Predictions: Bloomington

A new year means new developments everywhere, including in the town we call home.
In March, census forms will arrive in every household’s mailbox. Some Bloomington-ians might find question 10 pertinent: “Does person X sometimes live or stay somewhere else?” with the first possible “Yes” answer being “In college housing.”

The class of 2010 will graduate, most likely still amid economic uncertainty and poor job prospects.

During 2009’s graduation season, research in The Wall Street Journal showed that students who managed to land a job during times of high unemployment faced lower wages for nearly the next 20 years of their career. Although by some accounts the recession is over, I’m still hoping the current 10 percent unemployment figure improves soon.

Tuition and fees will increase by 4.8 percent for students enrolling in classes for the 2010-2011 school year, according to the University budget approved last year. I’m glad I’m getting out now, though per the above information I’ll be under-employed for two decades.

But despite the national economy, Bloomington fared better in 2009 than much of the rest of the state, according to the Indiana Business Journal. Our town’s population and GDP are growing, a trend that is expected to continue in 2010.