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. 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 2025 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 11 weeks to participate in the academy.

 

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.

 

 

2025 Schedule

Classes will be held on Thursday evenings, August 14 through October 23, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

 

Week 1: Thursday, August 14

• Welcome and Introductions; course overview.
• City Council presentation
• City Clerk presentation

 

Week 2: Thursday, August 21

• Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) Department historic neighborhood walking tour

 

Week 3: Thursday, August 28

• Parks & Recreation Department Switchyard Park tour

 

Week 4: Thursday, September 4

• Bloomington Fire Department presentation & demonstration

 

Week 5: Thursday, September 11

• Utilities tour of Monroe Water Treatment Plant

 

Week 6: Thursday, September 18

• Electric bus tour of:
  • Public Works Department facilities
  • Bloomington Transit facilities

 

Week 7: Thursday, September 25

• Bloomington Police Department presentation

 

Week 8: Thursday, October 2

• Community & Family Resources presentation
• Information & Technology Services presentation
• Controller’s Office presentation

 

Week 9: Thursday, October 9

• Tour of The Mill
• Economic & Sustainable Development Department

 

Week 10: Thursday, October 16

• Planning & Transportation Department presentation
• Engineering Department presentation

 

Week 11: Thursday, October 23

• Mayor's Office presentation
• Awarding of certificates and class picture

 

Click here for details about past sessions. 2025 session details will be added closer to the start of the Academy.