BLOOMINGTON — The Bloomington Common Council is set to convene for a highly anticipated regular session on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. The meeting will feature high-stakes legislative battles, including a potential vote to override Mayor Kerry Thomson’s recent veto of the “Carless Kirkwood” ordinance and a resolution authorizing up to $100 million in bonds for affordable housing acquisitions.
The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers (Room 115) at City Hall, with options for residents to attend in person or join remotely.
The Kirkwood Avenue Veto Showdown (Ordinance 2026-12)
The most contentious item on the docket is the scheduled second reading of Ordinance 2026-12, which seeks to codify a permanent, annual seasonal closure of Kirkwood Avenue to vehicular traffic from April 1 to November 15.
The council originally passed the ordinance on June 10, 2026, in a tight 5-4 vote. However, Mayor Kerry Thomson vetoed the legislation on June 22, citing a lack of an operational and fiscal plan, long-term municipal revenue uncertainties under Senate Enrolled Act 1, and mixed feedback from local businesses regarding accessibility and deliveries.
To override the Mayor’s veto during this session, the Common Council will need a strict two-thirds majority vote. Per statutory procedures, the legislation cannot be amended or postponed.
$100 Million Affordable Housing Bond (Resolution 2026-13)
The Council will also vote on Resolution 2026-13, which would authorize the Bloomington Housing Authority (BHA) to issue up to $100 million in tax-exempt revenue bonds.
The BHA intends to use these funds to acquire a 924-unit affordable housing portfolio from the Hometown Group, which includes:
- Summit Pointe (288 units)
- Basswood Apartments (240 units)
- Woodland Springs (282 units)
- Kingston Manor (66 units)
- Northcrest Apartments (48 units)
The units are currently rented at or below 100% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Approximately $9 million of the bond proceeds will be directed toward critical capital improvements, modernization, and energy-efficiency upgrades. The city notes that these bonds are paid strictly from project revenues and BHA surplus funds, meaning they are not an obligation of the City’s general fund and will not impact local tax rates.
Delineating Fire Department Oversight (Ordinance 2026-15)
Up for its first reading is Ordinance 2026-15, introduced by Councilmember Zulich. The amendment to Title 2 of the Bloomington Municipal Code formally recognizes the Fire Merit Commission, which took effect by operation of law on January 1, 2025. The ordinance clarifies that while the Board of Public Safety maintains general control over the fire department, the Fire Merit Commission holds exclusive authority over hiring, promotion, and disciplinary actions.
Official Meeting Agenda
As published by the City of Bloomington, the complete agenda for the evening is detailed below:
City of Bloomington, Indiana Common Council Agenda and Notice: Regular Session
Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Council Chambers (Room 115), City Hall (401 N. Morton Street, Bloomington, IN 47404)
- Roll Call
- Agenda Summation
- Minutes for Approval
- 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
- 2026 Human Rights Award Presentation – Bloomington/Monroe County Human Rights Commission
- C. Council Committees
- D. Public*
- Appointments to Boards and Commissions
- Legislation for First Readings
- A. Ordinance 2026-15 – Amending Title 2 of the Bloomington Municipal Code Regarding Establishment of the Fire Merit Commission (Council Sponsor – CM Zulich)
- Legislation for Second Readings and Resolutions
- A. Resolution 2026-13 – Authorizing Issuance of Bonds for the BHA (Council Sponsor – CM Zulich)
- B. Ordinance 2026-12 – To Amend Title 15 of the Bloomington Municipal Code Entitled “Vehicles and Traffic” to Seasonally Provide a Carless Kirkwood (Council Sponsor – CM Daily and Rosenbarger)
- Actions on Legislation:
- Council Action (June 10, 2026): Passed 5-4-0
- Mayor Veto (June 19, 2026)
- Council Action After Veto (July 22, 2026): Pending
- Actions on Legislation:
- Additional Public Comment* (A maximum of twenty-five minutes is set aside for this section)
- Council Schedule
- Adjournment
Public Participation and Access
Members of the public who wish to speak on matters of community concern not listed on the agenda may do so during one of the two designated public comment periods. Speakers are limited to three minutes and may only speak at one period, not both.
The meeting will be broadcast live via Community Action Television Services (CATS) and the City’s official YouTube Channel. Virtual attendance is accessible via Zoom using the following details:
Passcode: 135390
Zoom Link: Bloomington Zoom Access
Meeting ID: 818 6991 1625
