Applications Open for 2025 Blooming Arts Partnership Grants

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Applications Open for 2025 Blooming Arts Partnership Grants

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Bloomington, MN — The City of Bloomington is now accepting applications for the 2025 Blooming Arts Partnerships grant program. This program provides funding to nonprofit arts organizations, unincorporated Cultural Arts Groups, artists and community arts education programs that create a meaningful impact in Bloomington. Both new and returning applicants are encouraged to apply.

Grants of up to $10,000 per applicant may be available. Eligible applicants include those in performing arts (dance, theater, opera, spoken word, puppetry, music, and other types of performance), and those in visual arts, with a strong preference for projects and programming based in Bloomington. 

“The Blooming Arts Partnerships grants help support and strengthen Bloomington’s creative community,” said Ian Brekke, Center for the Arts Manager. “By investing in artists and organizations, we’re able to expand access to the arts, foster collaboration and ensure that diverse and meaningful cultural experiences continue to thrive in our city.”

Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, April 22 at 11:59 p.m. A panel review process will follow with funding recommendations considered by the Parks, Arts and Recreation Commission and City Council. Grant awards will be distributed in June.

For full eligibility details, application materials and deadlines, visit blm.mn/bloomingarts.

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Ian Brekke

Manager, Center for the Arts

Adult Beginner Pickleball Bootcamp

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Adult Beginner Pickleball Bootcamp

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Starts Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 4–6 p.m.

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Parks and Recreation Department

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Three people play pickleball at Westwood Park

Register for one (or more!) of these fun, faced-paced beginner adult pickleball lessons taught by Bloomington's own state and national champion and pro player/coach, Rachael Kroog.

Where: Westwood Park Pickleball Courts, 3490 W. 109th St. 
When: See schedule below.
Who: Adults ages 18 and above. Maximum of 8 participants per session. 
Fee: $40 per player per session.
Registration: Online at Webtrac.  
Equipment: Players should bring own paddle and wear tennis or pickleball shoes and sunglasses or protective eyewear. 

Session Schedule
  • May 14
    • 4 - 6 p.m. & 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
  • May 28
    • 4 - 6 p.m. & 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 
  • June 25
    • 4 - 6 p.m. & 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 
  • July 16
    • 4 - 6 p.m. & 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 

All sessions are identical. 


About Rachael Kroog: Pickleball Coach Rachael Kroog wants to take your game to the next level. Rachael holds a double certification by the IPTPA(International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association) and the PPR(Professional Pickleball Registry). She is sponsored by Engage Pickleball. Rachael has accumulated over 100 medals in her years of competition. She’s competed at the 5.0 level in tournaments across the country winning golds in state tournaments in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Arizona and Texas, and gold medals at The National Pickleball Championships, The National Senior Games, The U.S. Open, and The World Huntsman Games. Bio courtesy Suncoast Pickleball Association. 

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Pickleball Courts

Bloomington hosts first-ever CEO Summit to drive economic growth

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Bloomington hosts first-ever CEO Summit to drive economic growth

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Group of CEOs
Front row (L to R): Joe Fittante (President, Larkin Hoffman), Gary Trettel (CFO, Ziegler Cat), Pahoua Hoffman (Senior VP, HealthPartners), Brian Ryks (CEO, Metropolitan Airports Commission), Jeff Lipovetz (President & CEO, TKDA). Back row (L to R): Rich Hoge (COO, Mall of America), John Morris (SVP & CTO, Seagate), Rick Olson (CEO, Toro), Richard Lewis (President, Life Sciences, Donaldson Co.), Tim Busse (Mayor, Bloomington), Christian Weisenahl (CFO, SICK USA), Mike Ritzenthaler (CFO, Polar Semiconductor), Bonnie Carlson (President & CEO, Bloomington Minnesota Travel & Tourism), Kurt Zellers (CEO, Minnesota Business Partnership). Not pictured but in attendance: David Dikken (CEO, MTL), Tod Carpenter (CEO, Donaldson Co.)

Bloomington, MN – Business and community leaders from across Bloomington gathered last week for the inaugural Bloomington CEO Summit, an event designed to foster collaboration, spark innovation, and drive economic development. Hosted by Mayor Tim Busse, the summit brought together business leaders and City officials to build relationships and discuss the future of Bloomington’s business landscape.

“Our overarching theme today is economic development, which is vital to the growth and prosperity of our city,” said Mayor Busse in his opening remarks. “By strengthening relationships among our business leaders, we can make the most of opportunities, solve challenges and build a stronger Bloomington together.”

Bloomington, the fourth-largest city in Minnesota, plays a crucial role in the economic success of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington region. With a workforce of nearly 87,500 and a diverse business ecosystem spanning corporate headquarters, tourism, hospitality, and emerging industries, Bloomington continues to see reinvestment and new business growth.

Executive-level leaders from Larkin Hoffman, Ziegler Cat, HealthPartners, Metropolitan Airports Commission, TKDA, Mall of America, Seagate, Toro, Donaldson Co., SICK, Polar Semiconductor, Bloomington Minnesota Travel & Tourism, MTL and Minnesota Business Partnership were in attendance. Given the level of engagement, the City anticipates more will take part in future meetings. 

Throughout the event, speakers highlighted key economic initiatives, recent development successes, and strategies for removing barriers to business expansion. Discussions focused on job creation, infrastructure improvements, and positioning Bloomington as a top destination for businesses and talent. 

Per the post-event survey, one executive said the CEO Summit was "a great networking opportunity and exchange with the City of Bloomington." He went on to say that he looks forward to future events and "the collaboration between companies" that will take place.

Business leaders at the CEO Summit commented that they appreciate this unique effort the City is making to build relationships with businesses. There was also excitement among attendees about the City’s five-year economic development plan and its focus on building an enduring and remarkable community that business leaders can use to lure top talent.  

