WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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During the State of the City Address, Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton focused on city climate and social sustainability actions and goals. Hamilton stressed the importance of fighting for climate reform. He spoke about the rising temperatures in Antarctica, reaching a record high and even Indian expected temperatures rise up to 6 degrees Fahrenheit in the next 30 years. This increase would cause up to 51 extremely hot days, affecting crop production, drinking water, economy, and much more. Hamilton spoke of climate effects within 10 years.
Hamilton recognized that the city’s constituents have been actively calling for climate action. He recalled hundreds of climate activist gathering in city hall demanding climate action. Hamilton said, among many other awards, Bloomington was listed as an A city from the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy for leadership and transparency on climate action. He spoke about sustainability actions taken by the city.
Hamilton also recognized transportation as one of the largest contributing factors to greenhouse emissions. Along with climate he recognized the cities demands for affordable housing along with homeless relief, and substance abuse programs. According to a biannual city survey over 90 percent of contributors reported a desire for homeless relief, affordable and workforce housing, and safe bikeways. He said climate combat at quality of life work together.
To ensure a sustainable quality of life, Hamilton proposed a point 5 percent income tax increase. Hamilton said, currently, Bloomington property and income tax rates are one of the lowest. He said after passing, Bloomington would rank the 3rd lowest of the seven neighboring counties for income tax rates. He said taxes would be used for constituent requested sustainable action.
Hamilton revealed profound impact to the sustainability Investment fund from tax increases. He encouraged community involvement in the process of decision for taxation. He invited the community to share with the city how they would like to see the new income spent.
