I am currently working on the following initiatives for Bloomington:

Strengthening the Unified Development Ordinance: As a member of the city's Plan Commission, I am involved in amending the UDO, which regulates development in our community. My goals are to support New Urbanism, protect core neighborhoods, and encourage green space preservation.

Limiting the spread of chain stores/restaurants downtown: I am researching whether the city can legally allow only locally-owned businesses in certain areas. San Francisco and Sanibel Island have accomplished such restrictions, which have ensured that their neighborhoods maintain a local flavor.

Inclusionary zoning for affordable housing: I am looking into ways the city could require residential real estate developers to include a certain percentage of low-income housing in each new multi-unit development project, or alternately to pay funds into a public fund to support housing for low-income individuals and families.

I have recently sponsored or co-sponsored the following legislation:

Ordinance 09-04: Requiring all new City of Bloomington buildings, as well as major renovation to city buildings, to meet green building standards following the LEED system. It also requires that current city buildings be evaluated for possible refurbishment to bring them up to LEED standards. This ordinance was co-sponsored by Councilmember Dave Rollo. Please see the city council's legislative packet of March 4, 2009 for details.

Ordinance 08-19, Amendment 1: To create a stop sign at the intersection of Henderson St. and Allen St. at the west entrance to Bryan Park.

Ordinance 08-03 To Amend Title 2 of the Bloomington Municipal Code Entitled “Administration And Personnel” - Re: Amending Section 2.23.060 Entitled “Commission on the Status of Women – Establishment” to Increase Its Size from Seven to Nine Commissioners. Co-sponsored with Council President Susan Sandberg.

Resolution 08-06 Recognizing the Special Value of the Backcountry Area of Morgan-Monroe and Yellowwood State Forests and Urging that it be Permanently Protected from Commercial Logging. Co-sponsored with Councilmember Dave Rollo.

If you have opinions you would like to share on these issues or others, please contact me!

Paid for by Isabel Piedmont-Smith