Bloomington Chamber of Commerce
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The Chamber supports efforts to make government at all levels more transparent, consistent and accountable. We believe that open government gives members the ability to be more informed and to influence decisions, which in turn will help build economic equity, equality and accessibility.

Our local government already takes actions related to these goals. Many public meetings, but not all, are recorded by Community Access Television Services (CATS) and are broadcast live or available later on the CATS website. Some City of Bloomington meetings are also available on Facebook Live. The agendas, packets and meetings for many public meetings, but not all, are posted online. Many meetings, but not all, are noticed in a timely and accessible way.
​
We can do better. Here are some ways that local government can improve. 
​
  • Post all meeting agendas, packets and minutes online and in a timely manner. The Chamber is periodically reviewing the availability of these documents on the City of Bloomington and Monroe County websites – see below for the most recent spreadsheets.

  • Hold meetings at times that are accessible to members of the general public. Keep in mind that the length of meetings will affect whether residents can participate. For evening meetings, consider limiting the end time to coincide with bus schedules.

  • Provide child care for public meetings whenever possible.

  • Communicate with residents in a timely, respectful manner. For example, when residents apply to serve on volunteer advisory boards/commissions, make sure their applications are acknowledged and that they are informed when the vacancy is filled, even if they aren't appointed​.

  • Do not meet in caucus to deliberate on government actions. Caucus meetings are intended for political party business only and are not open to the public. Elected bodies with all members from the same political party, such as the Bloomington City Council and Monroe County Board of Commissioners, should not use the caucus to discuss public business out of public view. ​
​
  • When appointing someone to fill a vacancy in an elected position, the appointing body should make candidate applications and other materials available to the public and provide opportunity for public input. Deliberations and voting on filling the position should be made in public as well.
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As part of our transparency initiative, the Chamber is tracking 82 councils, boards and commissions that govern and advise the City of Bloomington and Monroe County. We are tracking whether meeting minutes, agendas and packets are posted online in a timely way, and whether contact information is posted for these entities. Many are in the “red zone,” with up-to-date information unavailable in at least two of the four categories that we’re tracking. We will continue to monitor these groups and post updates regularly.
Do you have suggestions for other ways that local government can be more accountable, consistent and transparent? Contact Mary Morgan, the Chamber's Director of Advocacy & Public Policy, at mmorgan@chamberbloomington.org.
The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce.  All Rights Reserved.
421 W 6th Street, Suite A  |  Bloomington, IN 47404
Phone: (812)336-6381 | info@chamberbloomington.org | sitemap
Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 9:00am-3:00pm

There is a no refund policy for events.  If you need to reassign your ticket to another person we will be happy to update our attendance list. Thank you.
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  • Business Directory
  • Membership
    • Join Today!
    • Benefits of Membership >
      • Networking >
        • Business After Hours
      • Ribbon Cuttings and Milestones
      • Cost Saving Programs
      • Marketing
      • Co-Work Space & Conference Room
      • Coupons
    • Member Login
    • Member Materials
    • Ambassadors >
      • Ambassador Info
  • News & Events
    • 3 Things Podcast
    • Bloomington Business Journal
    • Chamber Calendar
    • Chamber News
    • Member News
    • News Quiz
    • Photo Gallery
    • Signature Events >
      • Annual Meeting
      • Business Outlook
      • Chamber's Speaker Series
      • Educator of the Year
      • Elect Connect
      • Federal Focus
      • Governor's Luncheon
      • Health and Business
      • HR Conference
      • Legislative Events
      • Morning Buzz
      • Primetime
      • Ten Under 40
      • Women Excel Bloomington
    • Sponsorship
    • Advocacy Matters Updates
    • Sign Up For News
  • Advocacy
    • 2021 Local Public Policy
    • 2021 State-Federal Advocacy
    • 2021 State Legislative Tracker
    • State Legislative Process
    • Elected Officials Directory
    • Endorsement Policy
    • Resources >
      • Civic Engagement
      • Gender Wage Gap
      • Housing >
        • Housing In the News
      • Taxes
      • Transportation >
        • Transportation News
    • Local Government Advisory Boards
    • Transparency in Government
    • Sign Up for Advocacy News
  • Community
    • Black-Owned Business Affinity Group
    • BWIL
    • COVID-19 Resources >
      • Tiger Teams
      • What To Do If An Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19
      • Reopening resources and links
    • Job Bank
    • Community Calendar
    • Success School >
      • Request Programming
      • Programs >
        • Career Days
        • Career Intro Panels
        • EJS Fair
        • Book Readings
        • Job Shadowing
        • LSSC Fair
        • Mock Interviews
        • Reality Store
      • Support The Success School
      • 2021 Educator of the Year Awards
      • Success School FAQs
      • Contact The Success School
    • Young Professionals >
      • YPB Steering Committee
      • Ten Under 40 >
        • 2019 - 10 Under 40 Winners
      • YPB Events
      • YPB Pics
      • YPB Blog
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Board of Directors
    • History
    • Contact