Bloomington, Indiana – Mayor Kerry Thomson reaffirmed Bloomington’s commitment to responsible growth and local governance as the city prepares to petition the Indiana Supreme Court regarding its annexation efforts. The move comes after a ruling on the Indiana General Assembly’s decision to retroactively void Bloomington’s legal contracts with property owners in the annexation area.
“Bloomington remains committed to caring for its people and our collective prosperity,” Mayor Thomson stated. “Responsible growth is part of that commitment—making sure our city’s boundaries reflect the reality of the services we provide and the needs of our community.”
The mayor emphasized that urban growth is an ongoing reality for Bloomington, which has served as a regional hub for employment, education, healthcare, and commerce for over two decades without boundary expansion. The inability to align city boundaries with this growth, she argued, places a strain on infrastructure, weakens public services, and ultimately affects both city and county residents.
Citing research from urban policy expert David Rusk, Mayor Thomson warned that cities unable to expand their tax base risk long-term economic stagnation. She noted that limited revenue growth makes it increasingly difficult to fund essential services such as road maintenance, emergency response, and education.
“The City pursued annexation using the framework established by the State of Indiana, followed the process as required, and upheld our responsibilities under the law—only to have the General Assembly retroactively void these agreements,” Thomson stated.
The mayor stressed that the case has broader implications beyond Bloomington, affecting all local governments across Indiana. The key issue at stake, she argued, is whether the state has the power to override legally binding contracts after they have been established.
“This is not just a Bloomington issue. The questions raised by this case impact all local governments in Indiana,” she continued. “If this decision stands, it sets a precedent that potentially allows the State to interfere with local governance and contract validity at any time, for any reason.”
The City of Bloomington plans to file its petition in early April, seeking clarity from the Indiana Supreme Court on the limits of state intervention in municipal affairs. Mayor Thomson expressed hope that the court will recognize the significance of the case and provide necessary guidance on the legal principles at stake.
“The City shoulders the financial and logistical burden of maintaining infrastructure and essential services that benefit both residents and the surrounding county,” she concluded. “Annexation ensures that those who rely on city services fully contribute to the actual costs, creating a more equitable and sustainable system for all.”
As Bloomington moves forward with its legal challenge, city officials remain firm in their stance that fair policies and responsible growth are essential to securing the community’s future.