“This summit is just the beginning,” Busse added. “We aim to create an ongoing dialogue with our business community, ensuring that Bloomington remains a desirable place to live, work and invest.”

For more information on the City of Bloomington’s economic development initiatives, visit blm.mn/port.

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Sean Lundy

Special Projects and Initiatives Manager

Police vs Fire Hockey Game

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Police vs Fire Hockey Game

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Sunday, March 8, 2026 - 5–7 p.m.

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Police vs Fire Hockey Game 

Bloomington's Police vs Fire will have a battle of the badges in a hockey game on Sunday, March 8, 5-7p.m. FREE event with donations being collected for VEAP. Fraternal Order of Police will be returning this year with raffle items and everyone's favorite, Chuck-a-Puck! 

Bloomington Ice Garden

Bloomington Named a Top Arts-Vibrant Community in the U.S.

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Bloomington Named a Top Arts-Vibrant Community in the U.S.

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Bloomington, MN — The City of Bloomington is proud to announce that the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metropolitan area has been ranked as the fifth most arts-vibrant large community in the U.S. in the 2024 Arts Vibrancy Index.

Bloomington’s consistent presence in the Index since its establishment in 2015 highlights the City’s dedication to developing a vibrant arts and cultural scene and its commitment to promoting creativity, collaboration and a thriving cultural ecosystem.

“Bloomington’s arts community continues to grow and thrive thanks to the passion and dedication of countless individuals and organizations,” said Alejandra Pelinka, Director of Creative Placemaking. “From public art and performances to cultural events, the arts are uplifting places and strengthening connections across the city.”

Released by SMU DataArts, the National Center for Arts Research, the Arts Vibrancy Index analyzed data from more than 900 communities nationwide. It evaluated the communities based on per capita measures of arts supply, demand and government support and celebrates communities with outstanding levels of arts activity, participation and support.

Nonprofit arts organizations that partner closely with the City have significantly contributed to Bloomington’s success as a thriving arts community. Additionally, Bloomington’s Parks and Recreation Department and Office of Creative Placemaking play crucial roles in centering art, artists, culture bearers and the creative sector through various programs and events.

“The City of Bloomington has consistently invested in, supported and regularly benefited from a long-standing relationship with the arts” says Ian Brekke, Manager of Bloomington Center for the Arts. “It is a unique and vibrant ecosystem that helps to define the cultural fabric of the city and its strengths. We are proud to continue to offer high-quality and accessible arts opportunities for the community.”

Creative Placemaking integrates arts and culture into community planning and development. Guided by the City’s Bloomington. Tomorrow. Together. strategic plan, these efforts prioritize creating a connected and welcoming community. Key projects and programs include:

  • South Loop Creative Placemaking: This initiative has highlighted the assets and character of the South Loop District, featuring public art installations, community events, performances and the South Loop Community Garden—a vibrant space that combines nature, art and community.
  • Artist-Led Community Engagement: Local artists play a central role in shaping Bloomington’s identity, fostering connections through workshops, temporary art installations and pop-up performances that celebrate the city’s history and creativity.
  • Citywide Creative Placemaking Plan: Currently in development, this comprehensive plan expands on the South Loop’s success and aims to bring creative placemaking efforts to all corners of Bloomington. The plan includes community input and uses local talent to promote cultural, social and economic activity citywide.

For more information about Bloomington’s creative placemaking initiatives, visit blm.mn/placemaking or join the conversation at Let’s Talk Bloomington.

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Ian Brekke

Center for the Arts Manager
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Alejandra Pelinka

Creative Placemaking Director

Welcoming Wednesdays for Startups and Small Businesses

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Welcoming Wednesdays for Startups and Small Businesses

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Wednesday, July 9, 2025 - 12–2 p.m.

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Hiromi Yokoi
Hiromi Yokoi

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 logo

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
     

Human Rights Commission meeting

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Human Rights Commission meeting

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Tuesday, December 16, 2025 - 5:30–7:30 p.m.

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Human Rights Commission

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Some members of the Human Rights Commission may participate electronically as permitted by law. Members of the public may attend in person or watch/listen electronically.

Join via Webex

  • Event link (TBA)
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  • Event password: TBA (TBA from phones)

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  • +1-312-535-8110 United States toll (Chicago)
  • +1-415-655-0001 US Toll
  • Access code: TBA

Visit the City'sagenda management system to view the agenda, staff reports and other documents related to this meeting.

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Haeg Conference Room

Human Rights Commission meeting

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Human Rights Commission meeting

Date(s)
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - 5:30–7:30 p.m.

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Human Rights Commission

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Some members of the Human Rights Commission may participate electronically as permitted by law. Members of the public may attend in person or watch/listen electronically.

Join via Webex

  • Event link (TBA)
  • Event number: TBA
  • Event password: TBA (TBA from phones)

Join by phone

  • +1-312-535-8110 United States toll (Chicago)
  • +1-415-655-0001 US Toll
  • Access code: TBA

Visit the City'sagenda management system to view the agenda, staff reports and other documents related to this meeting.

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Haeg Conference Room

Human Rights Commission meeting

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Human Rights Commission meeting

Date(s)
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 - 5:30–7:30 p.m.

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Human Rights Commission

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Some members of the Human Rights Commission may participate electronically as permitted by law. Members of the public may attend in person or watch/listen electronically.

Join via Webex

  • Event link (TBA)
  • Event number: TBA
  • Event password: TBA (TBA from phones)

Join by phone

  • +1-312-535-8110 United States toll (Chicago)
  • +1-415-655-0001 US Toll
  • Access code: TBA

Visit the City'sagenda management system to view the agenda, staff reports and other documents related to this meeting.

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Haeg Conference Room
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