BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — The Bloomington City Council unanimously approved a Standardized Housing Incentive Program during its meeting on Monday.

The purpose is to encourage developers to build in Bloomington as city officials work to address the housing shortage.

Incentives include a 50 percent reduction in city fees, a 100 percent city fee reduction for tax credit projects and density bonuses. To receive the incentives, the shovel must be in the ground within three years.

City Manager Jeff Jurgens said city officials listened to feedback from stakeholders at the housing symposium in June to learn what incentives would aid their developments. He adds that housing has been a priority for the city council for a long time.

“I think this is a really exciting time for the city. We’ve had some really big developments with the state farm building, with the holiday property building, and now with this housing incentive policy. We’re really hopeful that we’re going to spur even more housing development within the community,” Jurgens said.

Also on the agenda, the council said farewell to outgoing mayor Mboka Mwilambwe and city council members Donna Boelen, Nick Becker and Tom Crumpler. Boelen resigned before the new year due to personal reasons, but still received a plaque along with her colleagues for her service.

Bloomington’s swearing-in ceremony for incoming mayor Dan Brady and council members Mike Straza and Abby Scott will be held on May 1.

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