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Local Government

Articles in this section cover Bloomington city council, the mayor's office, Monroe County's board of commissioners, county council, and all the other local units.

Bloomington misses statutory deadlines for action on zoning code changes, after initiation by city council

Bloomington misses statutory deadlines for action on zoning code changes, after initiation by city council

One of the proposed zoning changes to be heard on July 14—about single-resident occupancy (SRO) housing—was initiated by city council action last November. By mid-July, the statutory deadline for a plan commission vote will have been blown by about three months.

Column: Putting Bloomington's new free downtown shuttle to the test

Column: Putting Bloomington's new free downtown shuttle to the test

On the first Monday in June, Bloomington Transit (BT) started piloting free microtransit rides within the downtown Bloomington zone. Kelton O'Connell tested out the service and documented his experience in this column.

Bloomington zoning: Revisions to use table to be mulled in July; public process on changes to housing to come later

Bloomington zoning: Revisions to use table to be mulled in July; public process on changes to housing to come later

There are now two separate efforts to revise the Bloomington's zoning code. One effort is focused on the Allowed Use Table, to be considered in mid-July. The second effort, focused on housing, will see a public process unfold, leading to consideration in January 2026.

Lawsuit targeting Indiana's student ID ban for voting pulls in Monroe County's election board

Lawsuit targeting Indiana's student ID ban for voting pulls in Monroe County's election board

On Thursday, Monroe County's election board has an executive session scheduled to discuss pending litigation. The local election board is a named defendant in a complaint that has been filed, which alleges that a new state law banning student IDs for election purposes is unconstitutional.

Bloomington sounds alarm on spotted lanternfly: Residents asked to report sightings

Bloomington sounds alarm on spotted lanternfly: Residents asked to report sightings

An invasive insect, the spotted lanternfly, is approaching Bloomington, putting crops and gardens at risk. That has prompted city officials to ask for help from residents to identify these pests as quickly as possible.

Bloomington awards over $500K in social services grants as potential federal cuts loom

Bloomington awards over $500K in social services grants as potential federal cuts loom

Last Wednesday, Bloomington's city council approved over a half million dollars in funding to 35 different social service agencies, continuing the Jack Hopkins funding program's 33-year tradition. Since its start, more than $6 million has been awarded through the Jack Hopkins program.

Following criticism, Monroe County health board mulls new public comment policy

Following criticism, Monroe County health board mulls new public comment policy

Following critical public commentary at recent meetings, the Monroe County Board of Health is now considering a new policy to govern public comment during its meetings. A policy draft will be reviewed by board members for the board's June 26 meeting.