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November 2023 News Releases

Fire Station 1 rendering

Groundbreaking to Reopen Downtown Fire Station 1

Today marks the official start of a major remodel of the downtown Fire Station 1, located at 300 E 4th St.

Building Trades Park picnic shelter

Second Building Trades Park Master Plan Public Meeting is Dec. 7

Consultants will present updated design concepts, and collect additional feedback.

Science of Scale mural extract rendering by Erin Tobey, girl looking at a leaf through a microscope

Public Invited to “Science of Scale” Mural Celebration on Sunday, December 3

The celebration will kick off in front of the mural located on the alley wall on the east side of The Kirkwood Apartments, 315 W Kirkwood Ave, directly west of WonderLab, and continue in the lobby of WonderLab, with mural-based activities for all ages.

Artist rendering of redesigned North Gateway concept Nov. 2023

City Asks for Input on Redesigned North Gateway Concept

Feedback on the redesigned gateway will be accepted through Dec. 15, 2023

North shore of Griffy Lake with hardwood trees with no leaves, lake in foreground

Griffy Lake Nature Preserve Closed for Deer Hunt Dec. 2-3

Only hunters who applied and were selected are permitted to hunt at Griffy Lake.

Bloomington and Palo Alto City Logos

Climate Action Town Hall Connecting Bloomington and Palo Alto

Can two cities 2,000 miles apart pull together to address our climate issues? Should they? What different challenges do they face? Where has each made progress? What can Bloomington, Indiana and Palo Alto, California learn from each other? 

Children pose with Santa and Mrs Claus

Santa Welcomes Children and Families to Winter Wonderland at Banneker

The City of Bloomington invites local children and their families to join us for a festive Winter Wonderland and Holidays Around the World celebration at the Banneker Community Center (930 W 7th St) on Saturday, December 9, from noon to 4:00 p.m.

Artist's Rendering of Duke Substation Mural Design

Duke Energy to Present Check to City for Installation of Public Mural at Substation

As part of their partnership to place murals on the Duke Energy Substation walls located at the northwest corner of W 11th St and N Rogers St, the City of Bloomington and Duke Energy Foundation are pleased to announce the first substation mural design and check presentation ceremony, scheduled for Thursday, November 30 at 11 a.m.

The 5th Annual Black y Brown Arts Festival is in Switchyard Park; City and County Collaborate For the Tenth Annual Bug Fest; and Bloomington Hosts United Against Hate Forum

City of Bloomington Utilities Assists Homeowners Association with Pond Clean Up

The City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) is currently coordinating with the Gentry Estates Homeowners Association to remediate a stormwater retention pond located near the intersection of E Gentry Blvd and S State Rd 446.

The 5th Annual Black y Brown Arts Festival is in Switchyard Park; City and County Collaborate For the Tenth Annual Bug Fest; and Bloomington Hosts United Against Hate Forum

City Accepting Applications to Serve on City’s Boards and Commissions

The City of Bloomington is accepting applications from community members who would like to serve on a number of City boards or commissions.

Stuff-a-Bus sponsors 2023

Bloomington Transit Celebrates 24 Years of Stuff-A-Bus

To mark the 24th year anniversary of Stuff-A-Bus, Bloomington Transit will partner with Hoosier Country 105.1, B97, Chandler Funeral Home, American Veterans (AMVETS) Post 2000, AMVETS Sons, and AMVETS Auxiliary, with all donations going to the Monroe County Indiana Department of Child Services to help make the holidays merrier for children and families in need in our community.

7th St parking garage murals and fruit

City Offers Free On-Street Parking For Thanksgiving Weekend and in City Garages Saturdays During December

The City of Bloomington will offer free parking on the streets downtown and in City garages from Thursday, November 23 through Sunday, November 26, recognizing the Thanksgiving holiday and Small Business Saturday.

rendering of Kohr building affordable housing development

State Awards Tax Credits for Renovation of Historic Kohr Building into New Affordable Housing Development

The Bloomington Housing Authority (BHA) and Brinshore Development, L.L.C. (Brinshore) are pleased to announce that the State of Indiana Housing Community Development Authority has awarded 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits for the renovation and construction for the Kohr Administrative Building for a new affordable housing community.

Parks staff with Mayor Hamilton at IPRA awards 2023

Mayor Hamilton and Bloomington Parks & Recreation win IPRA Awards

Today Mayor John Hamilton received the Indiana Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) 2023 Elected Official of the Year Award for his exemplary support to parks and recreation and significant contributions to the parks and recreation field through active participation, advocacy, and policy. In addition, the Bloomington Department of Parks and Recreation won the 2023 Excellence in Resource Improvement Award, which recognized the exceptional management of Griffy Lake Nature Preserve over time.

Municipal Equality Index 2023 Report cover image

City of Bloomington Earns Ninth Perfect Score on Human Rights Campaign Index

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, in partnership with the Equality Federation, has again awarded Bloomington a perfect score on the annual Municipal Equality Index (MEI).

