Patrick Hoban

Homebuilders in Bloomington-Normal are playing catch up in meeting the growth of the last decade, the more recent expansion of the labor market, and projected future growth.

More people are commuting greater distances to work in Bloomington-Normal every day, with some traveling 60 to 90 miles to work here – and about a quarter of Rivian’s workers driving an hour to work each day. That’s according to an analysis of cell phone location data and tracking from Rivian itself.

In recent years, economic development efforts in Bloomington-Normal have focused on workforce development and creating a standard incentive package for prospective new businesses to locate in McLean County. That's about to change.

The head of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council says the local economy has a lot of encouraging signposts, noting that consumers are buying a lot, according to year-to-date sales tax receipts.

The maker of Butterfinger, Crunch, Tic Tacs and other candies has announced a second major expansion in Bloomington in less than a year. Ferrero plans to add 200 jobs as part of a $214 million expansion.

The Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council plans to launch a branding campaign to attract employers and workers to the area.

The hiring boom McLean County employers predicted for this fall hasn't happened yet.

Twin City economic development officials field inquiries from potential businesses all the time. But Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council head Patrick Hoban says he's really excited about one particular prospect right now.

The head of Bloomington-Normal's economic development arm said during a community briefing the economy is surging. Economic Development Council Director Patrick Hoban said during the quarterly BN By The Numbers event a labor shortage remains, but economic activity boomed as the pandemic eased..

Connect Transit has unveiled three potential locations for the new downtown Bloomington transfer center.Up for consideration are the former Pantagraph…