In a move that signals a career shift towards nonprofit leadership, Jamie Verbrugge has decided to step down from his role as Bloomington's city manager, a position he has held since 2015. Having steered the City through a raft of growth and development projects, Verbrugge's tenure is set to end on January 7, as he transitions to the next president and CEO of Catholic Charities Twin Cities. The City of Bloomington announced his resignation on December 6, less than a month before his departure.
The man at the helm for nearly a decade, Verbrugge, witnessed and facilitated the transformation of Bloomington's South Loop alongside deploying significant investments in affordable housing and sustainability. Ensuring the equity, inclusive growth, and climate resilience was a priority, Verbrugge's leadership saw the City maintaining sterling triple-A bond ratings from all three credit rating agencies. Verbrugge's tenure is also marked by a diversifying workforce and leadership, with a dogged pursuit of racial equity, and community engagement. Staunched in his commitment to progress, he made Bloomington a contender for the U.S. host city for the 2027 World Expo.
"I am proud of the work that has been cultivated and accomplished during my tenure," Verbrugge said. "Bloomington is a remarkable and enduring community where people want to be." In a statement reflecting on his tenure with the City, Verbrugge expressed his gratitude towards the city council and praised the dedicated employees that "will continue to advance the City's mission, vision, values and goals."
Although Verbrugge is leaving, the City doesn't plan to rest in his absence. An interim city manager will be appointed while Bloomington searches for a long-term successor. During this transition phase, the city council's focus will undeniably remain on ensuring the momentum Verbrugge has created will not wane, with ongoing projects and city services continuing to operate at the high standard residents have come to expect. Statements about the transitional process, provided by the city, guarantee an uninterrupted commitment to the community's wellbeing.
