In Bloomington, we're still buzzing from IU's College Football Playoff National Championship. When Coach Curt Cignetti arrived, national skeptics questioned his bold statements. Yet Coach Cignetti built an organization that embraced "no self-imposed limitations."
That mindset—and the championship that followed—reminds us what's possible when we meet the moment with ambition instead of resignation.
I've spent my career studying what makes communities thrive. As mayor of Bloomington, I saw our potential up close. As U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, I worked with dozens of American regions. As Global Chief Innovation Officer for the world's largest law firm, I helped companies worldwide build innovation communities.
That journey taught me something critical: communities that succeed aren't necessarily those with the most resources. They're the ones that develop a shared mindset, align their institutions, and refuse to accept self-imposed limitations.
I've worked with cities three times our size that would give anything for what we already have. Watching that championship game, I finally saw Bloomington see itself the way I've always seen it—as a place capable of competing at the highest level. That shift in collective self-belief? That's what unlocks everything.
Bloomington has everything it needs to be a national model for innovation-driven inclusive growth. The question is whether we'll sustain that ambition beyond a football season.
Let's be honest. Over the last 14 years, Bloomington's population declined by 1,644 residents. Median household income sits at 78% of the national average. Too many IU graduates see Bloomington as a steppingstone rather than a destination.
But we're seeing momentum. The Indiana Business Research Center’s recent regional forecast found that private business establishments in Monroe County grew 4.6%—outpacing the 2.8% state rate and 2% national rate. Entrepreneurs are choosing to start and grow businesses here.
The Trades District is emerging as an innovation hub. The Forge houses scaling companies like Folia and ViVum AI. IU is making unprecedented research investments. I-69 connects us to Indianapolis and NSWC Crane.
The question isn't whether we have the assets. It's whether we can connect them and elevate Bloomington's brand to match our potential.
Based on my work with thriving innovation ecosystems worldwide, three strategies succeed when implemented together:
Amplify entrepreneurial support. Bloomington can compete nurturing early-stage companies. The 4.6% business growth—double the national rate—proves this. We need to scale what's working: more mentorship, capital access, and connections for founders across sectors.
Amplify business attraction. We need world-class companies planting their flag here—companies bringing high-wage jobs and signaling you can build meaningful businesses in Bloomington. Think AI firms, GovTech companies, HealthTech innovators, Creative Arts enterprises.
Amplify place and community. In successful innovation hubs globally, talented people stay where they can afford homes, where neighborhoods feel vibrant, where culture thrives. We need housing, amenities, and community spaces that make Bloomington irresistible.
What I learned traveling the world: economic development done right reflects our values.
That means creating opportunity for everyone—not just college graduates, but people learning trades, seeking career changes, and communities historically excluded from prosperity. It means supporting all kinds of entrepreneurship. It means building an economy where people don't choose between ambitious careers and meaningful community.
This is economic development with a soul—what Bloomington can model for the nation.
Throughout Bloomington's history, bold individuals built transformative enterprises—from the Showers Brothers to Sarkes Tarzian to Bill and Gayle Cook. They built because of Bloomington, not despite it.
That spirit is still here. IU just proved it on the national stage. Now we channel that same ambition toward building a nationally competitive innovation economy.
We're not just competing for companies. We're competing for people who could build careers anywhere but choose here because Bloomington offers something rare: the ability to be ambitious without sacrificing connection.
Coach Cignetti's "no self-imposed limitations" united a community and defied national expectations. We need that same mindset for economic development.
Why not Bloomington as a place where entrepreneurs build world-class companies? Why not Bloomington as a community that retains its talent? Why not Bloomington as a national model where innovation and belonging go hand in hand?
We have the assets. We have the momentum. Now we need the collective will to elevate Bloomington's brand with the same ambition that just won us a national championship.
Entrepreneurs: Connect with us. Whether starting out or scaling, we want to help you build here.
Business leaders: Invest in the innovation ecosystem we all depend on.
Creative professionals: You're essential to what Bloomington becomes. Innovation happens where ideas cross-pollinate. Connect with what’s emerging.
IU students and graduates: Explore launching your career here. If you're working outside Indiana, consider coming back to join this movement.
Community members: Tell Bloomington’s story with pride.
Let's refuse to impose limitations on what Bloomington can become. Let's build something meaningful together—something worth staying for.
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