I’ve been thinking a lot about momentum lately or as the late-great Congressman Mo Udall dubbed it, “The Big Mo”.

Not the buzzword kind, but the real kind—the real McCoy that shapes how a community sees itself and how the outside world sees us. The kind that encourages someone to visit for the first time, to come back for the tenth, or to take a leap and build a life here.

That’s why the success of the IU football team this season matters so much—We want the storybook sequel that lives beyond the falling confetti, cheering fans, and the Hoosiers' first National Championship.

Yes, this run has brought excitement. Yes, it’s created packed restaurants, watch parties, alumni gatherings, and a jolt of energy downtown. But the real value of this moment goes far beyond a single game or weekend.

It’s about narratives. And Bloomington needs a new one.

An analysis of first-floor commercial space in downtown Bloomington was the focus of a 2021 Capstone project by Indiana University O'Neill School students.

The report makes several recommendations, including:

• Improve wayfinding and access to public information downtown.
• Engage the student community downtown.
• Revitalize the courthouse square by incorporating more community space.
• Make the post-COVID recovery a community affair.

Read the full report here, or watch a presentation on the report here.

Mayor John Hamilton has formed a task force to solicit and review proposals to rename Jordan Avenue south of 17th Street. The group will also explore other options to rename that road north of 17th Street. The public can submit suggestions here.

Task force members are:

• Cedric Harris, Indiana University Director of Bias Response, Division of Student Affairs
• Tim Mayer, former City Council member and current South Jordan Avenue resident
• Elizabeth Mitchell, journalist, filmmaker, and historian of Bloomington's African-American community, 42-year city resident, and community volunteer (co-chair)
• Tom Morrison, IU Vice President, Capital Planning and Facilities
• Glenda Murray, Monroe County Historian, community volunteer, and retired IU staff
• Alex Tanford, IU Professor Emeritus of Law, Maurer School of Law (co-chair)
• James Wimbush, IU Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs