The Bloomington City Council is set to vote this week on a key funding move that could kickstart the long-anticipated expansion of the Monroe County Convention Center.

Council members will consider transferring $10 million from the city’s food and beverage tax fund to the Monroe County Capital Improvement Board (CIB), the body overseeing the convention center project. The funds would be used to cover early-stage construction expenses as part of the center’s expansion.

According to the city’s financial records, Bloomington’s food and beverage tax fund currently holds a cash balance of $19,943,164. If the transfer is approved, that amount will decrease to $9,943,164. The city’s food and beverage tax—approved in 2017—was created specifically to fund major tourism and economic development projects, with the convention center expansion as a leading priority.

The CIB is still in the planning and design phase, but momentum around the project has been steadily building. The board has met regularly to refine the scope of the expansion and coordinate efforts with design and construction partners. Future phases of the project will likely be funded through additional draws from the food and beverage tax, in line with long-term financial planning.

The next scheduled meeting of the Monroe County Capital Improvement Board is Wednesday, just prior to the council session. Items on the agenda include a financial update and a progress report on the facility’s design.

A groundbreaking ceremony is slated for Tuesday, June 3, at 3:30 p.m., signaling the start of visible work on the site and marking a major milestone for the long-delayed initiative.

Supporters of the project say it will help drive economic growth, attract regional conventions, and bolster hospitality and tourism businesses in downtown Bloomington. They point to the potential for expanded conference and event space, increased visitor traffic, and job creation throughout the construction and operation of the center.

Additional elements under consideration include the integration of a connected hotel, improvements to surrounding infrastructure, and potential public amenities within the center.

The Capital Improvement Board has emphasized that construction will proceed in phases to align with funding availability and design readiness, and the $10 million transfer would be the first major allocation from the city toward that effort.

More detailed cost projections and construction timelines are expected to be shared after Wednesday’s CIB meeting and the city council vote.

Originally reported by Donnie Burgess in Indiana Public Media.