Bloomington Housing Authority Approves 2025 Budget and Explores Diverse Housing Strategies

Overview: The Bloomington Housing and Redevelopment Authority Board approved the 2025 budget and final special benefit levy, discussed refinancing affordable housing loans, and examined potential zoning code amendments to support diverse housing options during their recent meeting.

Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School Board Reviews Employee Survey Data and Approves Literacy Initiatives

Overview: The Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School Board meeting on November 7, 2024, covered a range of topics, with a focus on employee survey results, foundational literacy programs, and district financials. The board examined employee feedback to improve district alignment and accountability, approved literacy initiatives under the READ Act, and discussed financial reports indicating a positive budget outlook.

Bloomington Planning Commission Explores Zoning Changes to Address Housing Shortages and Live-Work Units

Overview: During the Bloomington Planning Commission meeting on November 7, 2024, the primary focus was on addressing housing deficits through zoning amendments and the introduction of live-work units in neighborhood business districts. The commission discussed “missing middle” housing, which includes housing types such as duplexes and four-plexes, typically absent from single-family zoning areas.

Edina Parents Demand Action on Lice Policy as School Board Weighs New Graduation Requirements

Overview: During the Edina School Board meeting, community concern arose over the district’s lice notification policy, overshadowing the board’s decision to increase graduation requirements. Numerous parents voiced their dissatisfaction with the current policy, which only informs parents when three cases are confirmed in a classroom. This threshold, they argued, allows lice to spread unchecked for weeks, causing significant distress and stigma among affected students and families.

Bloomington City Council Approves Cannabis Business Licensing Regulations Amid Varied Opinions

Overview: During a recent Bloomington City Council meeting, a focus was placed on the newly proposed cannabis business licensing regulations, which sparked debate among council members. The council ultimately adopted an ordinance establishing a 1,000-foot buffer from schools for cannabis retailers while removing the requirement for distance between cannabis stores themselves. This decision followed a lengthy discussion where council members expressed conflicting views on the necessity of buffer zones. While some argued for regulations to prevent clustering and protect community health, others believed that market forces should dictate the distribution of cannabis businesses, much like liquor stores.