[0:01] - 2024 was a remarkable year for the city of Bloomington, [0:05] full of many accomplishments, new beginnings, [0:07] and times when we were simply the best. [0:10] As we look back, a major focus was shaping the future [0:13] through key investments in spaces [0:15] that preserve our natural environment [0:17] and bring people together. [0:20] The Bloomington Forward Projects, [0:21] guided by invaluable community input, [0:24] saw remarkable strides throughout the year. [0:26] The transformation began with the groundbreaking [0:29] of the Bloomington Ice Garden Modernization Project, [0:32] ensuring that this 50-year-old community amenity [0:35] will continue to serve future generations. [0:38] Meanwhile, the Community Health and Wellness Center [0:40] is moving closer to reality with design work [0:42] that shows the possibilities of a facility [0:45] that will support recreational and fitness activities [0:48] and community programs [0:50] that residents throughout our region will enjoy. [0:52] The Nine Mile Creek Corridor renewal project [0:55] also gained momentum with many community engagement events [0:58] that allowed residents to take part in its evolving vision. [1:02] Looking ahead to 2025, two major park projects, [1:05] Bryant Park and Tretbaugh Park will soon be realized. [1:09] Bryant Park will be home [1:10] to the city's first fully accessible playground, [1:13] making play more inclusive for all. [1:15] Tretbaugh Park is being reimagined [1:17] into a bike skills park, offering a space where cyclists [1:20] of all ages can grow and learn. [1:24] Economic growth continued to shape Bloomington's identity. [1:26] The inaugural year of the Hatch Bloomington Contest [1:29] showcased outstanding business ideas with Scramblin' Egg [1:32] taking home the $100,000 prize. [1:35] Their journey from food truck to brick and mortar [1:38] at 7828 Portland Avenue South is a testament [1:42] to the city's entrepreneurial spirit. [1:44] Several local businesses also expanded their footprint. [1:47] Luro Boots settled into a larger space on Portland Avenue, [1:50] while Gyropolis reinvigorated its corner at 90th and Penn [1:54] with a beautifully renovated space [1:56] celebrating its popular Greek cuisine. [1:58] Several businesses including Waffle Bar, Perk Up Kitchen, [2:01] Backstory Coffee, Clawzone Park, Wilderness Inquiry, [2:05] and TKDA joined our vibrant commercial landscape [2:08] and larger industry leaders like Polar Semiconductor [2:11] and SkyWater Technology will continue [2:14] to invest in the Bloomington community, [2:15] expanding production through Federal Chips Act funding. [2:18] Meanwhile, new developments at Southtown [2:21] signal continued growth for the city. [2:23] Bloomington received numerous accolades in 2024, [2:26] underscoring the city's commitment to excellence. [2:29] Once again, the city earned the distinction of Best in Glass [2:33] for the highest quality tap water in Minnesota, [2:35] an honor awarded by the Minnesota section [2:37] of the American Water Works Association. [2:39] The Minneapolis Regional Chamber recognized Bloomington [2:42] at the Leaders and Innovators Awards, [2:44] celebrating the police department's [2:45] Bloomington Community Brain Health Services program [2:48] in its public safety category, [2:49] and the Nine Mile Creek Corridor Renewal Project [2:52] for its dedication to sustainability. [2:54] Health and wellness remained a central focus. [2:56] Based on resident feedback and community data, [2:59] Bloomington was honored [3:00] with a 2024 Voice of the People award [3:03] for transformation in health and wellness from Polco [3:06] and the International City County Management Association. [3:09] Our arts and culture scene [3:11] also received national recognition. [3:12] Bloomington was named one of the top arts communities [3:15] in the US with the Minneapolis [3:17] St. Paul Bloomington Metro area ranking fifth [3:20] in the 2024 Arts Vibrancy Index, [3:23] a reflection of our city's thriving creative energy. [3:27] Creative placemaking is an integral part [3:29] of making this work happen in 2024. [3:31] Unveiling new art boxes, the South Loop Community Garden [3:34] and partnership with Parks and Recreation, [3:36] a COVID-19 memorial in partnership [3:38] with public health and Latino Nature Fest [3:41] at the Minnesota Valley [3:42] National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. [3:44] Additionally, the creation [3:46] of a citywide creative placemaking plan is underway [3:49] with engagement efforts, [3:50] including 20 artists led pop-up activities [3:53] throughout the summer to help shape the plan. [3:56] Clear, effective, and transparent communications [3:59] continue to be a priority [4:00] with Bloomington earning state [4:02] and national recognition for projects [4:04] such as the Bloomington Forward Education Campaign, [4:07] the Corporate Report to the Community, [4:09] the Bloomington Briefing Newsletter, [4:10] and Bloomington Today News Show, [4:12] as well as a lifetime achievement award [4:15] from the Minnesota Association of Government Communicators [4:18] for Communications Administrator Janine Hill, [4:21] recognizing her leadership [4:22] and outstanding accomplishments in the profession. [4:25] As we reflect on a year of growth, achievement, [4:28] and community spirit, one thing remains clear. [4:31] Bloomington is not just moving forward, [4:33] it is thriving with purpose, resilience, [4:36] and a shared vision for the future.