Community Outreach and Engagement (COED)

The City of Bloomington (City) is committed to creating and maintaining an environment that is equitable and inclusive for people with disabilities. The City does not discriminate against a qualified person with a disability or exclude or deny the benefits of its services, programs, or activities to a qualified person because of a disability.

The City will provide a reasonable accommodation or modify its policies and programs to allow people with disabilities to participate in all City services, programs, or activities. However, the law does not require the City to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or services, or impose an undue financial or administrative burden on the City.

• Reasonable accommodation request or grievance form
• ADA Information 

An annual program designed to engage a cohort of residents in civic engagement training, leadership development, and relationship-building that also encourages connection and involvement beyond graduation. Visit the Bloomington Leadership Program page for more information!

• Bloomington Engagement Vehicle (BEV): Keep an eye out for BEV, the Bloomington Engagement Vehicle. COED takes BEV out in the community for a fun way to connect with residents.
• Bloomington Learning Link-Up: COED partners with public schools and City staff showcases the excellent programs, services, and education the city has to offer for students and families heading to school. To learn more, please contact  Amanda Crombie at acrombie@bloomingtonmn.gov or 952-563-8736.
• Bloomington Pride: COED supports the annual Bloomington Pride celebration.
• Civics Bee: COED's teamwork with Bloomington Public Schools and League of Women Voters to host the annual middle school Civic Bee and Bloomington Civic Plaza. The event is held in January or February each year.  To learn more, contact Amanda Crombie at acrombie@bloomingtonmn.gov or 952-563-8736.
• Community Resources and News Newsletter: COED's monthly newsletter shares important community news, updates, job postings, and helpful information to a wide audience of residents, nonprofits, and leaders.  If you'd like to be added to the newsletter, contact Amanda Crombie at acrombie@bloomingtonmn.gov or 952-563-8736.
• Community Resources: Information and links for the Community Resource Catalog, Public Health resources, Immigration resources, and more.
• Early Childhood Expo: COED leads this annual event, held in the spring, in partnership with Public Health and Bloomington Public Schools, to bring critical education and servces to families with young children (0-5). To learn more, please contact  Amanda Crombie at acrombie@bloomingtonmn.gov or 952-563-8736.
• Faith Community Newsletter: COED's bimonthly newsletter for faith community partners.  If you'd like to join the newsletter, contact Nancy Brewster at nbrewster@bloomingtonmn.gov or 952-563-4947.
• Food Co-Lab: COED's teamwork with faith communities and nonprofits to help address food insecurity. If you'd like to learn more, contact Amanda Crombie at acrombie@bloomingtonmn.gov or 952-563-8736.
• Honoring our Veterans - COED coordinates the annual veterans photo wall and appreciation event in the fall.  Check back in the summer for details on the 2025 activities.

The commission is a resident-led arm of the City Council, comprised of community members focusing on human rights education, outreach, and engagement to raise awareness and quality of life for the Bloomington community.  Visit the Bloomington Human Rights Commission page for more information.  

The Omar Bonderud Human Rights Award is presented by the Human Rights Commission to an individual or organization that has made and a significant contribution to ensuring the rights of people in Bloomington.  You can find more information about the award and past recipients on the Omar Bonderud Human Rights Award page.

The City of Bloomington provides translation and interpretation services free of charge. We contract with language service professionals to ensure all our residents and visitors can access the informaiton and services we have.

COED partners with City departments to design and implement public participation strategies. It is important for the City to provide residents the opportunity to contribute to the projects and services that make Bloomington a special place to be.

Let's Talk is the City's website for community projects, offering opportunities to provide input, stay informed, and view project documents, milestones, and timelines.  Visit any of the project pages to learn more and engage. In addition to engaging online, COED teams up with our colleagues to bring engagement opportunities to you.

Volunteers at Bloomington help make the City a great place to be! Volunteer to give back, connect with you community, and enjoy all the City has to offer.

Volunteer opportunities exist throughout the year for adults and teenagers in: Parks and Recretation, Bloomington Center for the Arts, Boards & Commissioners, Police, Public Health, and Sustainability.  

Visit our Volunteer website for more information.