Patrick Hoban

The cost of child care in McLean County is now the fourth highest in the state, according to data compiled by the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council.

The housing shortage in Bloomington-Normal is one of several factors that, if unchecked, could lead to economic stagnation, according to the agency charged with spurring the economy in the Twin Cities. There are signs it's already sapping growth.

Government efforts to address the Bloomington-Normal housing shortage are a work in progress. Every little effort to make it more attractive to develop helps.

A small manufacturer in Bloomington faces many pressures. Joe Diemer has owned Midwest Molding Solutions for a quarter century.

Bloomington-Normal in 2024 spent more time talking about building housing than actually building housing. And don’t expect a construction boom in 2025 either.

McLean County's housing shortage has been ongoing for years. By end of June, City Manager Jeff Jurgens said Bloomington hopes to have a “concrete plan” that “the council can act on.”

An organization that tries to stimulate economic development in central Illinois says it can help address the housing shortage in McLean County. The Tri-County River Valley Development Authority (TRVDA) helps issue lower cost bonds.

There will be major progress this year toward the creation of an industrial park on the southeast side of Bloomington.

Bloomington-Normal is losing ground on its housing gap. A 2021 housing study showed an unmet need for more than 4,000 housing units. Patrick Hoban, director of the area economic development council, said an update to the study takes Rivian employment into account, and shows the number is going in the wrong direction.

Bloomington-Normal leaders are emphasizing the need for more broadband connectivity in underserved and rural areas.