The City of Bloomington officially has a new mayor.
Dan Brady was among the officials sworn in Thursday, along with new and returning city council members.
Brady said housing and infrastructure are his day one priorities. He plans to pick up where the previous mayor — Mboka Mwilambwe — left off, advancing plans for a tiny home village for unhoused community members and the downtown streetscape project.
“And then I think the next area you talk about, and you look at, is what we’re doing with the quality of life within Bloomington,” Brady told WGLT. “Meaning our water, our potholes, infrastructure — those type of things.”
In his remarks, the former Republican state representative expressed a desire to work across the ideological aisle in his new, nonpartisan role.
“I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I do promise this: My door will always be open. If you have an idea to help move Bloomington forward, I want to hear it, and I’m ready to work with anyone who shares our goal of building a better Bloomington,” he said.
Similarly, the city’s two newly-elected city council members said they're ready to roll up their sleeves to address the city's key challenges.
Data scientist Abby Scott defeated Roger Bedeker for her seat in Ward 9, representing northeast Bloomington.
“It feels good,” she said. “We’re clearly a bunch of folks who are psyched to get to work.”
Scott and Mike Straza were sworn in Thursday for their spots on the council, along with re-elected members Jenna Kearns, Sheila Montney and Mollie Ward.
Straza said he's optimistic the council can work together and find common ground. Straza lost his 2021 bid for mayor in a three-way race. The winner, Mwlambwe, lost to Brady in another three-way race in April, with current council member Cody Hendricks.
“We all have differences and that’s fine,” Straza said. “At the end of the day, are we agreeing to make sure we take care of the things this community needs.”
Like Brady, Scott and Straza said housing, infrastructure and water are top of mind.
See more photos of Thursday's event:
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Bloomington City Council member Mollie Ward speaks during the swearing-in Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.
Emily Bollinger / WGLT
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Bloomington Mayor Dan Brady and city council members are sworn in Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.
Emily Bollinger / WGLT
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Bloomington Mayor Dan Brady and city council members are sworn in Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.
Emily Bollinger / WGLT
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Bloomington City Council member Abby Scott is sworn in Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.
Emily Bollinger / WGLT
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Bloomington City Council member Mike Straza is sworn in Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.
Emily Bollinger / WGLT
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Bloomington Mayor Dan Brady and city council members are sworn in Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.
Emily Bollinger / WGLT
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Bloomington Mayor Dan Brady and city council members are sworn in Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.
Emily Bollinger / WGLT
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Bloomington City Council member Mollie Ward during the swearing-in Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.
Emily Bollinger / WGLT
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Bloomington Mayor Dan Brady and city council members are sworn in Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.
Emily Bollinger / WGLT
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Bloomington City Council member Mollie Ward speaks during the swearing-in Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.
Emily Bollinger / WGLT
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Outgoing Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe speaks Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.
Emily Bollinger / WGLT
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Bloomington City Council member Abby Scott talks to WGLT on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.
Emily Bollinger / WGLT
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Bloomington City Council member Jenna Kearns is sworn in Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.
Emily Bollinger / WGLT
