The city of Bloomington is now accepting applications from community members who would like to serve on one of the 11 following boards or commissions. There are currently more than 45 boards and commissions that advise the mayor and city council in the City of Bloomington.
All meeting times for each board and commission vary but are open to the public. According to the city’s application page, the city will keep applications on file for 90 days after submission and will view applications if a position opens up.
[Related: Voters select Democratic nominees for Bloomington City Council in primary election Tuesday]
Board of Zoning Appeals
According to the City of Bloomington, the Board of Zoning Appeals reviews requests from landowners for exemption from zoning ordinance requirements.
To be eligible you must have been a voter in the city for at least one year.
Seats available: 2 (alternate positions)
Appointed by: Mayor John Hamiliton
Time commitment: 3 hours per month
Compensation: Members do not receive financial compensation
More information can be found here
Commision on Sustainability
According to the City of Bloomington, the Commission on Sustainability focuses on the city’s economic growth, environmental cleanliness and social equity. This commission will also spread information regarding Bloomington’s environmental sustainability efforts.
The commission will draw its members from government, business, academia, not-for-profit and neighborhood associations.
Seats available: 2
Appointed by: Mayor John Hamilton (1) and Bloomington Common Council (1)
Time commitment: 2 hours per month
Compensation: Members do not receive financial compensation
More information can be found here
[Related: Bloomington city council passes resolution to create regional climate coalition]
Community Advisory on Public Safety Commission
The Community Advisory on Public Safety Commission’s goal is to expand the welfare of community members — specifically those marginalized due to race, disability, gender, sexual identity or sexual orientation.
There are no eligibility requirements for this position.
Seats available: 3
Appointed by: Bloomington Common Council
Time commitment: not specified
Compensation: Members do not receive financial compensation
More information can be found here.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Commission
According to the City of Bloomington, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Commission cultivates and recognizes Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday and organizes volunteer events. The events and programs the commission sponsors include “A Day ON! Not a Day Off”, “40 Days of Peace”, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award and the celebration on Martin Luther King's birthday. They also foster diversity in the Bloomington Community.
There are no eligibility requirements, but preference will be given to those who belong to a local religious organization, the Bloomington human rights commission, Monroe County Government, local community school corporations and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Seats available: 1
Appointed by: Bloomington Common Council
Time commitment: 2 hours per month
Compensation: Members do not receive financial compensation
More information can be found here.
Environmental Commision
The Environmental Commission advises the city on actions and policies to preserve the quality of Bloomington's environment, including the ecosystem processes that are important to humans and other living organisms.
To be eligible you must reside within the municipal boundary.
Seats available: 1
Appointed by: Bloomington Common Council
Time commitment: 5 hours per month
Compensation: Members do not receive financial compensation
More information can be found here.
[Related: Bloomington residents can donate their invasive, unwanted plants to Indianapolis Zoo]
Housing Quality Appeals Board
The Housing Quality Appeals Board hears the appeals of any person who is affected by the decision of an enforcing officer or any administration official relating to Title 16 of the Bloomington Municipal Code. The code, referred to as the Residential Rental Unit and Lodging Establishment Inspection Program, ensures public health, safety and welfare at residential rental units.
To be eligible you must be a resident of the city.
Seats available: 1
Appointed by: Bloomington Common Council
Time commitment: 4 hours per month
Compensation: Members do not receive financial compensation
More information can be found here.
Historic Preservation Commision
According to the City of Bloomington, the Historic Preservation Commission teaches the community about historic preservation goals within the city.
To be eligible you must be a voting resident and interested in preservation of historic buildings and areas.
Seats available: 1
Appointed by: Mayor John Hamilton
Time commitment: 8 hours per month
Compensation: Members do not receive financial compensation
More information can be found here.
Human Rights Commission
The Human Rights Commission enforces Bloomington's Human Rights Ordinance, informs community members of their rights, expands awareness on human rights issues and ensures all city jobs pay employees common wages. According to an IDS article, on May 3, the Bloomington City Council voted to create a joint Human Rights Commission between Bloomington and Monroe County.
To be eligible you must be a representative of the city and be a city resident.
Seats available: 1
Appointed by: Bloomington Common Council
Time commitment: 2 hours per month
Compensation: Not specified
More information can be found here.
[Related: City council approves joint Human Rights Commission with the county]
Parking Commission
According to the city of Bloomington, the Parking Commission develops, implements, maintains and promotes policies on parking. The commission coordinates parking activities, gathers comments on parking matters and supervises parking reports.
To be eligible, one member must be a merchant owning and operating a business located within city limits; one member must be a board member or employee of a non-profit which operates at a property within city limits; four members should be residents within the city; and one member should be from the transportation department, engineering department or department of public works.
Seats available: 1
Appointed by: Bloomington Common Council
Time commitment: 1.5 hours per month
Compensation: Members do not receive financial compensation
More information can be found here
Traffic Commission
According to the City of Bloomington, the Traffic Commission coordinates traffic activities, improves traffic, suggests and approves enforcement on traffic rulings, supervises traffic reports and collects comments on traffic matters.
To be eligible you must be a resident of the city.
Seats available: 1
Appointed by: Bloomington Common Council
Time commitment: 1 hour per month
Compensation: Members do not receive financial compensation
More information can be found here.
[Related: 'Catastrophic': The difficulty of addressing severe car crashes in Bloomington]
Urban Enterprise Association
The Urban Enterprise Association improves the economic, physical and social environment for Zone residents and businesses. Zone residents include residents living in an area north, west or south of downtown and have businesses that are qualified for scholarships, arts and business grants or tax incentives.
To be eligible, two of the association’s members must be state governor appointed. The remaining position must be appointed by Common Council of a Zone Resident and be from a different political party than the other appointed zone resident.
Seats available: 2
Appointed by: Mayor John Hamilton and Bloomington Common Council
Time commitment: 2 hours per month
Compensation: Members do not receive compensation
More information can be found here.
Applications are available here.
