[0:00] (upbeat music) [0:04] - [Tim] My friends, the state of Bloomington, [0:06] the state of our city is strong. [0:08] We are continuing to advance the priorities [0:10] of our community-based Bloomington Tomorrow Together [0:13] strategic plan, which has a mission to cultivate [0:16] an enduring and remarkable community [0:18] where people want to be. [0:19] - [Narrator] City leaders, business owners, [0:21] and community members came together at the Radisson Blu [0:23] at Mall of America on Friday, March 21st, [0:26] for Bloomington's annual state of the city address, [0:28] Best of Bloomington. [0:30] - The state of the city address is an annual event. [0:33] And we do it every year to provide an update [0:34] on the work going on within the city. [0:36] Talk about some of the notable accomplishments. [0:39] And to call out the outstanding work that's being done [0:41] by our neighbors, and our nonprofits, [0:43] and our city employees. [0:44] - [Narrator] Audience participation kicked things off, [0:46] highlighting students who participated [0:48] in the annual citywide Bloomington Civics Bee. [0:51] - My name is Ewan. [0:51] And my question is, which Article of the Constitution [0:54] spells out the powers of the presidency? [0:55] A, Article I. [0:57] B, Article II. [0:58] C, Article III. [1:00] Or D, Article IV. [1:01] - I've been doing this for a few years now, [1:02] and the questions are not easy. [1:04] - And the correct answer is B, Article II. [1:06] - [Tim] Thank you all for playing. [1:07] I hope you enjoyed your civics lessons today. [1:09] - [Narrator] The presentation allowed time for reflection, [1:11] and looked back at all that happened in 2024. [1:14] Including key investments in spaces [1:16] that preserve our environment and bring people together, [1:18] business investments and development, [1:20] state and national recognition for city services, [1:23] and so much more. [1:24] - [Tim] I'm so excited to announce, that in February, [1:27] the city approved its first ever [1:29] citywide economic development strategic plan. [1:32] - [Narrator] In addition to featuring groundbreakings, [1:34] ribbon cuttings, and other business support opportunities, [1:37] the mayor announced the second year [1:38] of the Hatch Bloomington Business Pitch Competition. [1:41] - [Tim] Hatch is a pitch competition [1:43] where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas [1:45] to a panel of judges and to the public. [1:47] The top prize is $100,000, and support to open [1:51] a brick and mortar retail business [1:52] right here in Bloomington. [1:53] Congratulations to Grant Veitheimer and Nick Peterson. [1:56] They make a killer breakfast sandwich. [1:59] The opening of their permanent space, [2:00] a fast casual egg-centric restaurant [2:03] in the Town & Country shopping center [2:04] at Portland and American Boulevard [2:06] is just around the corner. [2:08] Be on the lookout for the ribbon cutting. [2:09] - [Narrator] Public safety was another key focus, [2:11] with police and fire departments outlining new initiatives [2:14] to strengthen emergency response and community. [2:17] - One concerning item in our community survey [2:20] was the fact that the ratings for the availability [2:23] of affordable quality mental health care [2:25] declined 15% from 2023. [2:28] We recognize this is a need in our community. [2:30] It's a need everywhere. [2:31] And we are responding. [2:32] Last year, police in collaboration with [2:34] our outstanding public health staff, [2:36] kicked off the Bloomington Community [2:38] Brain Health Services program, [2:39] which serves residents who are in crisis and post-crisis. [2:43] - [Narrator] The mayor also recognized the notable neighbors [2:46] who make Bloomington remarkable. [2:48] - Let's take a minute to introduce you [2:50] to some of the innovative, talented, [2:53] caring people whose contributions [2:55] make this community special. [2:56] (audience clapping) [2:58] When we talk about the best of Bloomington, [3:00] we absolutely need to include our Bloomington schools, [3:03] and our institutions of higher learning. [3:06] - [Narrator] And finally, Normandale Hills Elementary [3:08] music teacher, Jeff Supfer, [3:09] the recipient of an Inclusive Educator Award, [3:11] was recognized, and led students and the audience in song. [3:16] - Find somebody who you came with, somebody you know, [3:18] look 'em in the eye and say, "You are Bloomington." [3:20] - [Audience] You are Bloomington. [3:22] ♪ You and me ♪ [3:25] ♪ We belong ♪ [3:29] - [Jeff] Jazz hands, jazz hands on this one. [3:31] (audience clapping and cheering)