City Council Listening Session - August 3, 2026

The City Council of Bloomington, Minnesota held a listening session on August 3, 2026, primarily focused on community input regarding local business regulations and public safety concerns. Several speakers addressed issues related to the city's tobacco ordinance, specifically the restrictions on selling flavored tobacco products and the limitations on transferring business licenses within families. Business owners expressed concerns about the ordinance negatively impacting their ability to sell or transfer their businesses and losing customers to neighboring cities with less restrictive policies. The council acknowledged these concerns and indicated a willingness to consider potential adjustments to the ordinance. Additionally, a resident raised questions about the Bloomington Police Department's cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, seeking clarity on policies and practices. The session concluded with a motion to adjourn and a reminder of a subsequent council meeting for further discussion. No specific contract awards, RFPs, or procurement decisions were made during this session.