Want to chat with Mayor Kerry about what matters most to you in Bloomington? Stop by Traveling Office Hours at Needmore Coffee Roasters on Tuesday, May 12. It’s your chance for a relaxed, one-on-one conversation. Bring your questions and ideas! Sign up at bton.in/OfcHrs26.

A flood watch is in effect until 2 a.m. Tuesday for several parts of the state, including Bloomington and Monroe County. Please clear gutters and storm drains to help prevent water from accumulating, and report any major blockages to us at bloomington.in.gov/ureport.

A statement from Mayor Kerry Thomson:

See what public meetings are happening this week! Stay informed, get involved, and find ways to have a voice in Bloomington's future. Check out the calendar at bton.in/meetings.

Navigate Bloomington easier than ever before. Now introducing Detailed Access Guides, a new resource made possible by a partnership with AccessAbleUSA.

Bloomington, we want to hear from you! The 2026 Community Survey is now open to all residents. This is your chance to share your thoughts on City services, priorities, and what it’s like to live in Bloomington. Add your voice at arisurvey.com/s3/Bloom26 through Friday, May 15.

The 2026 Downtown Activation Program kicks off today, bringing outdoor dining, pop-ups, and vibrant community events to the heart of the city. Look out for parklets, expanded gathering spaces, and new ways to connect, explore, and shop local. Learn more: bton.in/DwtFeb26

Check out which public meetings are on the calendar this week! Get involved, stay informed, and see how you can help shape the future of our community. View the calendar at bton.in/meetings.

Hey Bloomington! Our 2026 Community Survey is out, and we want your feedback! Invitations went out earlier this month to a random group of homes. If you got one, send your response! Your participation helps us know how we can best serve you. Learn more: bton.in/CSPR .

Thunderstorms, hail, strong winds, and heavy rain are possible this evening through early Friday. While northern Indiana faces the greatest risk, Monroe County could still experience severe weather.

Now introducing the Blue Envelope Program, a tool to help first responders and drivers with autism. The program provides drivers with autism with a blue envelope and a window cling for their vehicle depicting an image of a blue envelope.

State of the City is less than a week away! Meet us at the Buskirk-Chumley at 114 East Kirkwood Avenue at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, 3/31. We'll reflect on where we've been as a community, what we've accomplished together, and where we're headed next. We hope to see you there!

Big news for Bloomington’s future: we just completed a key land purchase with Alluinn Development to bring a 170-room, full-service boutique hotel to the Trades District at Rogers and 10th streets.

Just a few weeks away: our next Traveling Town Hall! Have any questions or feedback to share with city officials? This is your chance. Join us from 6-7 p.m. on Monday, April 6, at Morgernstern Books & Café, or watch live at catstv.net. We hope to see you there!

As we close out Women's History Month, we're proud to recognize and celebrate the leadership of women serving as mayors in other communities. We are proud to stand alongside many inspiring female leaders helping shape a brighter future together.

Check out which public meetings are on the calendar this week! Get involved, stay informed, and see how you can help shape the future of our community. View the calendar at bton.in/meetings.

Did you know that free Wi-Fi is available at City parks? Our staff has worked together to make no-cost Internet access possible at various locations—an example of cross-departmental collaboration that works for everyone. Learn more: bton.in/ParkWiFi

Spring is finally here, Bloomington! As the season changes, it's a great time to get outside, explore our parks and trails, support local events, and enjoy everything else our city has to offer. See what's going on around town at visitbloomington.com—and have a great spring!

We’re looking for someone who’s passionate about housing to serve on the Board of Housing Quality Appeals. The Board hears appeals related to the City's Rental Inspection Program. For more info, and to apply, visit bton.in/BHQA .

Pothole season is here. Reporting potholes in your area helps crews repair them efficiently. Here's how: -For City roads: bloomington.in.gov/ureport  -For County roads: bton.in/CoRoads -For State roads and highways: indot4u.511in.org/report

The City of Bloomington and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) have reached a preliminary agreement that significantly reduces the number of mature oak trees scheduled for removal along State Road 45 (East 10th Street) near Pete Ellis Drive.

Have a creative vision you want to share with the community? Now’s your chance! The Bloomington Arts Commission is accepting applications for 2026 Arts Project Grants. Learn more at bloomington.in.gov/arts/grants.

City of Bloomington Utilities is continuing infrastructure upgrades on West 2nd Street starting this week, with work occurring in multiple phases. Learn more at bton.in/W2nd2026.

Check out which public meetings are on the calendar this week! Get involved, stay informed, and see how you can help shape the future of our community. View the calendar at bton.in/meetings.

Join us for the 2026 State of the City—an update from city leaders on where we've been, what we've accomplished together, and where our city is headed next. The free, public event is on Tuesday, March 31, at the Buskirk-Chumley. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. We hope to see you there!

