Mayor Tim Busy delivered Bloomington's 2025 State of the City address Saturday, emphasizing the city's economic development achievements and progress on major infrastructure projects funded by voter-approved sales tax revenue.

The address, themed "Best of Bloomington," highlighted ongoing work on the $155 million Bloomington Forward initiative, which includes renovations to Bloomington Ice Garden, development of a new Community Health and Wellness Center, and enhancement of the Nine Mile Creek Corridor. The ice garden closed earlier this month for major renovations including new rink floors, dasher boards, and a state-of-the-art refrigeration system, with reopening planned for fall hockey season.

Busy announced the city's approval of its first citywide economic development strategic plan in February, designed to guide economic growth over the next five years. The plan will be directed by the city's port authority and developed with input from a 13-member steering committee representing business owners, community members, and large employers. The mayor also highlighted the success of Hatch Bloomington, a business pitch competition that awarded $100,000 to Scrambling Egg, which is opening a permanent location in the Town and Country Shopping Center.

The city received multiple recognitions in 2024, including the "best in glass" award for highest quality tap water in Minnesota for the 53rd consecutive year, and national recognition as one of the top arts communities in the United States. Bloomington's police department was honored with ethical leadership awards, while the Community Brain Health Services Program received recognition from both the Minneapolis Chamber and the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association.

Upcoming initiatives include the 2025 Hatch Bloomington competition opening March 31, a Nine Mile Creek Corridor engagement session March 26, and City Council review of Community Health and Wellness Center schematic designs in April. The address concluded with a performance by Normandale Hills Elementary students led by music teacher Jeff Zuper, who recently received an inclusive educator award.