The Bloomington City Council Wednesday night approved increasing the city’s economic development staff and splitting their responsibilities. The council approved a proposal allowing one staffer to handle small business and sustainability efforts, while another would work solely on arts as economic development. That plan drew criticism from council member David Sabbagh.
But other council members voiced support for the plan to beef up the city’s efforts to promote and expand Bloomington’s arts community. Tim Mayer said the city has to follow through on its efforts to develop the entertainment and arts districts. After a motion to separate the economic development positions from other personnel changes failed, the council voted 8-1 in favor of expanding the economic development office.
