[0:16] Hello, and thanks for tuning in to Bloomington today. [0:18] Let's take a look at the latest news in Bloomington. [0:21] Share your feedback on the 2026 budget. [0:24] Each year, the city council approves a budget to fund city services [0:28] including police, fire, public works, parks and recreation, and more. [0:32] Share your thoughts on what the City Council should consider [0:35] when setting the 2026 property Tax Levy. [0:38] You can share your thoughts in person about the property [0:41] tax levy and budget with the City Council on November 24th at 6:30 p.m. [0:46] or December 8th at 6:30 p.m. [0:48] in the Council Chambers at Civic Plaza, or provide feedback online at [0:53] blm.mn/budgetfeedback. [0:56] On November 4th [0:57] Bloomington voters cast their ballots for the At-Large [1:00] district one and district two seats on the City Council. [1:03] Bloomington voters elected Danielle Robertson to the At-Large seat. [1:07] Dwayne Lowman to represent district one and Shawn Nelson to represent district two. [1:13] Each will serve a four year term beginning in January 2026. [1:16] For complete election results, visit [1:18] blm.mn/vote [1:20] The City of Bloomington [1:21] is taking action to ensure that residents who rely on essential food programs [1:26] have access to food support during the federal government shutdown. [1:30] Nearly 8000 Bloomington residents rely on these programs [1:33] to help feed their families. [1:35] Due to a lack of funding caused by the shutdown, food benefits [1:38] through Snap and Minnesota Family Investment Program are uncertain. [1:42] On October 27th, the Bloomington City Council allocated [1:45] $250,000 of Strategic Priorities funding to make grants [1:50] to nonprofit organizations for their food assistance programs [1:53] in November. The Bloomington police and fire departments [1:56] are also collecting food donations at sites throughout Bloomington. [2:00] To learn more about the city's response and how you can help, visit [2:03] the link on your screen. [2:05] Changes may be coming to Bloomington garbage rates in 2026. [2:09] The city's pay as you throw system will stay in place, but the price differences [2:13] between cart sizes may increase, meaning smaller carts could cost less. [2:18] A new, lower priced every other week pickup option may also be offered [2:22] for households with the smallest cart and very little trash. [2:25] These proposed updates, shaped by a detailed rate study and resident [2:29] feedback, aim to keep service affordable and encourage waste reduction. [2:33] Preliminary rates were presented to the council in July, [2:36] with final proposed rates shared on October 20th. [2:39] The council is expected to consider adoption after the November 17th [2:43] public hearing. [2:44] Stay tuned to this fall for details on how to choose your cart size [2:48] and service level. [2:49] If these changes are approved. A recent City Council meeting [2:52] celebrated the city's public engagement success. On October 27th [2:56] Communications Administrator Janine Hill presented recent [2:59] communications and engagement awards to the City Council. [3:03] One highlight was a national first place award for resident engagement [3:07] in the Nine Mile Creek Corridor Renewal Project. [3:10] The award was presented by the city, County Communications [3:13] and Marketing Association for the city's transparent communications. [3:17] Active listening and consistent outreach with the community. [3:21] The effort also received a second place award [3:23] from the Minnesota Association of Government Communicators. [3:27] A group of residents from the Restore [3:28] the Nine Group came to share their gratitude for the work. [3:31] As a grassroots organization. [3:33] Passionate about this cause, [3:35] we felt it was essential to vigorously engage community members. [3:39] So thank you for acknowledging our work [3:42] and engaging with us in creative ways. [3:45] You fostered a positive resident government relationship [3:49] that ultimately help bridge gaps and promote constructive dialog. [3:55] With this in mind, we are happy again to celebrate this national award [3:59] with the communication and park and Recreation departments. [4:03] Thank you. [4:04] Bloomington based Concerto Dance invites you to their upcoming performance. [4:08] The program features a dynamic new work set to a jazz [4:11] arrangement of Fiddler on the roof, creating a gallery of human portraits [4:15] that explores themes of tradition, family, community and change. [4:19] The program ends with the Swinging Nutcracker Suite, a fun twist on a holiday [4:23] gift giving tradition set to live music arranged by Duke Ellington. [4:28] The family friendly performances are happening at Bloomington's [4:30] Center for the Arts on November 20th and 21st [4:34] at 7 p.m., with a Friday matinee at 12:30 p.m.. [4:37] Learn more by scanning the QR code on your screen. [4:40] That's a wrap on this week's buzz. [4:42] If you would like to see more features highlighting people, places and projects [4:46] in Bloomington. [4:47] Watch other videos right here on our YouTube channel. [4:50] Thanks for watching.