2021 City Council Year-in-Review

As 2021 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 will receive $13.3 million as part of the American Rescue Plan. Our expenditures can include water and sewer infrastructure, broadband infrastructure, public health, road resurfacing and repair, and the like.

• The City will address long-overdue ADA compliance issues with a new transition plan that identifies physical obstacles to city properties, programs, and services and specifies a schedule for making facilities accessible. 

• The O’Neil Pool and Park will be 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.

• The 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, 3 meeting rooms, 2 children’s programming rooms, group study rooms, and a computer lab. 

• Bloomington approved a standardized incentive plan allowing Bloomington/Normal to recruit new businesses, especially those that hire local contractors and workers, and businesses hiring more minorities and women than the industry average. 

• Bloomington approved plans to address sewer and infrastructure issues. Plans include increased funding for and acceleration of sewer replacement, a new water retention basin, and increased funding for homeowners replacing their overhead sewers. 

• The City opened The Hub, a “one-stop-shop” for city services at the Government Center. At The Hub, families can register for parks programs, pay utility bills, request public records, and more. 

Finally, I want to extend year-end thanks to Mayor Mwilambwe, my fellow City Council members, Tim Gleason and the City Staff, and especially 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. 

Wishing you and your family health, happiness, and prosperity in the new year, filled with warmth, comfort, and joy.