City of Bloomington, IL

Earlier this week, we had the privilege of hosting Congressman Darin Lahood in the City of Bloomington, IL to discuss housing and witness the incredible progress on The Villas at Prairie Vista, a transformative affordable housing development. While awaiting his arrival, something quite timely happened — a mother pulled over by the construction site, seeking information on the housing. She was desperately looking for a safe, affordable place for her daughter to live. She shared the housing struggles her daughter faces, challenges that are far too common. This chance encounter served as a powerful reminder of why our community’s work in affordable housing is so critical. Moments later, we were able to discuss with Congressman LaHood the very issues that mother, and so many others in our community, face daily. It was a full-circle moment that underscored the human impact of what's being built. The tour of the construction site was a fantastic chance to reconnect with the key developers driving this project forward, including Meggann Bell and Nathan Joseph. R4 Capital LLC is playing a pivotal role in financing the development, with team members flying in from both New York and California to join us. We were also fortunate to have Emily Cadik from the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition out of Washington, D.C., on site, sharing valuable insights and ideas for housing in our community. The conversations were inspiring, and I’m optimistic we’ll see more projects like this, including senior housing, in the near future. Affordable housing isn’t just a policy; it’s about changing lives. A special thanks again to Congressman LaHood for championing tax credits for housing development. His efforts, along with the support of everyone involved, will make a substantial impact on housing in our community!

We’re excited to share the recent guest column by Ward 3 Council Member Sheila Montney, where she dives into the City of Bloomington's commitment to process improvement and other key initiatives. Her insights highlight the ongoing efforts to enhance our community’s services and streamline operations for a better experience for all residents. As we work together to build a more efficient and responsive city government, it's encouraging to see our leadership focused on making a positive impact. Be sure to check out her full column from Barrett and Greene Inc. below for a closer look at the exciting developments happening in our community! #ProcessImprovement #CityEfficiency #CommunityImpact

🎉 More exciting times in the City of Bloomington, IL! Not only are we proud to be the home of Ferrero's only North American chocolate factory, but on Monday we celebrated the ribbon-cutting for its new Kinder Bueno expansion! Soon, every Kinder Bueno enjoyed across the U.S. will be crafted right here in Bloomington! This $214M investment brings more than just irresistible treats to the U.S.—it’s creating over 200 new jobs in our community. We're proud to support Ferrero's growth and thrilled to see Bloomington playing a key role in this delicious chapter. 🍫 #BloomingtonIL #EconomicGrowth #KinderBueno #Ferrero

It was our great pleasure to join leaders from Ferrero as the ribbon was cut for the $214M, 169,000 sq. ft. Kinder Bueno expansion that produced over 200 local jobs right here in #BloomingtonIL! #economicdevelopment #qualityofplace #kinderbueno #lifeissweet

Miller Park Zoo Honored With Prestigious AZA Accreditation . Silver Spring, Md. – Miller Park Zoo, a division of the City of Bloomington's Parks & Recreation department, is proud to announce that it has received accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) independent Accreditation Commission at this year’s Annual Conference in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Twice a year, the Commission reviews accreditation applications from the best zoos, aquariums, and related facilities in the world. At this year’s Annual Conference, 33 facilities were granted accreditation. . 📸 - Eric Veal, left, Director of the City of Bloomington's Parks & Recreation department and Director of Miller Park Zoo Jay Pratte . "Our Zoo team has worked exceptionally hard these past two years in elevating the quality of experience for our animals, staff, and visitors,” said Jay Pratte, Miller Park Zoo Director, adding “It is a testament to the dedication of our staff and volunteers, with unwavering support from Parks & Recreation and City leadership, along with MPZS, that we met our goal of achieving AZA accreditation. We hope this illustrates to our community how our little zoo can have a huge impact." . AZA accreditation includes a detailed application and a meticulous multiple-day on-site inspection by an independent team of zoological professionals. The inspecting team analyzes all aspects of the facility’s operation, including animal care and wellbeing; veterinary care; staff training; safety for visitors, staff, and animals; educational programs; conservation efforts; financial stability; risk management; governance; and guest services. Detailed reports from the inspection team and the facility alike are then thoroughly evaluated by the Commission. Finally, the Commission interviews top officials from the facility at a formal hearing, after which accreditation is fully granted, provisionally granted for one year, or denied. . A thorough review ensures that each facility has met and will continue to meet ever-evolving standards. As a condition of Association membership, AZA facilities must complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years. . “Congratulations to Miller Park Zoo for meeting our rigorous standards and achieving Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation,” said Dan Ashe, president and chief executive officer at AZA. “Earning accreditation is a mark of excellence and a testament to Miller Park Zoo’s unwavering commitment to the highest standards of animal care and conservation. Your dedication not only enhances the lives of the animals you care for but also sets a precedent for excellence in the zoological community.” . As a result of this year’s accreditation decisions, there are now 252 AZA-accredited facilities throughout the United States and 12 other countries. For a complete list of accredited AZA facilities, please visit https://lnkd.in/ewE5QWwQ. . #MillerParkZoo #BloomingtonParks #BloomingtonIllinois

