By Mayor Tim Busse
On December 15, the City Council approved Bloomington’s 2026 property tax levy and general fund budget. The final levy increase is 6.96%, which is 2.48 percentage points lower than the preliminary proposed increase of 9.44%.
For the owner of a median-valued home, the approved levy equals an increase of $124.39 per year, or about $2.39 per week. The final increase is lower than the average preliminary 2026 levy increase among Minnesota cities, which is 8.7%.
More than half of the budget increase supports public safety as Bloomington Fire Department transitions to a combined full-time and part-time staffing model. On a larger scale, more than 82% of this budget will go toward the five areas that make up the nuts-and-bolts work of City government: police, fire, public works, parks and recreation, and community development.
The level of spending in these vital areas reflects the priorities, values and expectations of Bloomington residents. The Council’s work on the annual budget is the most important work we do. I believe that the 2026 levy increase reflects the City’s mission to cultivate an enduring and remarkable community where people want to be.
Residents pay property taxes to the City, Hennepin County and the school district. The City’s share is roughly one-third of the total property tax bill with the remaining two-thirds going to Hennepin County and Bloomington Public Schools.
If you want to learn more, visit blm.mn/budget.
