Elise Balderrama has been a Bloomington resident since 1993. Moving here from Minneapolis and the western suburbs, she’s stayed in the same house where she raised her children and recently remarried. Her dedication to the community is evident through her active involvement in various City initiatives.
Elise has worked for the city of Minneapolis for more than 30 years, working in various departments before settling in Information Technology, where she now manages and coordinates many different projects. Her passion for public service extends to Bloomington, where she became more involved after the City created the Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. Inspired by the City of Bloomington’s commitment to racial equity, Elise started attending City Council meetings and participating in strategic planning efforts.
Elise is also a strong advocate for the “Welcome to Bloomington” program. Read more on page 3. Launched in January 2024, this initiative helps new residents connect with the community by hosting meetups at various locations around the city. These events provide information about City services, volunteer opportunities and community resources. Elise regularly attends these events, socializing with new residents and helping them feel more at home in the community.
Elise values the City’s community outreach efforts, which have made her feel more connected to Bloomington. She emphasizes the importance of building trust and belonging within the community. “Trust and belonging are foundational to our lives as humans,” she said.
Elise encourages others to get involved in City activities, even if it’s just for a few minutes. “Showing up makes a difference,” said Elise. “Whether it’s a City Council meeting, a public hearing or a City-run event. There are so many opportunities in Bloomington where just a few minutes of your time can go a long way.”
