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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.

Funding math shows Monroe County could pay for big jail and justice center, council not eager for the required tax hike

Funding math shows Monroe County could pay for big jail and justice center, council not eager for the required tax hike

At a joint meeting, Monroe County officials confronted hard choices on a new jail: raise local income taxes to fund a $225M co-located justice center or accept a cheaper, split setup with higher long-term costs.

Bloomington plan commission OKs Hopewell South rezone for city council consideration, adds accessibility oversight

Bloomington plan commission OKs Hopewell South rezone for city council consideration, adds accessibility oversight

Bloomington’s plan commission voted to recommend rezoning 6.3 acres for the Hopewell South PUD, clearing the way for nearly 100 smaller, lower-cost homes. Commissioners added a condition to strengthen accessibility oversight and disability-community input. It will next be heard by the city council.

Election 2026: Contested local primaries, some November matchups take shape across Monroe County

Election 2026: Contested local primaries, some November matchups take shape across Monroe County

With the filing deadline passed, Monroe County voters face a mix of crowded May primaries and a few November matchups. Democrats have contested races for assessor, clerk, commissioner and prosecutor, while several township boards and trustee seats are also contested.

Bloomington may walk back plan to keep Kirkwood open to vehicle traffic, after city council backlash

Bloomington may walk back plan to keep Kirkwood open to vehicle traffic, after city council backlash

Bloomington councilmembers sharply criticized city staff's plan to keep Kirkwood Avenue open to cars in 2026, arguing it undercuts last year’s conversion ordinance. Staff cite costs and logistics. The administration is now reconsidering the proposal and could produce a revised plan later this month.

Hours first, money later? Standoff between Monroe County council, election board delays decision on early voting schedule

Hours first, money later? Standoff between Monroe County council, election board delays decision on early voting schedule

Monroe County’s election board will hold a special meeting next week to set early voting hours for the May primary, as clerk Nicole Browne warns a budget gap and overtime cuts could shrink the schedule to eight hours a day. A $242,781 funding request is pending in front of the county council.

No land, no deal: CIB ends current hotel effort, when Bloomington says south parcels will cost

No land, no deal: CIB ends current hotel effort, when Bloomington says south parcels will cost

The Monroe County CIB ended its work with Dora Hospitality to develop a convention center host hotel after learning it cannot secure the needed city-owned land south of the existing convention center. The CIB will now ask the county government about land, as it looks to reset an RFP.

Gordon sworn in as Perry Township trustee after caucus pick, transition starts

Gordon sworn in as Perry Township trustee after caucus pick, transition starts

Perry Township’s new trustee, Leon Gordon, was sworn in Tuesday at Bloomington city hall after a Democratic Party caucus chose him to replace the late Dan Combs. Gordon is transitioning from New Hope for Families while preparing for the May primary election for trustee.