The City of Bloomington is pleased to announce that Jim Karch has officially been named Director of Engineering after serving as Interim Director since February. With more than 20 years of experience with the City, Karch has been instrumental in leading infrastructure improvements that support Bloomington’s growth and sustainability.
Since joining the City in 2000, Karch has played a key role in developing the five-year Sewer Capital Master Plan, overseeing multimillion-dollar rehabilitation projects, and managing stormwater and sewer programs. His leadership extends beyond engineering—he previously directed Public Works, overseeing more than 170 employees and managing a $70 million budget. Karch also contributed to the successful transition of Grossinger Motors Arena to City management. Additionally, he has been a driving force in streamlining engineering processes, ensuring projects are efficient, responsive to community needs, and aligned with the priorities of residents and businesses.
“Jim’s leadership, expertise, and passion for public service make him the right choice to lead our Engineering Department,” said City Manager Jeff Jurgens. “He understands not only the technical aspects of infrastructure but also how to improve processes and communication to better serve the community. His vision will help make Bloomington’s engineering efforts more efficient, strategic, and focused on the needs of our residents.”
With degrees in Civil Engineering and Physics, along with a Master of Public Administration, Karch brings a strong combination of technical knowledge and municipal leadership. As Director of Engineering, he will continue overseeing capital improvement projects, stormwater management, and transportation planning while working to enhance transparency, efficiency, and community engagement in infrastructure decision-making.
“I’m honored to take on this role and continue working on projects that make a real difference for Bloomington,” said Karch. “Infrastructure is at the core of a strong city, and I look forward to building a team that delivers effective, efficient, and responsive solutions for our residents.”