The 5th Annual Black y Brown Arts Festival is in Switchyard Park; City and County Collaborate For the Tenth Annual Bug Fest; and Bloomington Hosts United Against Hate Forum

Mayor Hamilton Signs Interlocal Agreement for Convention Center Expansion

Mayor John Hamilton today signed the interlocal agreement between the City of Bloomington and Monroe County government to collaborate on the expansion of the Monroe County Convention Center. Mayor Hamilton is one of four required signatories, with ratification now needed by the Bloomington City Council, the Monroe County Council, and the Monroe County Commissioners.

Fall forest and lake Griffy Lake Nature Preserve

Griffy Lake Nature Preserve Closed for Deer Hunts Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 2-3

Only selected hunters may hunt at Griffy Lake. The park is closed to public hunting.

Art Master Plan cover image

The City of Bloomington announces 2023 - 2027 Public Art Master Plan and Community Art Grants

The Bloomington Arts Commission, along with the Department of Economic and Sustainable Development, is excited to release the 2023 - 2027 Public Art Master Plan to empower City residents to support, invest in, and take advantage of Bloomington’s rich legacy of local public art and culture.

The 5th Annual Black y Brown Arts Festival is in Switchyard Park; City and County Collaborate For the Tenth Annual Bug Fest; and Bloomington Hosts United Against Hate Forum

Organizations Invited to Apply for Downtown Outreach Grants

The City of Bloomington invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for City funding for projects that will improve the human condition of Bloomington residents who are unhoused or who are in jeopardy of becoming homeless.

E-bike voucher program grant logo

City Launches a Pilot E-Bike Voucher Program with Incentives Up to $1,000

As part of the City’s continuing efforts to expand micro-mobility transportation options in Bloomington, the Department of Economic and Sustainable Development is pleased to announce a new pilot program to provide residents with vouchers to purchase electric bikes at local Bloomington bike shops.

Griffy Lake prescribed fire burning leaves in hardwood forest

Prescribed Fire, Deer Hunts Improve Plant Health, Diversity at Griffy Lake

Prescribed burn planned for Nov. 9, deer hunts Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 2-3, 2023.

Bloomington and Palo Alto City Logos

Race & Belonging and Climate Action are the Focus at Upcoming Town Hall Meetings

Sibling Cities USA is pleased to announce two upcoming conversations that bring together the communities of Bloomington and Palo Alto, CA to address issues that have deep relevance.

Varieties of locally grown apples at the Farmers' Market by Merrill Hatlen

Bloomington Community Farmers' Market Seeks Firm to Conduct Research, Make Recommendations for Future

Bloomington residents visit to Santa Clara, Cuba

Mayor Hamilton visits Bloomington’s Sister Cities in Nicaragua and Cuba

Last week Mayor John Hamilton, several City colleagues, and a contingent of local residents traveled to two of Bloomington’s two Sister Cities: Posoltega, Nicaragua and Santa Clara, Cuba.

MLK Monument in Washington D.C. surrounded by cherry blossoms

City’s King Commission Seeks Nominees for Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award

The City of Bloomington Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Commission (bton.in/nViK5) is seeking nominations for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award. The award recognizes and affirms those who have made significant contributions in the areas of race relations, justice, and human rights and is presented annually at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration in January.

Tree trimming Bloomington Rail  trail

Parks and Recreation Secures $100,000 Grant for Urban Tree Maintenance

Crews will prune 80 to 250 trees per year for storm resilience.

Sustainable Neighborhood Grant logo, green houses

Grant Funding Available to Neighborhoods Through the Sustainable Neighborhoods Grant Program

The City of Bloomington’s Department of Economic and Sustainable Development, in collaboration with the Bloomington Commission on Sustainability (BCOS), is launching the Sustainable Neighborhoods Grant program to provide financial support for small-scale neighborhood projects that enhance residential capacity to support Bloomington’s community-wide climate action goals.

Fall leaves in orange, brown, red and green laying on top of green grass

Fall and Winter Tips: Options for Leaves and Keeping Sidewalks and Storm Drains Clear

As the seasons change, the City of Bloomington reminds residents of the options for handling fallen leaves on their property and requests residents’ assistance in keeping storm drains and adjacent sidewalks free of leaves, snow, and ice.

Switchyard Park main performance stage and lawn with crowd during a live show by The Dynamics

Musical Acts Invited to Apply to Perform in 2024 Outdoor Concert Series

Bands, musicians and other performing artists are welcome to apply by Jan. 19.

The 5th Annual Black y Brown Arts Festival is in Switchyard Park; City and County Collaborate For the Tenth Annual Bug Fest; and Bloomington Hosts United Against Hate Forum

City Accepting Applications to Serve on City’s Boards and Commissions

Canopy of Lights, Monroe County Courthouse square lit up for the holidays

November Programs and Events

Adopt a Senior Pet Month, Young Women’s Leadership Summit, Canopy of Lights, and Holiday Market