Bloomington Council Debates Public Hearing Time Limits and Affordable Housing Funds

Overview: The Bloomington City Council meeting on March 17, 2025, tackled issues ranging from public hearing procedures to affordable housing allocations. In a recent session, council decided to maintain the five-minute speaking time for public hearings, overturning a proposal to reduce it to three minutes. Additionally, the council discussed the allocation of local affordable housing aid, emphasizing a balanced approach between homeownership and housing development.

Bloomington Residents Demand Improved Transit Access at New Health Center

Overview: The Bloomington City Council meeting on March 17th centered around community concerns about the new health and wellness center, particularly the accessibility issues related to public transportation and parking. Residents voiced their dissatisfaction with the current design’s emphasis on car travel, highlighting the need for improved transit access and broader wellness services.

Bloomington Housing Authority Endorses Plans for Expanded Levy and Housing Initiatives

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Bloomington Housing and Redevelopment Authority Board approved recommendations for the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan, emphasizing housing support for low- to moderate-income residents and economic development initiatives. They also endorsed a legislative letter supporting modification of HRA levy limits and the use of tax increment financing districts to bolster local housing trust funds.

Bloomington City Council Approves Creative Placemaking Plan Amid Funding Concerns

Overview: During the recent Bloomington City Council meeting, the primary focus was the approval of the Bloomington Citywide Creative Placemaking Plan, an initiative aimed at integrating arts and culture into urban development. The plan, described as potentially the first of its kind in the country, seeks to empower local artists, ensure equity in public spaces, and foster community connections through arts and culture. The council approved the plan, emphasizing its role as a strategic framework rather than a detailed project list, with the understanding that specific activities and funding would be addressed in future discussions.

Edina School Board Approves New K-12 Social Studies Curriculum Amidst Financial Updates

Overview: The recent Edina School Board meeting focused on the adoption of a new K-12 social studies curriculum and various financial updates, including budget revisions and funding allocations. The meeting also covered the approval of the elementary literacy curriculum, the upcoming academic calendars, and several policy reviews.