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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.

Huntington land gift named ‘Monroe County Nature Preserve’ but commissioners leave door open to history-based change

Huntington land gift named ‘Monroe County Nature Preserve’ but commissioners leave door open to history-based change

When the announcement came a month ago that 409 acres southeast of Bloomington had been donated to Monroe County by Nancy Huntington, the piece of land did not have a name. It does now, after county commissioners approved a resolution establishing the Monroe County Nature Preserve.

Looming shift in local income tax: Bloomington public buses will need county government help, service outside city expected

Looming shift in local income tax: Bloomington public buses will need county government help, service outside city expected

The BT board’s regular monthly meeting included an initial look at the 2026 budget and a financial advisor’s briefing on a new state tax law—both important items in their own right. More significantly, board commentary indicated a strong interest in countywide service, because of the new law.

Monroe County Democrats elect Geels as chair, eye 2026 elections

Monroe County Democrats elect Geels as chair, eye 2026 elections

At a caucus held on Sunday afternoon at Bloomington city hall, the Monroe County Democratic Party elected Chrissie Geels its new chair. She is replacing Samuel Ujdak, who resigned in the third week of June, three and a half months after being elected, citing personal reasons

CIB president cautious about under-budget bids for Bloomington Convention Center expansion: ‘We’re not finished yet.’

CIB president cautious about under-budget bids for Bloomington Convention Center expansion: ‘We’re not finished yet.’

At its Wednesday meeting, Monroe County’s capital improvement board (CIB) got good news about a recent round of bids for the Bloomington Convention Center expansion project. The recommended bids came in at just under $16.5 million for 11 packages that had an estimated budget of $22 million.

Bloomington protest against Trump-era policies draws ties to local issues, remembers ‘good trouble’

Bloomington protest against Trump-era policies draws ties to local issues, remembers ‘good trouble’

On Thursday (July 17), at least 300 people crowded onto the southeast corner of the Monroe County courthouse grounds to protest actions taken by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. Several community leaders addressed the gathering.

MCPL trustees consider shortening downtown library hours in response to state tax cuts

MCPL trustees consider shortening downtown library hours in response to state tax cuts

The Monroe County Public Library may reduce hours at its downtown location as tax cuts passed by the Republican-led Indiana legislature in April threaten more than $300,000 in MCPL funding next year. The library might close at 7 p.m. instead of 9 p.m. on Monday through Thursday every week.

SRO housing, commercial urban agriculture proposals to get second look from Bloomington’s plan commission

SRO housing, commercial urban agriculture proposals to get second look from Bloomington’s plan commission

Deliberations about where in Bloomington single-resident occupancy residences can be built will resume at the city plan commission’s next meeting on Aug. 11. The same goes for a potential ordinance that would create a new zoning district for commercial agriculture inside city limits.