2024 Election summary: Residents vote to continue ranked-choice voting
2024 Election summary: Residents vote to continue ranked-choice voting
Bloomington Briefing
Published monthly, the award-winning Bloomington Briefing is mailed to all single-family households and businesses.
City of Bloomington Announces Nick Johnson as New Planning Manager
City of Bloomington Announces Nick Johnson as New Planning Manager
Bloomington, MN — The City of Bloomington is pleased to announce the promotion of Nick Johnson to the position of Planning Manager effective the week of February 3. Johnson will succeed Glen Markegard, the current Planning Manager who is retiring after nearly 30 years of service.
Johnson has been a dedicated member of the City’s Planning Division since 2015, serving in various roles, most recently as Planning Supervisor. In this role, he led several key initiatives, including the development and implementation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, District and Small Area Plans and updates to the City’s Zoning Code. Johnson has also contributed to projects related to community development, housing and transportation, demonstrating a commitment to improving Bloomington’s quality of life.
He is passionate about making local government more accessible and fostering relationships that strengthen the community. Johnson is also committed to promoting collaboration across City departments to achieve Bloomington’s strategic priorities.
“Nick's promotion reflects his hard work, expertise and dedication to crafting and implementing public policies that align with the community’s vision,” said Kim Berggren, Community Development Director. “We are excited to see his continued leadership in shaping Bloomington’s future.”
Media Releases
The City of Bloomington publishes media releases from time to time, to share newsworthy information that may be of interest to the community and to the audiences of local media outlets.
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Mystery House Tours at The Pond House
Mystery House Tours at The Pond House
Examine the 1856 Pond House as a history detective.
- What are the mysterious markings on the bricks?
- Why is the window glass wavy?
- Why is there a door on every side of the house?
Answer these and other curious questions to win a detective gadget!
Free program for all ages. No registration required. Drop in any time during the three-hour event.
Button and String Puzzles and Games at the Pond House
Button and String Puzzles and Games at the Pond House
Make a wooden button & string puzzle to take home! Befuddle your family and friends with these timeless head-scratchers.
Try unraveling several more string puzzles which will be on display. Then learn to play Cat’s Cradle and other string games that have entertained families for centuries.
This is a free program and all materials are provided. No registration required. Drop in any time during the 3-hour event.
While there, ask about Pond House tours.
Hum, Sing or Whistle a Happy Tune at the Pond House!
Hum, Sing or Whistle a Happy Tune at the Pond House!
Learn to play simple folk tunes like “On Top of Old Smokey,” “Danny Boy,” and “Scarborough Fair” on a kazoo or a tin whistle. Or just sing along!
Early settlers in Minnesota provided their own music for entertainment. Participants can take home a kazoo or tin whistle with sheet music.
No registration required. Drop in any time during the 3-hour event.
Know Your Three R's at the Pond House
Know Your Three R's at the Pond House
We're turning the historic Pond House into a one-room schoolhouse for a day!
Explore the "three R's" of learning:
- Read from McGuffey’s Eclectic Reader.
- Use a fountain pen to wRite with.
- Solve aRithmetic problems on a chalk slate.
Then compete in an old-fashioned spelling bee, a favorite community event in early Minnesota.
Bring your family and friends to this free, all ages program!
No registration required. Drop in any time during the 3-hour event.
Braid a Mini Rug at the Pond House
Braid a Mini Rug at the Pond House
Try out this homespun craft while making your own coaster-sized “rug” to take home.
Choose fabric strips, learn to braid them, then hand stitch your braid into a mini rug.
Adult assistance needed for children. All materials provided.
Free program for all ages. No registration required. Drop in any time during the 3-hour event.
Prairie Birds and Feeders at the Pond House
Prairie Birds and Feeders at the Pond House
Hike through the restored native prairie in Pond Dakota Mission Park and learn about the oak savannah that originally surrounded the historic Pond House.
Listen to Minnesota bird calls and make a pinecone bird feeder to take home. Our fine-feathered friends will thank you for it!
Free program for all ages. No registration required. Drop in any time during the three-hour event.
Welcoming Wednesdays for Startups and Small Businesses
Welcoming Wednesdays for Startups and Small Businesses
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The City of Bloomington is partnering with Launch Minnesota to host Walk in Wednesdays for Startups and Small Businesses.
Hosted by Hiromi Yokoi from NextStage, these monthly open house sessions spotlight the wealth of startup resources available, at no cost, and help entrepreneurs connect with experts in their area.
The event is free, and no registration is necessary.
About NextStage
NextStage is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support entrepreneurs at every stage. Our experienced business advisors are passionate about helping entrepreneurs refine their business plans, start exciting new enterprises, and thrive in a competitive and constantly changing business landscape.
For entrepreneurs in the beginning stages, we can help you put all the pieces in place to start your business with confidence, including evaluating start-up financing opportunities. For those who are ready for the next stage, we can help you grow your revenues and create new jobs through sound planning and competitive financing.
NextStage business advising services are available at no cost to participating entrepreneurs/businesses thanks to the generous support of our public sector partners: Carver County, Hennepin County, Scott County, and the cities of Bloomington and Minneapolis.
Services that NextStage provides:
- Business planning and assessment
- One-on-one business advising or coaching
- Assistance with access to capital
- Financial management
- Navigation of Elevate Hennepin resources and referrals
Welcoming Wednesdays for Startups and Small Businesses
Welcoming Wednesdays for Startups and Small Businesses
Contact Information
The City of Bloomington is partnering with Launch Minnesota to host Walk in Wednesdays for Startups and Small Businesses.
Hosted by Hiromi Yokoi from NextStage, these monthly open house sessions spotlight the wealth of startup resources available, at no cost, and help entrepreneurs connect with experts in their area.
The event is free, and no registration is necessary.
About NextStage
NextStage is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support entrepreneurs at every stage. Our experienced business advisors are passionate about helping entrepreneurs refine their business plans, start exciting new enterprises, and thrive in a competitive and constantly changing business landscape.
For entrepreneurs in the beginning stages, we can help you put all the pieces in place to start your business with confidence, including evaluating start-up financing opportunities. For those who are ready for the next stage, we can help you grow your revenues and create new jobs through sound planning and competitive financing.
NextStage business advising services are available at no cost to participating entrepreneurs/businesses thanks to the generous support of our public sector partners: Carver County, Hennepin County, Scott County, and the cities of Bloomington and Minneapolis.
Services that NextStage provides:
- Business planning and assessment
- One-on-one business advising or coaching
- Assistance with access to capital
- Financial management
- Navigation of Elevate Hennepin resources and referrals