City of Bloomington, IN - Neighborhood Services

03/24/2026

We know that the cost of removing a high-risk tree or handling major pruning can be a huge burden. If you have a hazardous tree on your property but aren't sure how to afford the care it needs, the City's Tree Assistance Program (TAP) is here to help.

The program assists income-qualified residents with high-risk tree removal, hazard mitigation, and even tree planting to help keep our neighborhoods safe and our canopy strong. Applications for work scheduled for Fall 2026 are officially open now through May 1, 2026.

For full details on eligibility and to apply, visit the City’s website at https://bloomington.in.gov/about/trees/assistance-program

City of Bloomington, IN - Parks and Recreation

03/23/2026

Thinking about buying your first home, but not sure where to start? Registration is now officially open for our second Homebuyers Club of the year!

This in-person workshop is designed to help you navigate the entire home-buying process, from developing a budget and repairing credit to working with a realtor and understanding mortgages. Participants can meet one-on-one with a housing counselor, and income-eligible graduates may qualify for Down Payment Closing Cost Assistance from HAND.

The upcoming sessions will take place on Saturday, April 11, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Saturday, April 18, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. While the classes are free, registration is required to attend.

Important Note on Registration: We recently experienced some technical issues with our registration form. If you have already signed up but did not receive a confirmation email from Google Forms, please register again to secure your spot.

Learn more and register here: https://bloomington.in.gov/housing/home-buyers-club

03/19/2026

Everything you love about our neighborhood updates is getting a new home! To make sure you get all your neighborhood news in one place, this Neighborhood Services page is merging with our main City of Bloomington, IN - Housing and Neighborhood Development - HAND page.

In two weeks, this specific page will be retired. You can find all the same great content over on our main HAND page. Make sure you’re following us there so we can stay connected!

Follow the HAND page here: City of Bloomington, IN - Housing and Neighborhood Development - HAND

03/17/2026

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day, Bloomington! ☘️

Whether you’re heading downtown to support our local shops or enjoying a quiet day in your neighborhood, we hope your day is filled with a little extra luck. If you're out celebrating, please remember to stay safe and look out for each other!

03/16/2026

Interested in the future of Bloomington? All residents are invited to the 2026 State of the City Address with Mayor Kerry Thomson on Tuesday, March 31, at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater (114 E. Kirkwood Avenue).

This annual event is an opportunity to reflect on our progress over the past year and look ahead at the priorities and partnerships shaping our community. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with a performance by local harpist Emily Fife. The formal presentation begins at 6 p.m. and will conclude with a special performance by the Windfall Dancers. After the address, please stay for a community reception to connect with neighbors and city leadership.

If you cannot make it in person, you can watch the event live on Community Access Television Services (CATS) or stream it online at catstv.net.

03/09/2026

03/09/2026

HAND Director, Anna Killion-Hanson, on development of Hopewell, Bloomington's next neighborhood.

03/09/2026

Care deeply about something in Bloomington — or just want to say hi to Mayor Kerry? Sign up for the next Traveling Office Hours on Tuesday, March 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. These office hours provide a relaxed, one-on-one environment to bring a question, share an idea, or ask about what’s happening around town.

To ensure everyone has an opportunity to connect, appointments are scheduled in 15-minute intervals. Register for an appointment here: https://forms.fillout.com/t/8VkHoRUeChus?id=rechAAHidNFZuOvrt&

03/06/2026

We are expecting more rain in Bloomington soon. Here are some helpful tips!

After the heavy rainfall we've seen this week and with more days of rain expected in the next week, here are a few ways to protect your property and help the community:

Check your gutters: Ensure gutters and downspouts are clean and in good working order to prevent water from backing up into your roof or foundation.

Secure your appliances: If you have an HVAC unit, water heater, or pump on a lower level, check that they are elevated or secured so they don't float or become damaged.

Test your sump pump: Make sure your pump and dehumidifier are working correctly before the next round of rain arrives.

Watch your yard: If water pools near your home, consider adding a rain garden or surface drain to help spread out the water.

You can also help the whole neighborhood by keeping nearby storm drains clear so rainwater can flow where it’s meant to go.

For more tips, visit the Monroe County COAD Heavy Rainfall Guide: https://www.monroecountycoad.org/heavy-rainfall.html

To help keep our streets clear, check out the Adopt-a-Drain program: https://bloomington.in.gov/utilities/stormwater/adopt-a-drain

03/02/2026

Tax season is here, and the City of Bloomington is partnering with United Way of South Central Indiana to host Free Community Tax Service appointments at City Hall. This program provides professional tax preparation at no cost for individuals and families earning $67,000 or less.

Appointments at City Hall are available every Wednesday from 5–8 p.m. through April 8th, 2026. This year, Indiana Legal Services will also be on-site to offer consultations for those dealing with prior-year tax issues.

How to schedule:
English: Call 812-349-3430
Spanish: Call 812-349-3860

Professional, IRS-certified volunteers are ready to help ensure you keep more of what you earn. For more details. visit https://bloomington.in.gov/news/2026/02/03/6443

02/23/2026

Looking for a way to make a direct impact on our community? The City of Bloomington is currently seeking residents to serve on several boards and commissions. This is a unique opportunity to bring your perspective to the table and help shape the policies and programs that make our city shine. Whether you’re passionate about parks, planning, sustainability, community safety, or housing, there’s a place for you.

Most positions require city residency, and all board and commission meetings are open to the public. If you’re curious about the work involved, we encourage you to attend a meeting or reach out to the City Clerk’s office or the Mayor’s office with any questions.

Apply or view the full list of vacancies here: https://bloomington.in.gov/news/2026/02/09/6445

02/18/2026

Don’t miss your opportunity to apply for this fun, rewarding, community building activity for your neighborhood!

Ready for some serious spring cleaning? The deadline to apply for a Neighborhood Cleanup Grant is coming up on Monday, March 2.

This is a great way to bring the neighborhood together and clear out those bulky items that don't fit in your regular carts. If your application is selected, HAND provides the trucks and dumpsters for large trash, scrap metal, electronics, large brush and tree limbs, and even hazardous materials. Plus, any usable items go into a "picker pile" for neighbors to take home for free.

How it works:
The City provides the disposal equipment, and your neighborhood provides the volunteers and coordination. We’re looking for neighborhoods that are organized, motivated, and ready to work together to make the day a success.

Two neighborhoods within City limits that haven't received the grant in 2024 or 2025 will be chosen for 2026, and funds from recycled scrap metal go directly back to your neighborhood!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to tidy up your block and build some community spirit.

Learn more & apply: https://bloomington.in.gov/neighborhoods/grants/clean-ups