Jeff Jurgens

During a period of self-reflection, Bloomington's Public Safety and Community Relations Board is considering its scope and purview as a public police accountability body. A member of the legal team that wrote its bylaws said disciplinary action and investigatory power is not legally possible.

The Bloomington City Council unanimously approved a $370.5 million fiscal year 2027 budget Monday night, the largest in the city's history.

Bloomington City Manager Jeff Jurgens said he's pleased with the redevelopment of the former Pantagraph print building on West Jefferson Street. The building has reopened with the 8 Bit Arcade, a retro-style video game and pinball arcade and bar on the main floor.

City Manager Jeff Jurgens shared the newest images of the Connect Transit transfer center that is set to break ground at the end of 2026 or early 2027. The design is 60% complete.

The City of Bloomington is stepping into what promises to be a thorny issue: rules about signs. City Manager Jeff Jurgens said the city hasn't revised the sign code since the 1970s.

The City of Bloomington doesn't know what's happening to up to 3 million gallons of water per day — and it could be more during the summer. An aging treatment and distribution system is a root cause.

Driven by expenses mandated by the federal and state governments, the City of Bloomington is proposing a $370.5 million overall budget for 2027.

Town of Normal staff are signaling a potential need for significant rate increases in several programs including water and sewer, recycling, landscape waste and trash pickups. City Manager Pam Reece said a need for new sewage lift stations and cost recovery for hauling will require a council policy discussion.

A developer working to bring the former State Farm building back to life in Downtown Bloomington has plans to revive another nearby historic property, too.

The city council approved a separate measure supporting efforts to improve water department infrastructure, but did not approve algae treatment at Lake Bloomington.