Latest News in Bloomington, IN

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Commission Seeks Nominations for 2026 Legacy Award

The Bloomington Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Commission seeks nominations for the 2026 Legacy Award, honoring individuals or organizations that embody Dr. King's values. Nominations are due by December 1, 2025, and must come from Monroe County residents or organizations with at least one year of local service. The award will be presented at the city's annual King Birthday Celebration in January.

City of Bloomington to Offer Free Leaf Collection Weekly Through December 31st

The City of Bloomington will provide free leaf collection services weekly until December 31, 2025. This initiative aims to assist residents with yard maintenance and improve sanitation in the area.

Take the Stage! Applications Open for Parks and Recreation Summer Concert Series

Applications for the Parks and Recreation Summer Concert Series opened on October 21, 2025, inviting musicians to participate in upcoming performances. The event will take place in Bloomington, Indiana, highlighting local talent in the community. Interested applicants can find more information on the official website.

Bloomington Rail Trail Temporarily Closed at Rogers Street for Road Crossing Improvements

The City of Bloomington temporarily closes the Rail Trail at Rogers Street starting October 20 for road crossing improvements. The closure affects a 1.23-mile stretch south of Country Club Drive and is scheduled to last for up to 30 days. Accessibility upgrades include a pedestrian-activated beacon and new lighting.

Bloomington Earns Two-Year Bird Town Recertification from Indiana Audubon

Bloomington has received a two-year recertification as a Bird Town Indiana community from Indiana Audubon, acknowledging local efforts to enhance bird habitats and public engagement. The city has implemented sustainable practices, including increasing native plant use and expanding tree canopy areas, since its initial certification in 2016. This recognition highlights the collaboration between various conservation partners and the community's commitment to biodiversity.

Mayor Kerry Thomson to Partner with Bloomington Transit for a (Literal) Traveling Town Hall

Mayor Kerry Thomson will host a Traveling Town Hall aboard Bloomington Transit Route 2 on October 15 from 3 to 5 p.m. Residents can engage directly with the mayor, sharing ideas and questions while experiencing the transit service. The initiative aims to enhance government accessibility and responsiveness.

City of Bloomington Awards 55,000 in Digital Opportunity Grants to 14 Local Nonprofits

The City of Bloomington awarded $55,000 in Digital Opportunity Grants to 14 local nonprofits to enhance digital literacy. The funding aims to empower communities in Monroe County and surrounding areas by improving access to digital resources.

Additional Input Opportunities on College and Walnut Corridor Study Upcoming

Bloomington officials will host two public open houses on October 28 and 30 to discuss the College Avenue and Walnut Street corridor study. The study aims to enhance user safety and economic opportunities, with proposals for either maintaining one-way streets or converting them to two-way. Community feedback will be collected to inform the final design.

Grants Available for Community Pedestrian and Bicycle Initiatives

The City of Bloomington opens its 2025 Local-Motion Grant Program to promote pedestrian and bicycle mobility. Nonprofit organizations, neighborhood associations, and local businesses can apply for grants up to $2,400 for projects enhancing active transportation. Applications are due by November 3.

City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Announces Two Final Opportunities for Community Input on Master Plan

Bloomington residents can provide input on the Parks and Recreation Department’s five-year master plan at an interactive workshop on October 7. This workshop is one of the final opportunities for community feedback before a survey is mailed to select households.