Bloomington City Council adopted Part 1 of the West Metro Multi-Community Wellhead Protection Plan during its March 3 meeting, joining seven other metro cities in a regional effort to protect groundwater sources.

The plan represents a collaborative approach between Bloomington, Chanhassen, Eden Prairie, Edina, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Richfield and St. Louis Park to address water protection across municipal boundaries. Part 1 focuses on data collection and analysis to identify wellhead protection areas, study drinking water supply management and assess system vulnerabilities.

The council also approved Bloomington's citywide Creative Placemaking Plan, expanding arts and culture initiatives beyond the successful South Loop program that has operated since 2016. The plan integrates art, culture and design activities into community strengthening efforts, targeting high-impact public spaces and ensuring equitable resource distribution through data mapping.

Mayor Tim Busse reported hosting the city's inaugural CEO Summit, which brought together executives from HealthPartners, Seagate, Toro and Mall of America to discuss economic development and collaboration. The summit included presentation of the Bloomington Port Authority's new five-year economic development plan.

Part 2 of the wellhead protection plan will focus on implementation, including identifying potential contaminant sources and developing emergency water supply strategies. City staff plan to continue CEO Summit conversations through future events and ongoing business engagement.