Bloomington, Indiana – Bloomington residents with a passion for sustainability and community engagement have an opportunity to step into public service. City Clerk Nicole Bolden has announced that applications are now being accepted to fill a vacant seat on the Bloomington Commission on Sustainability. The opening, which is a Common Council–appointed position, offers one resident a chance to shape policies and programs that aim to improve the city’s future.
The Commission on Sustainability was created to serve as a guiding body for Bloomington’s efforts to balance environmental responsibility, economic growth, and social well-being. Its work is grounded in the idea that the choices made today will directly affect both present and future generations. Members of the commission take on a wide range of responsibilities, from gathering and analyzing information to developing practical recommendations. They also track progress through reporting and monitoring, ensuring that the community can see how sustainability goals are being met.
“The Commission on Sustainability is promotes economic development, environmental health, and social equity in our community for present and future generations,” states the official description of the body’s mission. That mission highlights the commission’s broad approach, recognizing that true sustainability touches more than one area of life—it requires a holistic perspective that brings together multiple dimensions of community development.
Membership on the commission is open exclusively to residents of the city. This rule ensures that those shaping sustainability goals are people who live and work in Bloomington, giving them a direct stake in the city’s future. Those who join can expect to participate in regular meetings held at City Hall. The group typically gathers on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the McCloskey Room. Like many city commissions, these meetings are free and open to the public, offering transparency and a chance for community members to engage in local governance.
Applicants interested in this particular position are encouraged to learn more before applying. The city provides detailed information online about the purpose, membership requirements, and current composition of its various boards and commissions. By visiting bloomington.in.gov/onboard, potential candidates can review term lengths, meeting schedules, and mission statements. The same site also hosts the online application form, making the process straightforward for residents who want to take part.
City leaders also recommend that interested residents attend a commission meeting before submitting their application. This allows potential applicants to gain firsthand experience of how the group operates, the types of discussions that take place, and the impact members can have on shaping policy.
For Bloomington, filling the vacant seat is about more than filling a role on a commission. It is part of a larger effort to ensure that city boards remain active, representative, and connected to the public they serve. Each new member brings their own knowledge, background, and commitment, adding to the commission’s ability to promote meaningful change.
With applications now open, the City of Bloomington is seeking someone who can help carry forward the vital mission of sustainability—protecting the environment, fostering equitable growth, and ensuring a high quality of life for generations to come.
