Call for businesses: Help welcome new Bloomington residents

The Welcome to Bloomington program launched in January to greet new Bloomington residents, aiming to connect new homeowners and renters. The program focuses on monthly new resident meetings, neighborhood events, a resource fair and a cultural fair. It also includes a bucket list.

The program is expanding its initiatives to partner with realtors to distribute welcome gift bags to new residents.

The bags will resemble closing gifts buyers typically receive when purchasing or moving into a new home.

The City is seeking businesses that would like to offer discounts or coupons to include in the gift bags for new residents. “We’re hoping to highlight some of the fun businesses Bloomington has to new residents who may not be familiar with the community yet,” Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Office Assistant Isela Mendiola said. “It’s a fun way to increase awareness of your business and help create community.”

Realtors can pick up welcome bags at the Civic Plaza information desk, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., 1800 W. Old Shakopee Road. Learn more at blm.mn/welcome. To contribute discounts or coupons for the welcome bags, contact Isela Mendiola at imendiola@BloomingtonMN.gov.