Calling all Bloomington locals interested in making a difference in your city: it's your chance to step up and serve on one of the many municipal boards and commissions currently seeking new members. If you’re keen on shaping policies that touch on everything from the arts to public safety, you might want to throw your hat into the ring.
Mayor Kerry Thomson is on the lookout for Bloomington residents to fill seats on various boards, including two on the Bloomington Arts Commission, which drives community appreciation for the arts. Other notable spots include openings on the Board of Housing Quality Appeals, which challenges bureaucratic decisions on housing code enforcement. And for those with a keen interest in community development strategies, there are six seats up for grabs on the CDBG Funding Citizens Advisory Committee, according to the City of Bloomington's recent announcement.
Further opportunities arise with the Commission on the Status of Black Males, which looks to overcome challenges faced by Black males in Bloomington. There's also the Commission on the Status of Children and Youth, advocating for the city’s younger population, and the Community Advisory on Public Safety Commission, which lends an ear to the community's perspectives on public safety.
For environmental advocates, the Environmental Commission could use your voice to help guide Bloomington's environmental policies, and history buffs might find a calling at the Historic Preservation Commission, working to safeguard Bloomington's historical heritage. Lastly, there's room on the newly formed Transportation Commission, focusing on the city's transportation and parking strategies, and a seat on the Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association, improving quality of life in specific urban zones.
To qualify, candidates typically need to be residents of Bloomington—though some commissions allow for county residency—and ready to dedicate their time to their community's betterment. Appointments are shared between Mayor Thomson and the Bloomington Common Council, with meeting schedules and more details available for the public at the City of Bloomington's website.
