 When people think about a Chamber of Commerce, their mind often wanders to networking events, business promotion, and educational opportunities. While those are critical parts of what we do, there’s another role that is just as vital: advocacy.
At the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, advocacy means raising the collective voice of business in local government. It means showing up, speaking up, and working with decision-makers to create a stronger, more vibrant community for both businesses and residents. Why Advocacy Matters
What Advocacy Has Accomplished Over the years, Chamber advocacy has helped deliver tangible results that strengthen both business and community life:
Our Ongoing Commitment Advocacy doesn’t stop with a single vote or project. It’s an ongoing commitment:
Advocacy isn’t just for business owners—it benefits the entire community. Strong public transit helps employees get to work and customers reach businesses. A vibrant convention center draws visitors who spend money locally. Robust public safety keeps neighborhoods, schools, and downtown safe. When local government works well, everyone benefits.
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 The Hopewell neighborhood project is a shiny new look to smart community planning and development. The neighborhood reuses the site of the former IU Health Bloomington Hospital, which the city purchased for $6.5 million. The neighborhood includes the 1-acre Hopewell Commons Park and will include mixed housing types for different price points. The city is partnering with Flintlock LAB, a firm that specializes in community-based housing solutions to take on this project.
Hopewell’s latest updates Since its master plan was introduced 5 years ago, Bloomington opened a new city park, the Hopewell Commons, in April of this year. They also began construction of the 38 low-income housing units at the former Kohr Administration building in October of last year, which will wrap up in 2026. Since construction is in phases, Hopewell has yet to start construction of homes. The latest update from the city was on September 8th, 2025 notifying that street construction has begun on West Second Street, the northern border of the project. Street construction will modernize utilities (including water and sewer, natural gas, power, and natural gas), 10-ft sidewalk, tree plot, bicycle lanes, and street lighting. The project will be broken up into 6 phases where there will be road closures intermittently. Construction is expected to carry through until June 2026. How Portland’s permit ease can be applied to Hopewell While the city is finding ways to streamline development, there could be a solution that would reduce the time to break ground on housing: through simplifying permits. This is an effort that the city of Portland, Oregon is exploring to expedite economic development. By pausing certain permits, it reduces costs for permit applications, and reduces the review wait time. Through their Code Alignment Project, they are pausing requirements until 2029 on permits regarding:
Need for speed The city should consider solutions such as a pause in certain permits without sacrificing safety and begin swift development efforts. With the new Herald Times article stressing the need for affordable mixed housing in Bloomington, a project like Hopewell Neighborhood is more needed than ever.  Here in Monroe County, we’re fortunate to have a public school system that delivers opportunities many communities only dream of. For me, this isn’t just abstract—it’s personal. My own son attends Templeton Elementary, where I see every day how dedicated teachers and innovative programs give students the tools to grow, thrive, and stay curious about learning. At a recent MCCSC board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Winston laid out just how much our kids can access right here at home:
In short: our schools both in MCCSC and RBB are doing amazing work—and the results show it. Test scores are above state averages, graduation rates are climbing, and students are leaving prepared for college, careers, and everything in between. The Challenge Beneath the Success At the same time, MCCSC is facing tough realities: fewer young families are moving here, enrollment is declining, and state policy changes will mean millions less in revenue in the coming years. Superintendent Markay Winston has cautioned that these losses are expected to continue for at least the next seven years—making it clear that this is not a short-term issue, but a structural challenge the district must confront. Where the Chamber Steps In Through the Chamber’s Success School, we’re proud to partner with MCCSC to bring real-world career exploration to students—career fairs, Reality Store®, job shadowing, and more. This work is even more important now as Indiana rolls out new graduation requirements that tie directly to workforce readiness. Our schools can’t do this alone. It takes partnerships—with businesses, with nonprofits, and with the state—to make sure every student has the support and experiences they need. Why This Matters for Everyone Public education isn’t just about test scores—it’s about community vitality. Strong schools:
Moving Forward As a community, we need to champion MCCSC and push the state to align funding with the real needs of today’s education system. Investing in public education is investing in Monroe County’s future workforce, economy, and quality of life. Because when our schools thrive, our community thrives.  Bloomington should be a city where opening or expanding a business is predictable, timely, and cost-effective. Too often, members describe the opposite: uncertainty, slowdowns, and requirements out of scale with the project. Here’s what we’re hearing, a concrete example, and how we’ll partner with the City to improve the experience—starting now
