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Bloomington Leadership Program

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Apply for the 2027 Bloomington Leadership Program

Deadline to apply: November 22, 2026 at 11:59pm.
Space is limited.

Ready to learn, lead and connect?  The Bloomington Leadership Program is a free hands-on learning opportunity for residents.  The purpose of the program is to promote civic engagement, grow community, increase understanding of local government, and develop leaders in Bloomington. 

Thursdays, 5:30-8:30pm - February 4, 11, 25, March 4, 11 25
And
Saturdays, 9am-12pm - February 20 and March 20

Program sessions are educational and interactive, featuring City staff and community partners.  Topics include: 

  • City structure and functions, 
  • Public safety and health 
  • Communications and engagement 
  • Community development
  • Natural resources and sustainability
  • Arts, recreation, and placemaking. 

Sessions take place at Bloomington Civic Plaza or other nearby community locations. 

Apply for the program if you are:

  • A Bloomington Resident and able to attend 75% or more of the sessions.
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Passionate and committed to improving the Bloomington community.
  • Excited to develop leadership and civic engagement skills.
  • Interested in networking and building relationships with City staff, community partners, and fellow residents. 

Note: If you currently serve on a Bloomington Board or commission, you are not eligible.

Apply by clicking on the link below or, to request a paper application contact:  Communications and Engagement at 952-563-8733, MN Relay 711, outreach@BloomingtonMN.gov

Apply online

Past participants say:

“I feel more motivated to find ways to get involved in community activities, plus I have made new connections with people looking to do the same thing!”

“I plan to be more involved, more informed, and more intentional in how I show up and serve within my community.”

If you have any questions, please contact Community Outreach & Engagement, 952-563-8733, MN Relay 711, outreach@BloomingtonMN.gov.

Apply for the Bloomington Leadership Program
Apply for the Bloomington Leadership Program
Video URL: https://youtu.be/6qr7_czgWDA?si=GS4NfCAV1etyKwMt

Testimonials from previous participants

Game Night

"I really found my sense of connection & community within Bloomington.  The primary reason I joined BLP was to figure out what the city had to offer and meet my neighbors.  I have made many great friends & connected with this city on a whole new level."

"[The program] helped me deepen my sense of volunteerism and I felt more connected to the city.  As a result of the BLP, I joined the Board of the Bloomington Community Foundation."

"When I better understand the system, I want to learn more about the city, the state and the country to better teach and advocate for our Latin community."

"Now when a neighbor complains about something, I have a better lens to think about what they are saying and even correct them with better info , give them a resource to give feedback (rather than complain) or reassure them that the city is working hard and does care. I also feel more empowered about the channels available to get involved, give feedback, voice concerns, if I felt I had a question or concern. 

BLP 8
A group of people sit around someone speaking into a microphone
BLP 7
A group of adults stand in front of public works machinery
BLP 3
People working on a collaborative craft project at a table, supervised by another individual
BLP 2
BLP1
Four adults gather around a table during session, interacting with colorful cards and building blocks
A Bloomington Leadership Group sits in a conference room
A Bloomington Leadership Program participant presents in front a group in a conference room
The Bloomington Police Chief presents to the Bloomington Leadership Program
An adult holds onto the side of a firetruck while smiling at the camera
A group of participants sit around tables
A group of four adults listen to another adult presenting to the table
A group of adults gather in the Public Works garage with City of Bloomington vehicles in the background
A group of people is seated in the Council Chambers
Three adults interact with a public works employee, standing in front of a vehicle with a large hose in the back
Four people gathered around a table, collaborating on a miniature landscape
Two people stand and present in front of poster boards with large sticky notes
The participants are in the public works garage, smiling at the camera
A Bloomington Leadership Program participant sits and talks with the Chief of Police
A person writes on large sticky notes on the wall
Two individuals stand near a railing, above the water in a water treatment plant
A participant stands at the Council Chamber podium with a council member.
A group of participants stands outside, smiling at the camera
A group of four adults sit at a table with paper, markers and large dice
A person stands and speaks into a microphone while another holds a large sheet of paper
A group of individuals stand in a line in the front a conference room
A participant sits in a large City of Bloomington truck and looks out the window
A person speaking into a microphone while presenting documents to a group seated around a table
A group of people standing outside while two point in the same direction
A group of participants look at a fire truck inside a fire station garage
Contact Information

Contact Information

Communications and Engagement

952-563-8819