🍁 Save the dates and fall into fun with Bloomington Parks & Rec! . 🍂 Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, family-friendly events, or an open skate at the Bloomington Ice Center, we've got something for everyone this season! Check out our list of must-do fall activities and make the most of the season! 🌲 Learn more at BloomingtonParks.org #BloomingtonParks #FallFun #MillerParkZoo #BloomingtonIce #BloomingtonIllinois

Congratulations Assistant Chief Chad Wamsley The Bloomington Police Department is proud to announce the graduation of Assistant Chief Chad Wamsley from the 291st session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Assistant Chief Wamsley joined 253 law enforcement officers who recently graduated from the FBI National Academy. This session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 47 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 26 countries, seven military organizations, and seven federal civilian organizations. Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers 10 weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions. Chief Jamal Simington, MPA stated, "In keeping with the goals of our strategic plan, the Bloomington Police Department will continue to support professional development and strengthen our workforce with proven training. The FBI National Academy is a premier training opportunity that we leveraged to learn best practices in public safety from around the world. Our community will benefit from Assistant Chief Chad Wamsley's continued commitment to duty and his experience at the National Academy." FBI Academy instructors, special agents, and other staff with advanced degrees provide the training; many instructors are recognized internationally in their fields. Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia, which accredits all the National Academy courses offered. A total of 55,440 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. The National Academy is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, the same facility where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts. BPD is very proud of Assistant Chief Wamsley and this accomplishment!

Over the past two days, our staff had the opportunity to learn from the incredible Justine Froelker, CDTLF on what it means to lead with courage. We want to thank Tara Henry, MBA, SHRM-SCP from our HR team for putting together this opportunity and Jeff Jurgens, Billy Tyus, and Sue McLaughlin for allowing each city team member to be vulnerable leaders. "Leaders must either invest a reasonable amount of time attending to fears and feelings, or squander an unreasonable amount of time trying to manage ineffective and unproductive behavior" We are excited to explore more of what we learned today and how it intertwines with the City of Bloomington's Values: “Service-Centered, Results-driven, and Inclusive.” #QualityofPlace #ResultsDriven #Inclusive #BloomingtonIL

🦃 Registration for the Free 46th Annual Turkey Trot is open now via the link https://shorturl.at/LkyKQ ✨ Not a runner but would like to volunteer? ✨ Registration is also underway for help with the race. Jobs could range from filling in as course monitor to assisting at a merchandise table or beverage station. Sign up your team today https://shorturl.at/WyKcx . #BloomingtonParks #Free #BloomingtonIllinois #Volunteering

Homelessness is a growing issue affecting communities across the country. Today, we learned that in the State of Illinois, the number of individuals experiencing homelessness has doubled, rising from 11,000 last year to a staggering 22,000 in the latest count. On Tuesday, I had the privilege of meeting with Christine Haley, the Chief Homelessness Officer for the State of Illinois. She, along with Brenda O'Connell from the Illinois Housing Development Authority, visited the City of Bloomington, IL, to discuss best approaches to addressing homelessness and the trends they are seeing statewide. Deputy City Manager Billy Tyus and I had the opportunity to share insights into our local situation and discuss the different strategies being explored. They spent the rest of the day meeting with local non-profits and service providers, witnessing firsthand the pressing need for more housing in our community. The attention from the State on this very pressing issue in our community was very welcomed and appreciated! #BloomingtonIL #TwinCities #Homelessness