Bloomington Residents Academy

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. 

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 City Government.
• A resident of the City of Bloomington, 
• 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.

2024 applicants will be notified of acceptance by July 15, 2024. If space allows, residents who reside outside the Bloomington city limits will be considered for participation. There is no cost to participants.

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