By Mayor Tim Busse
In March, Bloomington took a big step forward expanding creative placemaking beyond the South Loop, which has had a creative placemaking plan in place since 2015. Now, we’re achieving one of the goals of the community-based strategic plan, Bloomington. Tomorrow. Together., by extending these efforts to ensure that neighborhoods throughout the city benefit.
Creative placemaking integrates art, culture and design activities into efforts that strengthen communities. Creative placemaking also builds partnerships, engages the community, activates artists and designers and boosts the local economy. It includes public space activities like murals, performances and public art.
The citywide plan prioritizes high-impact public spaces and makes sure that activities align with existing community efforts and City projects. Examples include projects that will be part of the Bloomington Ice Garden renovation, the Nine Mile Creek restoration project (learn more about all three Bloomington Forward projects online at bloomingtonforward.org) and the work underway at Bryant and Tretbaugh parks.
Using data and mapping, areas most in need of creative placemaking have been identified to make sure resources are distributed equitably. The City is also focusing on long-term sustainability, looking at funding strategies and exploring ways to integrate creative placemaking into city planning.
Bloomington is nationally recognized as a leader in the realm of creative placemaking. It’s something to be proud of. I’m excited to see how this plan takes shape across our city. You can learn more about the City’s Bloomington. Tomorrow. Together. initiatives and progress online at blm.mn/btt.
