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Welcome to Let&#39;s Talk Bloomington, the City of Bloomington&#39;s website for community conversations. Select the boxes below to learn about projects and conversations taking place in Bloomington. &nbsp;Register to stay up to date on ways to participate.

Welcome to Let's Talk Bloomington

The Port Authority of the City of Bloomington is embarking on a process to develop a 5-year Economic Development Action Plan. The Port Authority is undergoing an evolution as it expands from working primarily in the South Loop District (area east of Highway 77) to working Citywide. The Port&#39;s main services are currently <a href="https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/port/development-incentives-and-resources" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">development and redevelopment</a>, <a href="https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/port/business-assistance" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">small business assistance</a>, and <a href="https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pl/creative-placemaking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">creative placemaking</a>. TIP Strategies (<a href="https://tipstrategies.com/">https://tipstrategies.com/</a>) will guide and craft the plan with input from the community. A 13-member Steering Committee will help guide the process. Membership includes representatives from key business stakeholders and partners in Bloomington and region: <ul><li>Bloomington, MN Travel and Tourism</li><li>Elevate Hennepin/Hennepin County</li><li>Greater MSP</li><li>Health Partners</li><li>Larkin Hoffman</li><li>McGough Companies</li><li>Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce</li><li>Nine Mile Brewing</li><li>Northwestern Health Sciences University</li><li>US Bank</li><li>Xcel Energy</li><li>Zawadi Center</li></ul>This site will continually be updated as the planning process progresses. Questions about the project can be directed to Holly Masek, Port Authority Administrator, at <a data-fr-linked="true" href="mailto:hmasek@bloomingtonmn.gov">hmasek@bloomingtonmn.gov</a>.

Port Authority 5-Year Economic Development Plan

<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW54190004 BCX0">The City of Bloomington is developing a comprehensive Bloomington Creative Placemaking Plan that aligns with the City&rsquo;s strategic plan goals and builds off the previous South Loop Creative Placemaking Plan. Expanding creative placemaking citywide was identified by the community as a strategic initiative in the &ldquo;Bloomington. Tomorrow. Together. Strategic Plan&rdquo; to advance the strategic outcome of &ldquo;A Connected, Welcoming Community.&rdquo; </div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW54190004 BCX0">Through the development of this plan, the City hopes to leverage creativity, art, and placemaking and place keeping strategies to promote social, cultural, and economic activity. The process to develop this Plan will incorporate artist-led community engagement activities to involve the community. </div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW54190004 BCX0">The City is working with Forecast Public Art as our consultant to develop this Plan, and to coordinate engagement activities throughout the summer. Engagement opportunities and progress will be shared on this page. The final plan is anticipated to be presented by February, 2025. </div>

Bloomington Creative Placemaking Plan

The City seeks to create more opportunity for housing affordable to families making 30% of Area Median Income. Single Room Occupancy (SRO) housing can provide deeply affordable dwellings to help meet this need. This project will involve studying SROs from a zoning and regulatory perspective. This study will be shared with the Planning Commission, HRA, and City Council to determine next steps. Future action could include drafting Code amendments to refine how SROs are developed and regulated in Bloomington.

Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Standards

<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW100811262 BCX0"><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW108653278 BCX0"><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW40497308 BCX0">The Environmental Standards Review (ESR) aims to study environmental standards for tree preservation, slopes, wildlife and habitat, and landscaping for low-density residential development to ensure that we are protecting our precious environmental assets while addressing the needs of our residents. </div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW40497308 BCX0">As part of this project, the Planning Division is asking residents and other relevant stakeholders to share their thoughts about environmental standards for low-density residential properties and development, particularly comments about the clarity of regulations, what environmental assets you would like to see more of in the community, and/or comments or concerns about adopting additional or more stringent requirements. This project will advance in Q1 2024 with a Study Item Session to Planning Commission and then to City Council. Further action will be determined from these Study Item Sessions, and updates will be provided post-Meetings.</div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW40497308 BCX0">Topics and Themes </div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW40497308 BCX0">Trees provides significant benefit to the ecosystem by managing stormwater, supporting soil health, providing habitat for wildlife and other plants, and increasing our wellbeing through improved mental health, air quality, and temperature regulation benefits. </div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW40497308 BCX0">Tree Preservation typically covers protection, planting, replacement, and removal activities to ensure that negative impacts are mitigated and the health and resiliency of the tree canopy is maintained over time. </div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW40497308 BCX0">Slopes are unique geological features that provide habitat and steer the flow of water and stormwater to waterbodies and valleys. Slopes are highly susceptible to soil erosion and disruption and can be particularly vulnerable to impacts stemming from human activities and development. </div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW40497308 BCX0">Protecting slopes typically encompasses preventing increased stormwater runoff onto slopes, slope stabilization through techniques like planting vegetation, and minimizing soil disturbance through buffers, grading permits, and development and construction restrictions. </div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW40497308 BCX0">Wildlife and Habitat are important parts of the urban ecosystem. Habitat supports plant species that help with carbon sequestration, stormwater and filtration, pollination, and urban heat island. Wildlife, like insect pollinators and birds, need habitat (trees, grasses, shrubs and bushes) for food, reproduction, and wellbeing. Managing urban ecosystems is a challenging endeavor because of the tremendous human influence and unpredictable weather patterns that can greatly impact the environment. Connected habitat areas are important, but not the only indicator for thriving habitats due to the vast needs of different species, including humans. </div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW40497308 BCX0">Wildlife and habitat standards typically focus on maintaining high quality nature and habitat areas, creating habitat through things like tree planting programs and native landscaping campaigns, identifying sensitive areas and species for protection, and converting prioritized habitats into public land. It is a focused effort between tree preservation, slope maintenance, landscaping, and other regulations to support wildlife and habitat ecosystems.</div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW40497308 BCX0">Landscaping regulations can encourage the creation of habitat for pollinators, birds, and other species, as well has manage urban heat island effects, stormwater management, carbon sequestration, and increase resiliency to ecosystem changes. Native landscaping Code changes are currently being explored by an interdepartmental team at the City of Bloomington that would support more native landscaping in the community. Changes to landscaping policies would give guidance to residents on planting and maintaining native landscaping and regulations would outline items for enforcement, setbacks, and plant heights, and other specifics. </div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW108653278 BCX0">Additional Resources and Links</div></div><ul><li class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW100811262 BCX0"><a href="https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/plan/minnesota-river-valley-natural-and-cultural-systems-plan#:~:text=The%20purpose%20of%20the%20Natural,where%20they%20should%20be%20applied." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">City of Bloomington Minnesota River Valley Natural and Cultural Systems Plan</a></li><li><a href="https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/mnt/natural-area-restoration" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">City of Bloomington Natural Resources Prioritization and Management Strategies for Bloomington Parks</a></li><li><a href="https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pr/service-area-and-park-planning">City of Bloomington Park System Master Plan</a> | <a href="https://letstalk.bloomingtonmn.gov/parks-master-plan">Park System Master Plan - Let&#39;s Talk Bloomington</a></li></ul>

Environmental Standards Review 

<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-us-california/d2ebc4386c576e4352cd4f16953446207cf8c4a0/original/1704999833/53787cec5e3105853f5584d8a18c6e94_8c2537b7545233036a5df66754bf3c5a_mom_baby_boy.jpg?1704999833" style="width: 400px;" class="fr-fic fr-fir fr-dii">Information | Training | Connections Saturday, May 4, 2024 | 11 am - 2 pm9600 3rd Ave. South, BloomingtonThe City of Bloomington, in partnership with District Early Learning Center, invites expectant parents and families with babies under one year old to a free educational event. Learn about baby CPR, immunization, daycare options, choosing baby gear, and more!Language interpreters available! | FREE food, diapers, baby books, door prizes and more while supply lasts!<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-us-california/e01a85ffcb77f303cf0f8ab3bb480db69461df1c/original/1712333084/0d9c7449d406448c2674dfb247c493e3_BRF_Partners_Logos.png?1712333084" style="width: 600px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">

Baby Resource Fair

<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-us-california/71baf2e63b5f0051af80a3742eee44f5f213aa34/original/1710789770/daca007c348c18026372d67928bd5e0f_Development_review_icon.jpg?1710789770" style="width: 400px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-fil">Some cities are increasingly expanding the size or types of development applications that can be approved administratively as a means to reduce the time and cost of development approvals. Expansion of administrative approvals also helps manage or reduce the agenda workloads of the Planning Commission and City Council related to more routine approvals, assuming full Code compliance. This project would identify potential opportunities to expand administrative approvals and otherwise reduce regulatory barriers for approval. This project was adopted as part of the 2024 Planning Commission Work Plan.

Admin/Streamlined Development Approvals Study

<div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><a href="https://letstalk.bloomingtonmn.gov/pay-as-you-throw-rate-study/news_feed/join-an-engagement-session" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-us-california/e6b843d385517d42fb6edf76d699fe377d6c6b69/original/1712860671/35778ceeb786601b0c7b86891e996945_Join_the_Conversation_Button.png?1712860671">Click to sign up for one of our virtual engagement sessions.</a></div>Bloomington provides curbside collection of <a href="https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/node/12870">garbage</a>, <a href="https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/node/12871">recycling</a>, <a href="https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/node/12874">organics</a>, <a href="https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/node/12875">yard waste</a> and bulky items for single-family residential properties, duplexes and certain townhomes. The City is conducting a solid waste study to provide recommendations for possibly expanding our variable solid waste rate structure, also known as Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) rate structure. With PAYT, residents pay for trash collected based on the size of their trash containers. The City already has a minimal PAYT rate structure, with a small different in price for different garbage cart sizes. A Pay-As-You-Throw rate structure with larger difference in price between garbage carts could better reflects the amount of use that residents make of our solid waste programs and incentivize increased recycling, composting and waste reduction.Please note that this study will not be looking at making recycling and organics recycling services optional. The City is required by Hennepin County to offer organics and State law requires that in communities where organics recycling service is available, all residents must be charged for the service. <hr> <a href="https://link.edgepilot.com/s/4a5953b3/Z1B4mlxKnU695fDSaPuTEg?u=https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BloomingtonPAYT"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-us-california/fb3821fde70891d3ad9f593d1dc505226ea98e53/original/1709567950/06b781ce28747f11e99281ecddbbf65c_Take_our_survey_button.png?1709567950" style="width: 208px;" class="fr-fic fr-fil fr-dii"></a>The City would like to hear from you regarding your current waste generation behaviors and what would motivate you to reduce waste. The input we receive will help us develop recommendations that will be considered as part of the 2025 rate setting process. Your response is very important. Your answers will not be identiﬁed individually but will be combined with all other answers in our analyses. Thank you for taking our survey. <hr>

