BLOOMINGTON – The City of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Department (CFRD) is pleased to welcome Crystal Ritter as the City’s new Safe and Civil City Program Director, bringing nearly two decades of experience in community programming, public events, and local government service to the department.
In this role, Ritter works alongside community partners to create opportunities for residents to connect with one another, participate in City programs, build practical skills, and help strengthen a safe and welcoming Bloomington.
Ritter also serves as the staff liaison to the Commission on the Status of Black Males and the Commission on the Status of Children and Youth, supporting commissioners as they develop public programs, youth initiatives, educational opportunities, and community events that are free and open to all.
Since joining CFRD, Ritter has already helped lead her first major commission event, the Million Father March, organized through the Commission on the Status of Black Males. The annual event brings families, educators, City staff, and community members together to welcome students back to school and encourage positive involvement in the lives and education of Bloomington’s young people.
“Crystal brings experience, relationships, creativity, and a genuine commitment to public service,” said CFRD Director Shatoyia Moss. “This position is about creating meaningful connections between residents and their City, strengthening community partnerships, and turning ideas into programs people can actually participate in and benefit from. Crystal understands that work, and we are excited to have her as part of the CFRD team.”
Ritter previously spent nine years with the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department as a Community Events Coordinator, where she helped plan and coordinate concerts, festivals, art fairs, public celebrations, and other large-scale community events. She also served as Interim Director of Public Engagement under Mayors John Hamilton and Kerry Thomson.
Her experience working across City departments, with community organizations, and directly with residents positions her to expand partnerships and strengthen the Safe and Civil City Program’s connection to the Bloomington community.
“As the Safe and Civil City Director, I look forward to creating meaningful opportunities for residents to feel valued, connected, and safe,” Ritter said. “I’m excited to build relationships, listen to residents, and help create programs that bring people together and make a positive difference in our community.”
The Safe and Civil City Program has served Bloomington since 2002 and supports community education, youth engagement, public-safety initiatives, commission programming, and partnerships that connect residents with opportunities to participate in their local community.
For more information about the Safe and Civil City Program, upcoming events, or opportunities to get involved, visit bloomington.in.gov/departments/cfrd or contact the Community and Family Resources Department at 812-349-3430 or at cfrd@bloomington.in.gov.
