Bloomington, MN citizens are called to voice their opinions in an upcoming public hearing on May 20 where the City Council will address grant effectiveness and results. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Program (CDBG-CV) is under the spotlight as the Bloomington City Council gathers feedback at 6:30 p.m. in their Civic Plaza chamber.

According to a notice posted on the city's official website, the hearing aims to update the community on the grant's status and solicit public comments on its accomplishments. Hoping to foster civic engagement, the City Council is extending multiple avenues for residents to tune in and have their say. Eager to be a part of the process, the city residents can either show up in person or, if they’re stuck at home, can follow along on local BTV or through online streaming on the city’s YouTube channel.

For those wishing to contribute beyond mere attendance, options abound. As given by the city's announcement, participants may call in to speak or submit their thoughts in advance via voicemail or email. Callers during the meeting will be queued up over the phone, with the Council Secretary ushering speakers into the conversation, who will be identified by their phone number's first six digits.

Details on the hearing agenda and supporting documents are public and can be accessed on the Bloomington City Council's website. In line with its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, the city implores those needing accommodations to reach out well ahead of the meeting. For all additional inquiries or prior comments, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority is ready to engage through either call or email.

This hearing represents a crucial checkpoint for the CDBG-CV program, which was instrumental in the city's response to the socioeconomic impact unleashed by the coronavirus pandemic. As the grant-funded projects draw scrutiny, city officials hope that the feedback will shape their ongoing and future efforts to foster economic stability and community development.