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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 approves new special events policy amid disputed attendance figures, denied records requests

Bloomington approves new special events policy amid disputed attendance figures, denied records requests

Bloomington’s board of public works adopted a new policy limiting large festivals in the public right of way to three downtown areas, citing public safety concerns. Fourth Street Festival organizers objected but received a one-year exception for the event’s 50th anniversary.

Bloomington plan commission sends Northgrove subdivision to second hearing amid concerns

Bloomington plan commission sends Northgrove subdivision to second hearing amid concerns

The Bloomington plan commission advanced the proposed 18-lot Northgrove subdivision to a second hearing, but members voiced concerns about requested waivers and variances from city subdivision standards, including alleys and sidewalks. Other concerns include stormwater impacts and tree loss.

Monroe County employee lawsuits: Judge dismisses one complaint, leaves open narrow wrongful termination question

Monroe County employee lawsuits: Judge dismisses one complaint, leaves open narrow wrongful termination question

A judge has dismissed one lawsuit by former Monroe County employee Lisa Jeneé Trimble and sharply narrowed another, but left in play a wrongful-termination claim against the county auditor in her official role. All other defendants and legal theories were dismissed.

Years-old jail lawsuit against Monroe County nearing end, but ACLU signals potential new case based on current conditions

Years-old jail lawsuit against Monroe County nearing end, but ACLU signals potential new case based on current conditions

A settlement over unconstitutional overcrowding at the Monroe County Jail is set for a final 90-day extension, pending court approval. After that, the case is supposed to be dismissed—clearing the way for a new lawsuit, as the ACLU warns jail conditions remain dangerous and unresolved.

Archived Live Report: Bloomington city council organizational meeting (Jan. 7, 2025) | Asare now president

Archived Live Report: Bloomington city council organizational meeting (Jan. 7, 2025) | Asare now president

This is a live report from Bloomington's Wednesday (Dec. 7) city council meeting.

Archived Live Report: Election Central candidate filings (Jan. 7, 2026)

Archived Live Report: Election Central candidate filings (Jan. 7, 2026)

This is where live reports will be filed from Election Central, starting 8 a.m. on Jan. 7, 2026 to document the filing of declarations by candidates for elected office this year.

Bloomington to consider establishing future residential areas as TIF districts

Bloomington to consider establishing future residential areas as TIF districts

Bloomington’s redevelopment commission is considering carving two future residential areas—Summit District and Hopewell—out of the city’s consolidated TIF area to form separate “residential TIF” districts. No decisions are final yet. A multi-step public approval process begins Feb. 5.