Rochester Deputy City Administrator outlines vision for Bloomington's community development initiatives

The Special City Council Meeting held on July 14, 2025, in Bloomington, Minnesota, focused on the appointment of a new city manager and the strategic direction for the city. The meeting began with an introduction from the council, followed by a presentation from the candidate for city manager, who shared insights from their extensive experience in local government.

The candidate, currently serving as the deputy city administrator in Rochester, Minnesota, emphasized their commitment to creating "communities of choice, not circumstance." They highlighted their 30 years of experience in various roles, including city manager and assistant city manager, across different cities and states. The candidate expressed admiration for Bloomington's strategic plan and community initiatives, indicating a strong alignment with their personal mission.

During the presentation, the candidate discussed their leadership in managing significant growth and development projects in Rochester, particularly the $5 billion Destination Medical Center initiative. They outlined their approach to fostering collaboration among city departments and external partners to enhance service delivery and community engagement.

The council members engaged the candidate with questions about their experience in building trust with skeptical community groups and increasing engagement among underrepresented populations. The candidate shared successful strategies, including co-design processes that involved marginalized communities in decision-making, which led to improved outcomes and trust.

The meeting concluded with the council expressing appreciation for the candidate's insights and experience. The council plans to deliberate on the appointment and will provide updates on the decision in the coming weeks. Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to effective leadership and community-focused governance as it moves forward.