What’s going wrong (in plain terms)
A former doctor’s office at West 2nd Street was ready to become an emergency veterinary clinic. Early guidance pointed to a simple interior remodel with a minor site plan. Late in the process, the team learned the site sits in the Transform Redevelopment Overlay (TRO), which caps parking at five spaces (including ADA) and requires permeable pavers. Those late-breaking constraints added cost, delay, and the likelihood of a variance. Even a “temporary occupancy pending variance” path meant uncertainty and legal expense—jeopardizing a viable reuse and leaving a building dark. Where we’re aligned with the City The Chamber’s goal is not to lower standards; it’s to right-size the process so health, safety, and accessibility remain paramount while routine reuses move quickly. The City’s Planning & Transportation Department has expressed willingness to work with the Chamber and our members on pragmatic fixes, pilot improvements, and shared metrics so businesses can plan with confidence. Hopewell as a model for “open for business” At Hopewell, the City is demonstrating a more predictable path by front-loading clarity and repeatability—using tools like pre-approved designs and streamlined reviews to reduce risk and shorten timelines. That same playbook—clear standards up front, repeatable templates, and quicker administrative decisions—can be adapted to commercial reuse citywide. Scaling those practices would send a strong, practical signal that Bloomington is open for business. What we’re proposing—co-designed with Planning & Transportation Create a dedicated “ReUse Path” for low-impact, like-for-like tenant changes in existing buildings:
Next steps (our offer)
 Bloomington is a community known for its compassion—a city of second chances where people come to rebuild, restart, and recover. But even the most open-hearted places require structure, accountability, and public safety to truly thrive.
Over the past month, the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce has spoken directly to the City Council and community leaders about the rising concerns related to homelessness. The hidden cost burden is being quietly shifted to residents and businesses. These are not abstract concerns. They are daily realities that are shaping how families, employees, and business owners interact with our city’s public spaces. When Public Disorder Undermines Public Trust Incidents like the recent arrest on the B-Line Trail or the growing tension around aggressive panhandling on Kirkwood aren't isolated. They reflect a larger trend: a city service system that is saturated, leaving police, outreach teams, and property owners overwhelmed and under-resourced. The situation at Crawford Apartments is a cautionary tale. Built with the best intentions to house formerly homeless residents, its long-term sustainability has suffered due to a lack of supportive services. Units have deteriorated, case managers are overloaded, and the surrounding neighborhood has borne the brunt of public disorder and safety concerns. One business nearby even had to close. The Hidden Economic Burden on Property Owners and Tenants The impact isn’t just emotional—it’s financial. Since 2020, WS Property Group has reported more than $514,000 in costs directly tied to safety and cleanup related to nearby encampments and disruptive behavior. This includes thousands of dollars per month in private security, rising insurance premiums, and biohazard cleanups that stem from the lack of proper syringe disposal programs. These costs don’t stay with property managers. They’re passed on to tenants and small business owners in the form of higher rent and increased liability. The same businesses we rely on to create local jobs and economic vitality are now shouldering costs that should never fall solely on the private sector. Compassion and Enforcement Are Not Mutually Exclusive Let’s be clear: The Chamber is not calling for punitive responses. We fully support the Housing First model and trauma-informed outreach strategies. But real compassion doesn’t mean turning a blind eye to dysfunction. As Mayor Thomson recently put it: “We cannot arrest our way out of this problem.” We agree. But we also cannot fix it by ignoring the erosion of public order. The Chamber believes in a holistic approach—one that includes:
We appreciate the City Administration’s recent public commitment that “safety comes first.” Now, we need to translate that principle into visible, accountable action. A Balanced Path Forward Bloomington is at a crossroads. We can continue down a path where compassion and disorder become confused, or we can chart a new course—one that brings heart and backbone together. The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce stands ready to work with our public and nonprofit partners to build that path. Because being a progressive city should never mean surrendering to dysfunction. Let it be said of Bloomington in this moment: that we found our balance again. That we renewed our commitment to both safety and dignity—for everyone. --  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  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. Authors update on 6/9/20: I should have clarified in this blog post that the quote attributed to the Monroe County Plan Commission president was a paraphrase of a longer statement. Due to character limits in our blog template, I summarized her remarks, but mistakenly included the paraphrase in quotation marks. Regardless, we stand by our interpretation that her full statement reflects a belief that Bloomington has lost—and continues to lose—its sense of community.  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. |
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