Category: Low Income Issues

Chamber Opposes Bloomington Ordinance on Homeless Encampments

2/23/2021

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.

“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.”

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Bloomington Council Considers Ordinance to Allow Camps in Public Parks

2/17/2021

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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.

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Digital Equity Study Shows Range of Challenges for Broadband Access

8/19/2020

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The City of Bloomington has released a report looking at digital equity among city residents. The report is intended to guide development of the city's digital equity strategic plan.

Among the findings:

12% of low-income respondents never interact with the internet.
The homework gap (problems completing homework due to internet deficiencies) is significant for lower-bandwidth households.
Existing subsidy programs from internet service providers aren’t fully being used by eligible residents.
Caregivers are concerned about risks and their ability to protect children from online harms.
Low-income residents report a lack of desired computing skills and are interested in training to improve their skills.
The skills gap is pronounced for low-income and older residents: 50% of such respondents think they do not have the skills they need to use the internet effectively and comfortably.
Fully half of respondents said their job now requires internet access at home.
There is broad support for the City doing more to address digital equity issues and to improve broadband in Bloomington.

Click here to read the report.

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Regional Housing Study Assesses Needs, Recommends Solutions

10/2/2019

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An 11-county study of workforce housing needs has been released this week, assessing the regional housing market and proposing strategies for addressing challenges.

The 339-page Indiana Uplands Regional Housing Study includes the Bloomington/Monroe County community. Reports for individual counties also can be downloaded on the housing study's website.

Six main strategies are identified by the report (pp 318-337):

Elevate the quality of existing housing.
Deal with undervaluations.
Develop more buildable lots.
Create more below-market-rate housing.
Work on greater code enforcement and implementation.
Invest in quality-of-life features.

ROI is an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County, and is funded through a $25.87 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.

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Housing Needs: Give Your Input

6/6/2019

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The City of Bloomington is developing a five-year plan to identify affordable housing and community development needs. You can give input by taking this survey or attending any of the following stakeholder forums:

Housing Affordability: Tues. June 11, 1:30 p.m at Bloomington Housing Authority's Community Room, 1007 North Summit St.

Housing Equity: Tues. June 11, 3 p.m. at Bloomington Housing Authority's Community Room, 1007 North Summit St.

Asset-building in Lower-income Neighborhoods: Wed. June 12, 9 a.m. at Broadview Learning Center, Room 143, 705 West Coolidge Dr.

Development Pressures and Challenges: Wed. June 12, 10:30 a.m. at Broadview Learning Center, Room 143, 705 West Coolidge Dr.

Public and Social Services: Wed. June 12, 1:30 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 401 N. Morton St.

Healthy Households: Wed. June 12, 3 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 401 N. Morton St.

There are also two additional public forums at the Utilities Service Building Board Room, 600 E. Miller Dr. on Tuesday June 11 and Wednesday June 12, both starting at 6 p.m.

Click here for more information about this effort, which is being led by the city's Housing & Neighborhood Development (HAND) unit.

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Advocacy Matters
Local News & Updates

Chamber Opposes Bloomington Ordinance on Homeless Encampments

Bloomington Council Considers Ordinance to Allow Camps in Public Parks

Digital Equity Study Shows Range of Challenges for Broadband Access

Regional Housing Study Assesses Needs, Recommends Solutions

Housing Needs: Give Your Input

Mary Morgan

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Advocacy MattersLocal News & Updates

Chamber Opposes Bloomington Ordinance on Homeless Encampments

Bloomington Council Considers Ordinance to Allow Camps in Public Parks

Digital Equity Study Shows Range of Challenges for Broadband Access

Regional Housing Study Assesses Needs, Recommends Solutions

Housing Needs: Give Your Input

Mary Morgan

Archives

Categories

Advocacy Matters
Local News & Updates