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.

Two major car dealerships are making investments in the community.

Bloomington Walser Toyota celebrated the completion of a new building in fall 2024. For nearly 25 years, Walser Toyota has been in Bloomington on American Boulevard. In June, Walser moved 175 corporate employees from Edina to the expanded Bloomington location, which is a combined dealership and office building. The approximately 122,000-square-foot space is now home to a total of 340 employees and more than 1,000 motor vehicle inventory parking spaces within the four-level parking structure. The project represents the City’s efforts to encourage motor vehicle sales facilities and sites to increase density and vertical form construction.

Luther Kia Bloomington in the Penn-American District at Knox Avenue and American Boulevard West received City approval to replace its existing buildings and construct a new 59,000-square-foot dealership. The new dealership will be one story and include a showroom, offices, service and repair and car wash. The existing dealership building will remain open during construction. As part of the development, Luther Kia plans to update the streetscape with plantings, bench seating and pergolas along Knox Avenue.

Bloomington voters chose to retain the City’s ranked-choice voting system by rejecting a city charter amendment to repeal it by 51.3% to 48.7%. This marks the second time in four years that voters have selected to continue the ranked-choice voting system for municipal elections.

A petition for a charter amendment to repeal ranked-choice voting in Bloomington was accepted by the City Council and approved ballot language for the charter amendment appeared on the 2024 ballot.

Before adopting ranked-choice voting in 2020, Bloomington held a city primary in August whenever there were more than two candidates on the ballot.

City Clerk Jamy Hanson shared, “A heartfelt thanks to all the election judges and volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth and fair election process. Their dedication made it possible for every resident to have their voice heard.”

Bloomington, MN — The City of Bloomington is pleased to announce the promotion of Nick Johnson to the position of Planning Manager effective the week of February 3. Johnson will succeed Glen Markegard, the current Planning Manager who is retiring after nearly 30 years of service.

Johnson has been a dedicated member of the City’s Planning Division since 2015, serving in various roles, most recently as Planning Supervisor. In this role, he led several key initiatives, including the development and implementation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, District and Small Area Plans and updates to the City’s Zoning Code. Johnson has also contributed to projects related to community development, housing and transportation, demonstrating a commitment to improving Bloomington’s quality of life.

He is passionate about making local government more accessible and fostering relationships that strengthen the community. Johnson is also committed to promoting collaboration across City departments to achieve Bloomington’s strategic priorities. 

“Nick's promotion reflects his hard work, expertise and dedication to crafting and implementing public policies that align with the community’s vision,” said Kim Berggren, Community Development Director. “We are excited to see his continued leadership in shaping Bloomington’s future.”