Eric Holthaus began as the City’s next community outreach and engagement manager in June. He brings with him 10 years of government and higher education experience.
Before starting with the City, Holthaus was a sustainability manager at Hennepin County, which included extensive public participation and engagement work. He also served as the sustainability manager for the City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and University of Iowa.
Holthaus has an undergraduate degree in geography from the University of Iowa, a master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Illinois and is currently working on his masters in public administration.
“My love for connecting with people drew me to this job,” he said. “I had heard about the good work happening in Bloomington and I wanted to contribute on a local level. I wanted to join a team that cares about building a strong, empowered, inclusive community.”
In his role, Holthaus supports a team of community engagement and outreach coordinators as they build relationships and ensure that community is considered and heard in the development and delivery of City programs and services. The Community Outreach and Engagement Division is also beginning a strategic planning process.
“I’m excited to get to know Bloomington more and be a bridge to the community, especially those less connected to the City, but with dreams as big as anyone,” Holthaus said.
When he’s not working, Holthaus is an avid soccer player, cross-country skier and berry forager.
