BLOOMINGTON
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Bloomington, a city worth celebrating
This year, we’ re celebrating what makes Bloomington shine: Our people, our places and the progress we’ re making together.
From nationally-recognized amenities to community-first investments, Bloomington is one of the very best places to live, work and visit.
We see this excellence reflected in our community-based strategic plan,“ Bloomington. Tomorrow. Together.” That vision of an enduring, remarkable community where people want to be continues to guide our priorities and investments.
And those investments are paying off. Thanks to Bloomington voters, a new half-percent sales tax is fueling $ 155 million in community improvements – from renovating the beloved Bloomington Ice Garden to creating a new health and wellness center and protecting natural gems like the Nine Mile Creek corridor and Moir and Central parks. These projects are enhancing quality of life now and for generations to come.
We’ re also continuing to champion our business community to ensure Bloomington remains a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and economic opportunity. Through targeted programs and support, we’ re helping businesses of all sizes thrive in Bloomington.
As a hospitality powerhouse, Bloomington welcomes millions of visitors every year. Data from Smith Travel Research shows Bloomington is leading the way in hotel occupancy-- ranking number one among peer cities in both 2022 and 2023, ahead of even Minneapolis, St. Paul and several larger Midwest metros. People stay here, dine here, shop here and experience the best of
what we offer.
Most importantly, our residents know what Bloomington has to offer. According to the 2024 National Community Survey, 89 % of residents rate Bloomington an excellent or good place to live. Public safety remains a standout, with 9 in 10 residents saying they feel safe in their neighborhoods and commercial areas during the day.
Another standout is Bloomington’ s parks and green space. The city is home to 97 parks, miles of trails and a variety of year-round recreation programs with 88 % of respondents rating them as excellent or good. Residents also continue to gush about Bloomington’ s tap water with 90 % rating it as excellent or good, much higher than the national benchmark. The city also won the“ Best in Glass” water tasting award this year from the Minnesota chapter of the American Water Works Association.
We have a lot to be proud of – and even more to look forward to. Celebrations for the“ Best of Bloomington” are already underway, and I can’ t wait to see where we go next.
Tim Busse Bloomington Mayor
10917 Valley View Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344 current. mnsun. com
Editors................................................ Mike Hanks, Alaina Rooker Writer......................................................................... Mike Hanks Principal photography................................................. Mike Hanks Layout & Design.............................. Alaina Rooker, Keith Anderson Cover Design......................................................... Keith Anderson Sales..................................................................... Sharon Brauer Advertising Director.................................................... Carmen Meyer Senior Editor............................................................ Alaina Rooker Director of News.................................................... Keith Anderson Regional President.................................................... Bill Albrecht
Special thanks to Bloomington Mayor Tim Busse for his participation in this guidebook, providing the Welcome to Bloomington message. Our appreciation also goes to the city of Bloomington for its contributions and the many organizations and local businesses that supported this publication.
Copyright 2025
BLOOMINGTON | COMMUNITY GUIDE | 2025 | 3