2022 Year End Review
Bloomington downtown; photo credit: Expedia
As 2022 draws to a close, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on some of our City’s important accomplishments, changes, and works-in-progress.
Bloomington enjoyed economic growth, unprecedented investment from area employers, and increased reserves:
Moody’s Investors Service assigned a positive credit outlook to the City of Bloomington, stating “The local economy is showing signs of growth with investment from a number of the area’s largest employers and new sales tax revenue will continue to strengthen the city’s financial position.”
The City’s general fund reflects reserves of $43.5 million. City assets have grown substantially. Cash, investments, and our net pension assets are up by $21 million.
Businesses continue to invest in all areas of the city--from the West Side’s new QuikTrip and new cannabis dispensary, to the new Egg Republic opening soon for breakfast on the East Side.
The City Council approved unprecedented investments in our City’s infrastructure:
Bloomington received $13.3 million as part of the American Rescue Plan. With these funds, the City has initiated a multi-year plan for improving water and sewer infrastructure; road resurfacing and repair; grants for non-profit organizations; affordable housing development; and economic development for small businesses.
Connect Transit will receive a $13 million federal grant for five new electric buses, electric vans, and a new storage and training facility. The electric vans will be used for a new on-demand micro-transit service similar to Uber.
Our historic Downtown is seeing major improvements, comprehensive planning, and redevelopment:
A local developer is redeveloping the CII East Building into eight apartment units and four short term rental units. The building will also have retail and commercial space on the ground floor.
The One Main Building at 301 North Main Street has been purchased for renovation. The new retail space will include a new coffee shop and cafe.
Bloomington Public Library expansion and renovation will add 25,541 square feet to the library footprint and renovate another 57,394 square feet. Additions will improve accessibility and include a drive up window, three meeting rooms, two children’s programming rooms, group study rooms, and a computer lab.
Using American Rescue Plan funds, the City approved a new study for a streetscape design plan to improve our core Downtown area.
The City made investments in our community, neighborhoods, parks, and services:
The Council approved funds to partner with Carle for a Mobile Health Clinic. The Mobile Health Clinic will provide affordable, non-urgent medical services such as pediatrics, family medicine, and women’s health and pregnancy care.
The Bloomington Police Department created a new Community Engagement Unit to build trust between Bloomington Police and community members. The Unit will focus on collaborative problem-solving and crime prevention.
The O’Neil Pool and Park is being renovated to include a 1,000-occupancy aquatic center with several pools, slides, a lazy river, and a splash pad. The project also expands parking and rebuilds the skate park.
Finally, I want to extend my appreciation to Mayor Mwilambwe, City Manager Tim Gleason, and Deputy City Manager Billy Tyus for their leadership. My thanks to the city workers who step up every day to deliver services to the families of Bloomington, making our City cleaner, safer, and a better place to live.
I’m thankful to serve the families of Ward 9 as your Alderman and wish you and your family health, happiness, and prosperity in the new year.
