based learning to better prepare them for postsecondary success. For over two decades, The Success School has been perfectly aligned with this initiative.
As we face potential changes to school funding through Indiana's Senate Bill 1 and 518, we must consider how reducing property tax revenue to public schools could impact essential career preparation programs that serve our community's future workforce. Our community-focused public school districts—Richland-Bean Blossom (RBB) and Monroe County Community School Corporations (MCCSC) —work hand-in-hand with the Chamber's Success School to deliver real-world career experiences that align with Indiana's Graduation Pathways initiative. This partnership provides students with invaluable opportunities for career shadowing, financial literacy education, internships, and professional mentorship—all crucial components in preparing career-ready graduates. As highlighted in this Indianapolis Star article about the impact of SB 518, investing in public education is not just about preparing students for the future—it’s about securing the long-term economic health of our region. By supporting teachers, expanding career exploration programs, and advocating for strong K-12 education policies, we are ensuring that businesses have access to a well-prepared talent pool and that our community continues to thrive. Chelsea Thompson, principal of IPS' William Penn Middle School, expressed concern that the proposed bill would severely impact the 6,000 students participating in work-based learning programs, describing the funding reduction as devastating for both the district and the broader community. She emphasized that weakening the district would have widespread consequences for the city and state, while also noting strong support for maintaining these vital programs. Taxpayer Accountability is Essential Unlike traditional public schools governed by locally elected boards, many charter schools operate without direct community oversight. Instead, state agencies or appointed boards oversee decisions, often with looser financial reporting with little regard for transparency. This means local taxpayers fund schools where they have little say in operations or spending, raising concerns on accountability. Indiana’s charter oversight has led to major financial and academic failures. Indiana Virtual School and Indiana Virtual Pathways Academy inflated enrollment by 14,000 students, improperly collecting $68 million and funneling $85 million to related companies, triggering a $154 million lawsuit. Carpe Diem Schools expanded too quickly and collapsed within a year, while The Mind Trust awarded a $800,000 fellowship to a charter operator who misrepresented credentials. These cases highlight the risks of weak oversight and the need for strong local control to protect public education funds. The State simply does not have the track record of oversight and compliance to expand this role. They have even less incentive when the tax dollars used are not from the State. Indiana’s Senate Bill 518 proposes sharing property tax revenue with charter schools, raising concerns about accountability and community oversight. The Chamber supports responsible investments in all educational institutions, but we also firmly believe that traditional public schools—accountable to taxpayers—are best positioned to prepare students for successful careers. Workforce Partnerships Traditional public schools already have established partnerships with workforce development organizations, businesses, and higher education institutions. Diverting local tax dollars to charter schools that lack public accountability risks undermining these efforts, potentially reducing access to business-led career programs like those provided by the Success School. If local tax revenue is allocated to charter schools:
Conclusion: A Strong Traditional Public School System is the Best Workforce Pipeline A thriving local economy depends on well-prepared graduates entering the workforce. Public schools, in partnership with Chambers of Commerce and business leaders, play a critical role in shaping Indiana’s next generation of workers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. By investing in K12 public education intuitions and supporting partnerships like the Success School, we can ensure that students graduate career-ready while strengthening our local economy. We urge policymakers to prioritize funding accountability, maintain strong business-school partnerships, and keep public education at the forefront of workforce development. The future of our economy starts in the classroom—let’s ensure our public schools have the tools to build it. |
Categories
Categories
All
Archives
Archives
April 2025
|
RSS Feed
|
|
Copyright The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.