In a significant move intended to bolster its economy, the City of Bloomington has rolled out its first-ever citywide economic development strategic plan. This comprehensive approach comes as a culminating effort to amplify the City's longstanding commitment to nurturing a business-friendly environment—an initiative brought to fruition through the insights of a diverse 14-member steering committee comprised of small-business owners, community members, as well as representatives from larger employers and academic institutions.
The forward-thinking strategy was informed, in part, by a business survey from last year, reaching out to cast a net wide to around 400 local businesses. According to the results published on Bloomington's official website, the city boasts a robust and affirming relationship with its business sector, outclassing its metropolitan rivals in providing perceived value for services—a testament to the city's concerted efforts to not only maintain but continuously to improve its attractiveness as a commercial hub.
With a staggering 97% of the survey's respondents deeming Bloomington's business climate as "excellent" or "good," the city's economic stability seems to be on a rock-solid foundation. Moreover, the labor pool also received high marks, with 96% rating the quality as "excellent" or "good," and 95% expressing satisfaction with the quantity. These figures are reflective of a city that places high value on the strength and potential of its workforce—a crucial asset for prospective and existing businesses alike.
Ixchel McKinnie, Hennepin County Senior Planning Analyst, acknowledges Bloomington's economic contribution, stating, "Bloomington is one of our larger cities, and they provide a lot to the state and local economy." This sentiment resonates through the city's keen identification of factors that are central to attracting businesses: customer base, space availability, strategic location, proximity to home, and overall quality of life. Such components collectively form a compelling narrative for businesses deliberating on setting up shop or expanding in Bloomington.