Waste Generation Behavior and Rate Study

This May, join the City of Bloomington for a month-long Organics Bingo Challenge! Throughout the month of May, complete activities on your bingo card to help your organics recycling or composting habits stick, promote the organics program to fellow Bloomington residents, learn about the value of composting, and enter for a chance to win Bloomington Farmers Market tokens!By participating, you will also help celebrate International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) from May 5th to May 11th! You can learn more about ICAW and upcoming ICAW events from the <a href="http://www.mncompostingcouncil.org/international-compost-awareness-week.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Minnesota Composting Council</a>.<h2>Join the Organics Bingo Challenge:</h2><ol><li>Get a bingo card! Cards will be made available starting April 30th. There are a variety of ways to receive a card: Download the fillable PDF - you can fill out this PDF on your computer, phone, or print off a copy at home. - Pick up a card in person at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bloomington+Public+Works+Department/@44.825738,-93.3032099,18z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x87f624e3ebf8e3d3:0xecd2c8d941bf9329!8m2!3d44.827214!4d-93.302691!16s%2Fg%2F1tkp5jqz?entry=ttu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bloomington Public Works </a>(1700 W 98th St, open weekdays 8 am - 4 pm) or the <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bloomington+Civic+Plaza/@44.825738,-93.3032099,18z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x87f624e16a0bbeef:0x8817cc7403b6ffea!8m2!3d44.8257369!4d-93.3024444!16s%2Fg%2F11ddwx41qx?entry=ttu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Civic Plaza Information Desk </a>(1800 W Old Shakopee Rd, weekdays 8 am - 10 pm, Saturday 9 am - 10 pm, and Sunday 12 - 6 pm) - Request a card by mail: call 952-563-4660 or email <a href="mailto:cpardubsky@bloomingtonmn.gov">cpardubsky@bloomingtonmn.gov</a>and a bingo card will be mailed to you within 2 business days. </li><li>Start completing challenges! Some challenges require the initials of someone you speak with, or for you to post a photo or story about compost on the bingo challenge page. In order for a row to be complete, Before submitting your bingo card, make sure you have filled out the name and address lines. We need your full name and mailing address in case you are the winner of the random chance drawing! </li><li>Submit your bingo card by June 7th Ways to submit: - Email your completed card to <a href="mailto:cpardubsky@bloomingtonmn.gov">cpardubsky@bloomingtonmn.gov</a>, - Drop off your card at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bloomington+Public+Works+Department/@44.825738,-93.3032099,18z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x87f624e3ebf8e3d3:0xecd2c8d941bf9329!8m2!3d44.827214!4d-93.302691!16s%2Fg%2F1tkp5jqz?entry=ttu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bloomington Public Works </a>(1700 W 98th St, open weekdays 8 am - 4 pm), - Mail your card to Bloomington Public Works, Attn: Claire Pardubsky, 1700 W 98th St, Bloomington, MN 55431. Mailed postcards must be postmarked by June 7. </li><li>Random chance drawing: Every completed row, column, or diagonal line on your bingo card will count as one entry into a random chance drawing to win Bloomington Farmers Market tokens. The random drawing will occur in mid-June.</li></ol>The Organics Bingo Challenge is open to residents of Bloomington, Minnesota.

May Organics Bingo

Updates posted below. In 2022, the City Council authorized onetime investments utilizing positive budget variance and General Fund reserves for several projects including the replacement of Smith Park playground structure at 8155 Park Avenue South.A new structure will replace the aging and outdated one that was installed in 1999. Three options were proposed. Option three was selected with community input.<ul><li>Option 3 is referred to as a challenge course. It is a ninja-warrior style course for all ages that includes a stop clock timer. This option also maximizes accessibility with a full turf surface and a ramped, traditional play structure. This would be the first of its kind in Bloomington. Click image to view more pictures. </li></ul><a href="https://letstalk.bloomingtonmn.gov/smithplayground/widgets/63629/photos/14806"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-us-california/71ffce3a40d7d44adcd445a8e02df72f28d94aca/original/1681829928/5f2a3aa8d51aae6a38b9b44da2a6818e_Option_3.jpg?1681829928" style="width: 600px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></a>

Smith Park Playground

HRA Customer Experience Survey