Page last updated on September 11, 2024 at 10:13 am
Purpose
The Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) Department developed the City of Bloomington Residents Academy in 1999 to encourage civic engagement and to educate residents about City government. Participants will learn about the challenges faced by City government as it balances budget limitations with community goals and service needs. Sessions will also cover topics such as day-to-day operations, the structure and function of City departments, the role of City Council, resident involvement in boards and commissions, innovative approaches to problem solving, and goals for the future. There is no cost to participate.
In Residents Academy you will be introduced to City of Bloomington departments and programs, including:
- Office of the Mayor
- City Council and Clerk's Offices
- Public Works
- Parks and Recreation
- Planning and Transportation
- Housing and Neighborhood Development
- Police Department
- Fire Department
- Utilities
- Community and Family Resources
- Controller's Office
- Bloomington Transit
- Information and Technology Services
- Economic and Sustainable Development
Applying for the 2024 Residents Academy
The electronic application form is available year-round, and you may complete it at any time. You will receive an email confirmation that your application has been received.
Applicants must be
- At least 18 years of age, OR a member of the NextGen Advocacy Program, a student-led group that educates students from Bloomington high schools on the workings, importance, and logistics of local government.
- A resident of the City of Bloomington (If space allows, residents who reside outside the Bloomington city limits will be considered for participation.),
- Willing to commit to one evening per week for 10 weeks to participate in the academy.
PLEASE NOTE: As of July 9, 2024 the application window for the 2024 session has closed. Going forward any application submitted will be considered for the 2025 session.
To apply online, please use the link below. To request a paper application please contact Angela Van Rooy at (812)-349-3505 or angela.vanrooy@bloomington.in.gov.
2024 Schedule
Classes will be held on Thursdays, August 15, and August 29 through October 24 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Week 1: Thursday, August 15
- Welcome and Introductions; course overview, local government primer.
Week 2: Thursday, August 29 (please note there is a two-week interval between weeks 1 & 2)
- Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) Department historic neighborhood walking tour
Week 3: Thursday, September 5
- Parks & Recreation Department Switchyard Park tour
Week 4: Thursday, September 12
- Bloomington Fire Department presentation & demonstration
Week 5: Thursday, September 19
- Utilities tour of Monroe Water Treatment Plant
Week 6: Thursday, September 26
- Electric bus tour of:
- Public Works Department facilities
- Bloomington Transit facilities
Week 7: Thursday, October 3
- Bloomington Police Department presentation
Week 8: Thursday, October 10
- Community & Family Resources presentation
- Information & Technology Services presentation
- Controller’s Office presentation
Week 9: Thursday, October 17
- Economic & Sustainable Development Department tour of The Mill
- Planning & Transportation Department presentation
- Engineering Department presentation
Week 10: Thursday, October 24
- City Council presentation
- City Clerk presentation
- Mayor's Office presentation
- Awarding of certificates and class picture
Click here for details about each session