Jeff Jurgens

With a more reliable incentive plan for developers, the council is hoping to bring in multiple types of housing the city needs.

A busy Monday night meeting saw the Bloomington City Council approve a balanced budget for the fiscal year starting May 1, and move forward with redevelopment agreements at two prominent locations in the city.

Bloomington city officials are exploring more treatments to eliminate the odor and improve the taste of its water.

A major redevelopment plan for Downtown Bloomington’s south end would create more housing and parking and finally remove a rundown eyesore that’s vexed city leaders for years. The plan, announced Friday night, would give the City of Bloomington control over prime underperforming real estate.

The City of Bloomington’s projected budget for the 2026 fiscal year shows a city-wide decrease of $21 million, including a $9.4 million drop in the general fund.

Bloomington's city engineer is retiring. Kevin Kothe will end his career in June after 37-years with the city.

While the City of Bloomington will likely have to cut about 12 jobs per year for "probably at least the next three or four years" to plug a budget hole, the police and fire departments will not be part of any staff reductions, says city manager Jeff Jurgens.

The city council rejected increasing the levy that would have contributed millions to fire and police pensions. Funding for both will be drawn from other sources.

While the Salvation Army of Bloomington announced its Emergency Winter Shelter would not open in time for a promised Oct. 15 launch, the City of Bloomington stepped in to provide resources and make it happen.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and NASCAR Foundation are supporting Central Illinois mental health efforts through a $30,000 grant to the McLean County for Center Services, which was announced on Oct. 10 — World Mental Health Day 2024.