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The City of Bloomington announced that Mayor Kerry Thomson will deliver the 2025 State of the City Address on Thursday, April 3, at the Waldron Arts Center (122 S Walnut St). The event is free and open to the public, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and the presentation beginning at 6 p.m. A reception will follow, offering residents the opportunity to engage with city leadership, neighbors, and community partners.
The State of the City is an annual address that provides an update on Bloomington’s progress, priorities, and vision for the future. This year’s event will highlight key initiatives, including the city's approach to housing, economic development, public safety, transparency and engagement, infrastructure, and long-term financial strategies. Mayor Thomson will recap the past year’s progress and present a vision for Bloomington’s continued growth, sustainability, and inclusivity.
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Bloom, a value-based Medicare enrollment platform operator, is making a bold move to expand its footprint in the Trades District, Bloomington’s growing innovation hub. Bloom executed a 5-year lease at The Forge, Bloomington’s newest Class A office building, as the site of its new Network Operations Center (NOC). Bloom’s NOC will bring cutting-edge AI development and operational monitoring to the heart of the Trades District.
"Bloom is excited to deepen our commitment to Bloomington and position ourselves at the forefront of innovation," said Kevin Todd, Chief of Staff at Bloom. "The Trades District offers not just office space, but a strategic advantage—access to top-tier talent, Indiana University researchers, a culture of collaboration, and a home in the city’s most exciting business district." Founded in 2007, Bloom has grown from a local startup to a national powerhouse in Medicare insurance solutions. The new NOC at The Forge will serve as a hub for technology development, regulatory engagement, and investor relations, bringing even more high-profile business activity to the city. Bloom joins Bloomington-based tech companies Folia and ViVum AI as initial Forge tenants. The Forge is quickly becoming the go-to destination for businesses seeking top-tier talent, collaboration opportunities, and a front-row seat to the region’s thriving tech ecosystem. Bloomington Opens Applications for 2025 Downtown Outreach Grants to Support Opioid Crisis Response3/17/2025 The City of Bloomington is accepting applications for the 2025 Downtown Outreach (DTO) grants, funded through Opioid Restricted Settlement Funding. These grants support local nonprofit organizations providing services to individuals affected by opioid addiction, including those in treatment and recovery.
Between 2012 and 2016, 58 counties in Indiana reported opioid prescription rates exceeding 100 prescriptions per 100 residents. In response to the opioid crisis, the State of Indiana has partnered with local governments to allocate funds for initiatives that support prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts. Bloomington is using these funds to assist organizations that provide direct services to those impacted by opioid addiction. The City’s Community and Family Resources Department (CFRD) manages the DTO grant program, which distributed $323,534 in 2024 to nonprofit organizations, including Amethyst House, Beacon, Inc., Centerstone, Community Kitchen of Monroe County, Change for Sober Living, HealthNet, Hotels for Homeless, Monroe County Humane Association, New Hope for Families, New Leaf New Life, Sojourn House, and Wheeler Mission. Applications for the 2025 grant cycle are available at bton.in/DTO and must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025. Grant recipients will be announced by Monday, May 5, 2025. City of Bloomington Announces 13th Annual Eco-Heroes Art Contest to Celebrate Native Insects3/14/2025 The City of Bloomington Environmental Commission announced the 13th Annual Linda P. Thompson Eco-Heroes Art Contest, encouraging residents of all ages to explore the importance of native insects through artistic expression. This year’s theme, “Bugs in Bloom: How Native Insects Are Important to Bloomington,” invites participants to highlight insects' critical role in the local ecosystem.
The contest is open to all City of Bloomington residents, with first-, second-, and third-place winners selected in the following categories:
Earth Eats: Eats Wild airs Saturday, March 29 at 7 a.m. on WFIU Rose Harding hunts for mushrooms near her home in the Hoosier National Forest. Harding was interviewed for the “Eats Wild” series. WFIU’s weekly podcast and radio show about food and farming—is launching a special nine-part series dedicated to foraging this month. “Eats Wild” will share stories to inspire listeners to notice their surroundings, pay attention to subtle seasonal changes, and engage in memorable experiences with the natural world.
March is Youth Art Month, a national celebration intended to recognize the impact of art education and visual arts experiences in developing life skills such as problem solving, creativity, observation, and communication. You can see exceptional artwork created by MCCSC students in Middle School and High School, at the FAR Center for Contemporary Arts, March 25 - 29. Reception Friday March 28, 5pm - 8pm  On behalf of Indiana Members Credit Union (IMCU) members, IMCU recently presented a check for $10,000 to the Caroline Symmes Children's Cancer Endowment as part of its exclusive Cancer Awareness Debit Card Program. IMCU members nominate a different local cancer related organization to be the beneficiary each year. Caroline Symmes Children's Cancer Endowment was the selected beneficiary for the past year, receiving a contribution for each signature based transaction made with this card from March 2024-February 2025.
Gina Terril, AVP Business Development, IMCU, presented the check to Libby Symmes, President and Co-Founder, Caroline Symmes Children's Cancer Endowment, on Sunday, February 9, 2025. The Indiana University Asian Culture Center, in partnership with the City of Bloomington’s Community and Family Resources Department, will host Asianfest, an annual event celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, on Thursday, March 27, 2025. The festival will include an outdoor street fair and a series of cultural performances, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to engage with the diverse traditions, stories, and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
Asianfest will take place in two locations:
Events are free and open to the public.  At the March 10, 2025 regular meeting of the Utilities Service Board, the Board approved a resolution to make several upgrades to the Monroe Water Treatment Plant. As part of Mayor Thomson’s Transition Report, enhancing infrastructure at this plant is a priority for the City. Wessler Engineering worked with City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) to develop the project scope, schedule, and cost estimates to upgrade the drinking water plant and secure the necessary funding.
😍Spring in Bloom Open House💐💌 March 29th, 2025 from 11-7PM🥰
Come out and enjoy this extraordinary experience, featuring the talented @darkhollowduo & @thenaturalcauses🎶🎸 $5 entry includes but is not limited to one free drink, live music, a kids’ area, and a variety of vendors! Sycamore Farm is Bloomington's premier event venue for weddings, special events, and more, and our Open House is an excellent opportunity to explore the property if you are interested in renting out the space for your next event as well as enjoy some of our amazing craft vendors, including: @letspartybtown Taylor's Fresh Produce Ash's Aroma Co Jessica's Vinyl Designs @tumblerandtiedye Wild Bloom Boutique Permanent Jewelry & Ear Piercing and more!😍 Purchase your ticket here today! https://buy.stripe.com/bIYg0Dczz6Xy0EM8ww |
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