The city of Bloomington featured five community members in its 2025 State of the City presentation, showcasing residents who contribute to local arts, business and education.

The presentation highlighted Jamie Schumacher Kalakaru-Mava, an artist and author who serves on Bloomington's Creative Placemaking Commission and received a LOFT Fellowship for her children's book "Half a World Away." Riet Velthuisen van der Blij, founder and director of the Continental Ballet Company, has operated the arts organization for 35 years, bringing classical productions including "Swan Lake" and "The Sleeping Beauty" to the community.

Local business owners featured include operators of Perk Up Kitchen and West Side Perk Coffee Shop, who described their establishments as community gathering places. Andrew Tan, co-owner of ClawZone Park, opened the family entertainment venue as his first business venture, focusing on arcade games and claw machines.

Chris Peterson, who works at Normandale Community College's campus bookstore, creates pop-up museum displays for students during Hispanic Heritage Month and Black History Month. Peterson said the educational initiatives help students learn about history and cultural heritage.

The featured residents represent diverse contributions to Bloomington's cultural, business and educational landscape, according to the city's presentation.