First-ever citywide economic development strategic plan rolls out

The City has long been committed to economic development. Now for the first time, a comprehensive economic development plan will support its efforts. The plan was guided by a 14-member steering committee that included small-business owners, community members and representatives from larger employers and universities.

As part of the plan’s development, a business survey was distributed to 400 Bloomington businesses last year.  The survey revealed that Bloomington enjoys one of the strongest and most positive relationships with its business community in the metro area. Other survey insights showed that:

• Businesses expect value, and Bloomington’s City services were ranked at the top of the metro area in terms of value.

• Ninety-seven percent of respondents rated Bloomington’s business climate as excellent or good.

• The labor pool also ranked highly. Ninety-six percent found the quality excellent or good and 95% found the quantity was excellent or good.

• The top reasons businesses locate in Bloomington are customer base, space availability, location, proximity to home and quality of life.

“Bloomington is one of our larger cities, and they provide a lot to the state and local economy.”

- Hennepin County Senior Planning Analyst, Ixchel McKinnie.