Bloomington City Council — Transcript
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Port Authority Work Area Updates (2026 Midyear & 2027 Preview)
2027-2028 Preliminary Levy and Budget Approval
Votes (3)
2027-2028 Preliminary Levy and Budget Approval
Moved by Commissioner Lents · Seconded by Commissioner Busy
Mary Kay Heinen presented the preliminary budgets for the 2027 and 2028 fiscal years and the preliminary levy for 2027. The budget requests a 5% increase in property tax revenue annually. A significant shift in salary and benefit allocations from the South Loop special revenue fund to the general fund (levy-funded) was noted, reflecting staff's increased focus on city-wide activities outside the South Loop. The Port Authority plans to build operating reserves and a strategic acquisitions fund, though at a slower pace due to the reallocation of salary costs to maintain a steady levy increase. Commissioners discussed the financial implications of outsourcing legal services and the growth of the strategic acquisition fund.
2028 Port Authority Preliminary General Fund Budget and Preliminary South Loop Special Revenue Fund Budget Approval
Moved by Commissioner Nelson · Seconded by Commissioner Hunt
As part of the two-year budget cycle, the preliminary budget for 2028 was presented. This budget continues the trend of a 5% increase in property tax revenue. Salary and benefits are projected to increase by 4% from 2027, with minor increases in material supplies and internal charges. The budget projects a surplus that will be added to the strategic acquisitions fund, maintaining the Port Authority's goal of building reserves.
2027 Preliminary Proposed Levy Approval
Moved by Commissioner Peterson · Seconded by Commissioner Hunt
The preliminary proposed levy for 2027 was presented for approval, which will then be forwarded to the City Council for their September 14th meeting. It was noted that this preliminary levy sets the maximum allowable increase, which can be reduced later but not increased. The Port Authority's levy is part of the broader city levy process.
Notable Quotes (6)
one of the things when I see something like this is we're kind of in the fourth year is starting to think about how we measure the impact of the the program that we have. Because that's one of the things I think we need to really make sure that we're focusing on is for each of the things that we're doing that we're going through and saying, hey, this is working or this is something we tried and we executed well on it, but it's not doing what we want and stopping doing it.
I just wanted to say about that immigrant entrepreneur summit. It was spectacular. I mean, um, you know, I came, I gave the keynote address, um, and nobody left. So, that was a positive. ... I just think the overall theme was I people really recognized Bloomington's leadership.
The article that was mentioned was referring to uh CNBS loans in particular. So um kind of a a smaller subset of the market itself. the metropolitan region per that article has about four billion which sounds like a lot but um a small shift in that can kind of have a pretty large impact. So we are doing a little bit more digging into um understanding exactly what that data is. My understanding is it's not a full snapshot of really what the market looks like.
This is a common strategy for port authorities.
the salaries in the general fund is going up 41% and that's based on how staff are actually able to allocate their time. ... not as much time is being allocated to the South Loop or TIFF funds and more time is being spent on citywide activities.
We are trying to keep the levy at a fairly steady pace at this point and rather than bring it up to handle the increased salary costs, we are reducing what we are able to save over the next few years.
Ordinances & Resolutions (14)
Presentation component summarizing activities and progress during the first half of 2026 for Port Authority work areas.
Presentation component outlining anticipated plans and goals for 2027 for Port Authority work areas.
The Port Authority's updated mission statement: 'The Port Authority cultivates community prosperity and quality development through bold vision and responsible public investments. We contribute to the growth and success of Bloomington's inclusive and resilient economy.'
A planning document guiding the vision for urban, dense, and mixed-use development, specifically referenced for the Southtown redevelopment.
Contract related to the Mall of America projects, recently reviewed by the Port Authority.
The city's long-term land use plan, which will include an economic development chapter incorporating work from the Port Authority's strategic plan.
A plan approved last year, now being integrated into the city's 2050 comprehensive plan to avoid duplication.
A report that identified historical spaces and places in the South Loop, informing the development of a Cultural Trail.
City ordinance currently undergoing engagement and review, with recommendations for changes planned for later this year.
A city program updated in 2022, which incorporated new city SAC fees into its structure.
A city program updated in 2022.
Official resolution presented for approval of the preliminary budgets for the year 2027.
Official resolution presented for approval of the preliminary budgets for the year 2028.
Official resolution presented for approval of the preliminary proposed levy for 2027, citing relevant Minnesota statutes.