Our top advocacy priority for 2025 is to address our workforce housing shortage by bolstering supply. The Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council estimates we need 4,500 additional housing units just to meet current demand in our community.

The Bloomington City Council on Monday unanimously approved two housing development agreements that will add a combined 393 units in Bloomington. The Chamber had asked the council ahead of the vote to support both projects. One is a $68m mixed-use project by Urban Equity Properties that would redevelop the old State Farm building downtown. Bolstering Downtown Bloomington redevelopment is another top priority for the Chamber. The other is a $42m housing project by Holladay Properties at the former Verizon site on East Empire Street.

Thank you to the mayor, council, and city staff for moving these projects forward.