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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.

Discomfort zone: County commissioner rips Bloomington chamber; Spoonmore fires back

Discomfort zone: County commissioner rips Bloomington chamber; Spoonmore fires back

On Thursday, Monroe County commissioner Julie Thomas exercised a point of personal privilege at the end of the board of commissioners regular meeting, to condemn the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. Chamber president Eric Spoonmore later responded.

Bloomington area leaders reflect on long path to groundbreaking of convention center expansion

Bloomington area leaders reflect on long path to groundbreaking of convention center expansion

On Tuesday at the southeast corner of 3rd Street and College Avenue, a ceremonial groundbreaking took place for the Bloomington Convention Center expansion, with remarks from a half dozen local leaders.

Tens of millions of dollars from Bloomington could support convention center host hotel; legal pressure mounts for Showers West 'public purpose'

Tens of millions of dollars from Bloomington could support convention center host hotel; legal pressure mounts for Showers West 'public purpose'

To push along a potential deal with Dora Hospitality for development of a host hotel for the soon-to-be-expanded Bloomington convention center, the city's redevelopment commission (RDC) has approved $300,000 for preliminary architectural designs.

Bloomington RDC to be asked for $300K more in support of Dora deal on convention center host hotel

Bloomington RDC to be asked for $300K more in support of Dora deal on convention center host hotel

At its upcoming meeting on Monday, June 2, 2025, Bloomington's RDC will be asked to approve $300,000 for architectural designs as part of an effort to get a deal done with Dora Hospitality for the development of a hotel at the former Bunger & Robertson site at 4th Street and College Avenue.

Marté to start reelection campaign for Monroe County sheriff

Marté to start reelection campaign for Monroe County sheriff

Monroe County sheriff Ruben Marté is running for reelection in 2026, and will officially begin his campaign on June 12. That’s according to a May 21 news release.

Bloomington Transit looks to boost micro-transit numbers with free downtown zone trips

Bloomington Transit looks to boost micro-transit numbers with free downtown zone trips

Two ends of the public transportation spectrum got attention at Bloomington Transit's regular meeting on Tuesday—service offered through a smartphone app to serve a single passenger at a time, and regular fixed route service provided by 60-foot articulated buses, carrying up to 100 passengers at a time.

Vote centers nixed again in Monroe County for second time in a decade and a half

Vote centers nixed again in Monroe County for second time in a decade and a half

On Monday night, a 2–1 vote by Monroe County's election board, after the second of two public hearings, ended the chance that vote centers would be established for Monroe County for the 2026 election cycle. That's because under state law, the decision required a 3–