The council's legislative platform represents Bloomington's wish list for the upcoming state legislative session. The city is requesting $13 million in state bonding funds toward the $26 million North Central Sanitary Sewer Project, which will upgrade infrastructure in the Southtown and Penn American areas near Interstate 494. Additionally, the city seeks $4.5 million of the $9 million needed for the Normandale Boulevard Trail, which will stretch between 94th Street and Old Shakopee Road.

Beyond infrastructure funding, the platform includes several policy requests: lifting a state-mandated liquor prohibition at Dwan Golf Course, extending a property tax exemption for the Ramada property development site, and securing funding for rooftop solar panels on city buildings including the Ice Garden, Civic Plaza, the 82nd Street Water Reservoir, and Public Works North Garage. The platform also supports the "Bloom in Bloomington" workforce development program and addresses broader priorities in economic development, environment, housing, and public safety.

Mayor Tim Busse emphasized the importance of active state engagement. "If you're not at the table, you're on the menu. I'd prefer Bloomington to be at the table," he said, underscoring why the city developed this platform through a new staff legislative action team process.

In a separate discussion, the council also addressed how city regulations may be hindering small businesses. The council reviewed code standards covering exterior building materials, parking requirements, rooftop equipment screening, trash storage, odor control, and grease interceptors. The project has been added to the Planning Commission's work plan, with public hearings tentatively scheduled for March before the Planning Commission and April before the City Council. Mayor Busse noted the central challenge: "The trick of course, is to balance the potential benefits to small business with any potential negative impacts on the health, safety, and welfare of the larger community."