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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 says no to commercial urban agriculture use in residential areas

Bloomington says no to commercial urban agriculture use in residential areas

Bloomington’s city council voted 7–1 to reject an ordinance creating a new “urban agriculture” land use allowing outdoor garden classes and small-scale commercial farming in residential areas. Supporters cited food security; opponents called it the wrong approach to allowing outside teaching.

‘Stadium District’ sidelined: Bloomington council votes 7–1 to nix naming plan for now

‘Stadium District’ sidelined: Bloomington council votes 7–1 to nix naming plan for now

Bloomington’s city council voted 7–1 on Wednesday to postpone indefinitely a proposal to name the area around Miller-Showers Park the “Stadium District.” Neighbors objected to the branding effort, saying it ignored residents and would amplify unwanted “stadium culture.”

Bloomington gathers more feedback on College-Walnut corridor overhaul

Bloomington gathers more feedback on College-Walnut corridor overhaul

Bloomington planners are gathering public input on redesign options for the College-Walnut corridor, including possible two-way traffic. Open houses and pop-up events, as well as an online form, are the tools city staff are using to collect feedback.

Early voting for 2026 primaries in 5 months, Monroe County preps new space, vote centers linger

Early voting for 2026 primaries in 5 months, Monroe County preps new space, vote centers linger

Monroe County is preparing new space for early voting and voter registration inside the North Showers building, which also houses Bloomington city hall. Remodeling is supposed to start this month under a $653,600 contract, with early voting to begin April 7, 2026.

Bloomington icon Charlotte Zietlow dies at 91 after lifetime of community service

Bloomington icon Charlotte Zietlow dies at 91 after lifetime of community service

Charlotte Zietlow, a stalwart in Bloomington civic life and the first woman to lead both city and county government, has died at 91. Her five-decade legacy spanned politics, business, and activism—from restoring the courthouse to co-founding Goods for Cooks.

Bloomington RDC: $5M for roads, $145K for Hopewell South rezone, $58K for police HQ Study

Bloomington RDC: $5M for roads, $145K for Hopewell South rezone, $58K for police HQ Study

Bloomington’s redevelopment commission approved $5 million for design work on road projects in the southwest of the city, a $145,000 contract to guide the Hopewell South PUD rezone, and a $58,250 feasibility study on converting the vacant 714 S. Rogers Street building into a new police headquarters.

Monroe County council distributes $174K to 44 nonprofits through Sophia Travis grants

Monroe County council distributes $174K to 44 nonprofits through Sophia Travis grants

Last Tuesday, the Monroe County council awarded $174,000 in Sophia Travis Community Service Grants to 44 nonprofits. The meeting also saw discussion about awards to Planned Parenthood and charter schools, and concern about next year’s allocation, which had been cut from $250,000 to $190,000.