BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton and Deputy Mayor Mary Catherine Carmichael discuss the recent Public Safety Report and the new housing program for sworn police and fire.
At the 7th Annual Public Safety Report meeting, Mayor John Hamilton announced a new $100,000 no-interest down payment assistance program for up to 10 police officers and 10 firefighters as an incentive to live in the city of Bloomington. Commencing immediately, the pilot housing program is the only known program in the country. After 10 years, participants will realize $100,000 in home equity.
Enabling police officers and firefighters to live where they work allows for better community connections and reduces crucial travel time in the event of an emergency situation.
The housing incentive is part of a larger local effort to attract and retain vital public safety providers. Additional incentives were announced in 2022 (https://bton.in/~28-s), including signing bonuses, rental/down payment assistance, and take-home patrol vehicles for police; and rental/down payment assistance for firefighters (https://bton.in/aG3KI).
The full Public Safety Report is available online at bloomington.in.gov/public-safety/annual-reports.
