City of Bloomington, IN | Climate Action Dashboard
© 2025
Bloomington, like many other cities, faces increasing flood risks exacerbated by climate change. Rising global temperatures coupled with more extreme weather events due to climate change will continue to increase this flood risk over time.
The City of Bloomington is taking crucial steps towards mitigating the impacts of flood risks, underscored by the extensive efforts seen in the Hidden River Pathway Project. Under construction since 1999, the Hidden River project is a system of underground culverts which direct the flow of the Campus River beneath downtown and significantly decrease flood risk within the City of Bloomington.
The Hidden River project is in its final phase and aims to redirect the last section of the Campus River toward the edge of IU’s campus. s the city moves forward with these improvements, the focus remains on minimizing disruptions, ensuring accessibility to businesses, and maintaining open lines of communication with the community, all while significantly reducing the flood risk for downtown Bloomington.
Adaptation & Resilience
Reducing flood risk through projects like Hidden River significantly enhances Bloomington's resilience and adaptation to climate change by upgrading the City's stormwater management infrastructure, thus mitigating the risks and impacts of flooding. By addressing the root causes of urban flooding and incorporating advanced engineering solutions, Bloomington is better prepared to handle extreme weather events, ensuring the safety and well-being of its community.
Public Infrastructure
Public infrastructure projects like the Hidden River Pathway Project underscore the importance of investing in sustainable and resilient urban systems. These initiatives not only protect the community from immediate environmental challenges but also lay the groundwork for a future where cities can thrive in the face of changing global climates, ensuring a safer, more stable urban environment for generations to come.
| Action | ||
|---|---|---|
 | Plan for and mitigate local flood risk | |
 | Increase housing security for Bloomington residents | |
 | Address the climate risk of extreme heat | |
 | Plan and address climate risks and vulnerabilities |