Just a few days left to buy tickets for the Women's History Month Luncheon—a celebration of local women re-imagining and rebuilding systems to ensure long-term sustainability in the environment, the economy, education, and beyond. More information at bton.in/whm2026.

Bloomington and Monroe County are currently under a flood warning. That means rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying bodies of water are flooding or likely to flood. Here's how you can prepare:

Love parks, planning, or public safety? Help shape Bloomington’s future by joining a board or commission! With several terms expiring soon, now’s the time to step up, share your ideas, and make an impact. Learn more and apply at bloomington.in.gov/onboard/committees.

Those sirens you heard earlier? Part of a weather safety drill. But there's a chance for actual storms this evening. Monroe County is under a slight risk for severe weather late Tuesday going into Wednesday morning.

A statewide tornado drill is being held tomorrow—Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Sirens are scheduled to sound at 10:15 a.m. While this is just a test, practicing a safety plan helps ensure we're all prepared in case of a real weather emergency.

Check out which public meetings are on the calendar this week! Get involved, stay informed, and see how you can help shape the future of our community. View the calendar at bton.in/meetings.

We spring forward this Sunday, March 8—so don't forget to set your clocks one hour forward before bed on Saturday! And while you're at it, take advantage of the brighter evenings with a relaxing stroll downtown or at one of our many parks and trails.

Bloomington/Monroe County is currently under an elevated flood risk through Thursday morning. Here's what you can do to stay safe:

Help plan the future of Bloomington! Our 2026 Community Survey is out, and we need your participation. This is your chance to let us know your thoughts on City services, priorities, and quality of life in Bloomington.

Tax season is here. Don't miss this chance for free professional guidance. We're partnering with United Way of South Central Indiana to provide in-person tax preparation from IRS-certified volunteers at Bloomington City Hall. For more information, visit bton.in/2026tax.

Check out which public meetings are on the calendar for this week! Get involved, stay informed, and see how you can help shape the future of our community. View the calendar at bton.in/meetings.

The Common Council’s Jack Hopkins Social Services Funding Committee is now accepting applications. Funding will support local agencies addressing urgent social service needs in the community. Apply at bton.in/JHG2026  before 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

Kirkwood Avenue will stay open to vehicles in 2026 under a shared-street model, accommodating motorists, cyclists and pedestrians together—while also allowing food service establishments to install parklets (outdoor seating areas) in parking spaces front of their properties.

City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) has scheduled repairs to address a leaking water valve at the intersection of West Bloomfield Road and Rolling Ridge Way. A temporary lane restriction will be in place while crews complete the project.

Here in Bloomington, we've got plenty of hometown pride—and there are plenty of reasons why. Here's one more: a national spotlight on what makes our city so special by @travelleisuremag.bsky.social.

Check out which public meetings are on the calendar this week! Get involved, stay informed, and see how you can help shape the future of our community. View the calendar at bton.in/meetings.

The Bloomington/Monroe County Human Rights Commission is accepting submissions for its annual Youth Art & Essay Contest! The deadline to submit is March 13, and winners will get passes to WonderLab. Visit bton.in/HRC2026 for contest guidelines.

The full extent of damage from last night's storm is still being assessed. If you live in Monroe County and your property was damaged, please call 211.

We hope that all are safe as we face inclement weather this evening. We are aware of damage to multiple areas on the west side of Bloomington, and we ask that people avoid the area if possible.

Severe thunderstorms, strong winds, and tornadoes are in the forecast this afternoon and evening. Monroe County and surrounding locations are in a high-risk area, meaning the time to prepare is now. Here's how:

Thank you to our Fire Department for organizing a spectacular awards ceremony last night at City Hall! Occasions like these are a reminder of the extraordinary, lifesaving work that our emergency crews do every single day all across our city. We are grateful to them now and always.

WFIU’s Ask the Mayor aired today. We covered a lot of ground: annexation, economic development, housing, Flock license plate reader cameras, Convention Center expansion, Hopewell and Kirkwood Avenue. Listen to the full interview: bton.in/ATM21826  📷: Joe Hren, WFIU/WTIU

Trees on your property that need some TLC, but not sure how to cover the cost? Check out our Tree Assistance Program—a way for income-qualified residents to get help with tree removal, mitigation, and planting. Learn more: bton.in/TreeHelp .

Now open: grant applications for providers supporting individuals impacted by opioid addiction. Our 2026 Downtown Outreach Grants cycle runs from now until 5 p.m. on March 13. Apply today at bton.in/dto2026. Want to learn more? Visit bloomington.in.gov/news/2026/02/16/6450.

Happy 38th work anniversary to Fire Chief Roger Kerr! Chief Kerr began his career with the City in 1988 and held the position of Chief from 2008 to 2014 before filling the role again in 2024. He is a dedicated team member, and we are incredibly lucky to have him serve our city.