Page last updated on August 7, 2026 at 9:59 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
- City Clerk
- 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 Residents Academy
The application window for the 2026 session has closed. Applications received at this time will be considered for the 2027 session.
However, the electronic application form is available year-round, and you may complete it at any time. After submission, you will receive an email confirmation that your application has been received.
Applicants must be:
- At least 18 years of age (exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis),
- 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 11 weeks to participate in the academy.
- Willing to abide by these expectations:
- Show presenters and fellow classmates respect at all times.
- Respect time limitations during Q&A.
- Submit weekly electronic evaluation forms.
- Notify program coordinator in advance of any unavoidable absence.
If you are accepted into the program, you will be required to sign the Volunteer Participant Waiver, Release and Hold Harmless Agreement, as well as the Authorization, Agreement, and Release of Use of Image.
To apply online, please use the link below. To request a paper application please contact Angela Van Rooy at (812)-349-3505 or [email protected].
2026 Schedule
Classes will be held on Thursday evenings, August 13 through October 22, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Welcome and Introductions; course overview.
- City Council presentation
- City Clerk presentation
- Bloomington Fire Department presentation & demonstration
- Parks & Recreation Department Switchyard Park tour
- Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) Department historic neighborhood walking tour
Week 5: Thursday, September 10
- Utilities tour of Monroe Water Treatment Plant
Week 6: Thursday, September 17
- Bloomington Police Department presentation and tour
Week 7: Thursday, September 24
- Electric bus tour of:
- Public Works Department facilities
- Bloomington Transit facilities
- Community & Family Resources presentation
- Information & Technology Services presentation
- Controller’s Office presentation
- Tour of The Mill
- Economic & Sustainable Development Department presentation
- Planning & Transportation Department presentation
- Engineering Department presentation
- Mayor's Office presentation
- Awarding of certificates and class photo