Mayor Hamilton sees bright future after tough year for Bloomington, world in his State of the City

A few things were missing from the annual State of the City address traditionally given around this time by Bloomington’s mayor.

In 2020, the event took place in the Buskirk-Chumley Theater with live entertainment. Topics included climate change, economic growth and social justice, among others — but it lacked any mention of the pandemic.

“Last year’s State of the City was Feb. 20,” Mayor John Hamilton said during a Zoom presentation. “I did not mention the words coronavirus or COVID.”

Hamilton stresses climate, economic initiatives in State of the City

Within a week or so, the first case of COVID-19 in the U.S. was reported, and the world changed. It hasn’t changed back yet. But the mayor on Thursday expressed confidence in Bloomington’s ability to recover.

“When Bloomington thrives, our county and our region thrive,” he said. “We need to lead the way to better times ahead, and I’m confident that is just what we can do. We’re going through some very tough times, but the state of our city is strong and our future is bright.”

In this year’s State of the City presentation, Hamilton spoke on three themes: Remember, recover and renew. The pandemic’s effects on families was a focus, and Hamilton’s own family was hit hard in 2020.