Title

Bloomington Leadership Program

Communications and Engagement Links

Communications and Engagement homepage
Accessibility
Advisory Boards and Commissions
Bloomington Leadership Program
Bloomington Community Access Television
Media releases
Social media
Volunteering
National Community Survey
Banner
Lear to Lead logo
Sections

Apply for the 2027 Bloomington Leadership Program

Deadline to apply: November 22, 2026 at 11:59pm. Applicants will be notified of acceptance by December 18, 2026.
Space is limited.

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