City Council Listening Session - October 20, 2025

The City Council Listening Session in Bloomington, Minnesota, focused on community concerns including property maintenance enforcement, the new Community Health and Wellness Center, property taxes, and neighborhood safety. Residents expressed frustrations about city code enforcement related to property upkeep, especially for those with disabilities, and sought clarity on the purpose and funding of the new health and wellness center. City officials explained that the center is funded through a half-cent sales tax, not property taxes, and is expected to be financially self-sufficient by year three. Discussions also covered rising property taxes, with officials noting that most increases fund essential services like police and fire departments. Concerns about rundown hotels and neighborhood safety were raised, with officials noting ongoing efforts to work with property owners and police to address these issues. The session highlighted community engagement on budgeting, contracting, and service delivery priorities.