Bloomington Common Council to debate ‘Carless Kirkwood,’ AI existential risk, and Fentanyl funding at upcoming meeting

BLOOMINGTON The Bloomington Common Council will navigate a packed legislative docket during its upcoming regular session this Wednesday, tackling everything from local seasonal traffic shifts to global technological threats and local social service funding.

The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. In addition to in-person attendance, local residents can stream the proceedings live or participate remotely via Zoom.

Key Legislation on the Docket

Several high-profile resolutions and ordinances are up for second readings and final votes, highlights of which include:

  • The Return of “Carless Kirkwood” (Ordinance 2026-12): This highly anticipated ordinance seeks to amend Title 15 of the Bloomington Municipal Code formally. If passed, it will legally solidify the seasonal pedestrianization of Kirkwood Avenue, blocking off vehicle traffic during peak months to support outdoor dining, community events, and foot traffic.
  • AI Existential Risk (Resolution 2026-10): Taking a broad look at future safety, the council will vote on a resolution addressing the existential risks associated with rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence.
  • Jack Hopkins Social Services Funding (Resolution 2026-11): A crucial item for local non-profits, this resolution will authorize the official allocation of the 2026 Jack Hopkins Social Services Program funds. The grant money is heavily relied upon by community organizations to fund local safety nets, including public health awareness initiatives and regional substance abuse support.
  • Alcohol Permit Districts & Utility Loans: The council will also vote on establishing formal rules for designated Alcohol Permit Districts (Resolution 2026-12) and modifying rules regarding financial loans between municipal utilities (Ordinance 2026-13).

Public Participation Guidelines

Members of the public are invited to voice their opinions during the session. Per council rules, individuals may speak for up to three minutes on any community concern not explicitly listed on the legislative agenda. Public comment is split into two distinct periods, but citizens are permitted to speak during only one of the sections, not both.

The complete, official meeting agenda has been published by the City Clerk’s office exactly as follows:

City of Bloomington, Indiana Common Council Agenda and Notice: Regular Session

The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 10th, in the Council Chambers (#115), at City Hall, 401 N. Morton Street.

The meeting may also be accessed remotely on the Community Action Television Services (CATS), the City’s YouTube Channel, and materials for this meeting are available on the council’s website and on Zoom – Meeting ID: 841 8790 8050 Passcode: 103783.

  1. Roll Call
  2. Agenda Summation
  3. Minutes for Approval
  4. Reports (a maximum of twenty minutes is set aside for each part of this section)
    A. Council members
    B. The Mayor, City Clerk, City Offices, and City Boards and Commissions
    1. Annual Tax Abatement Presentation
      C. Council Committees
      D. Public*
  5. Appointments to Boards and Commissions
  6. Legislation for First Readings
  7. Legislation for Second Readings and Resolutions
    A. Resolution 2026-10 On the Existential Risk of Artificial Intelligence
    B. Resolution 2026-09 – To Adopt the Monroe County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
    C. Resolution 2026-11 – Authorizing the Allocation of the Jack Hopkins Social Services Program Funds for the Year 2026 and Related Matters
    D. Resolution 2026-12 – Establishing Rules and Guidelines for Alcohol Permit Districts
    E. Ordinance 2026-12 – To Amend Title 15 of the Bloomington Municipal Code Entitled “Vehicles and Traffic” to Seasonally Provide a Carless Kirkwood
    F. Ordinance 2026-13 – To Amend Title 2 of the Bloomington Municipal Code Regarding Loans Between Utilities
    G. Ordinance 2026-14 – To Amend Title 15 of the Bloomington Municipal Code Entitled “Administration and Personnel” to Require Councilmember Sponsorship of Legislation under Chapter 2.04
  8. Additional Public Comment* (a maximum of twenty-five minutes is set aside for this section)
  9. Council Schedule
  10. Adjournment

*Members of the public may speak on matters of community concern not listed on the agenda at one of the two public comment opportunities. Individuals may speak at one of these periods, but not both. Speakers are allowed up to three minutes.

The City is committed to providing equal access to information. If you encounter difficulties accessing material in this packet, please contact the Bloomington Common Council Office at council@bloomington.in.gov or 812-349-3409 and provide your name, contact information, and a link to or description of the document or web page with which you are having problems.