~ Bloomington, IN- The City of Bloomington is excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2025 Residents Academy. This program, developed by the Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) in 1999, aims to educate residents about city government and encourage civic engagement.

The academy will be held on Thursdays from August 14 to October 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. at various City facilities. All sessions are free and will include interactive presentations, demonstrations, and tours. Participants can look forward to a variety of activities such as touring Switchyard Park and learning about its development from a railway hub to Bloomington's biggest, award-winning park.

Other highlights include riding in the bucket of the Bloomington Fire Department's 100-foot aerial ladder truck for a bird's-eye view of the city, touring the historic Near West Side neighborhood, and experiencing a behind-the-scenes tour of the Bloomington Animal Shelter.

According to Angela Van Rooy, HAND neighborhood services program manager, "We are honored to continue offering this long-standing and well-regarded program to our neighbors." She also added that many participants have learned about the program through word-of-mouth from friends or family members, which speaks volumes about its success and impact.

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The academy will cover various topics such as the structure and functions of Bloomington City government compared to county, state, and federal governments. It will also delve into how city government balances budget limitations with community goals and service needs. Participants will also learn about the structure, functions, and day-to-day operations of City departments as well as opportunities for resident involvement through city boards and commissions. The City's innovative approaches to addressing complex challenges and goals for the future will also be discussed.

The application deadline is Monday, July 7th with notifications being sent out by July 15th. Preference will be given to residents who live within Bloomington's city limits. The City of Bloomington is committed to being an accessible community and will provide mobility accommodations for participants. However, due to the nature of the sessions, the program will be fully in-person.

To apply, interested residents can visit bloomington.in.gov/residentsacademy and fill out the application linked at the bottom of the page. For those who prefer a paper application, they can contact Angela Van Rooy at angela.vanrooy@bloomington.in.gov or 812-349-3505.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about your city government and get involved in your community. Apply now for the 2025 Residents Academy!

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