Bloomington, Indiana – The City of Bloomington is once again opening the doors of local government to the public through its long-running Residents Academy, giving citizens a hands-on opportunity to learn how their city works from the inside out. Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 edition of the program, which will run every Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m., starting August 14 and continuing through October 23.
This free program, hosted by the City’s Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND), is designed to deepen civic engagement by showing participants how city departments function, how decisions are made, and how community goals are balanced with budget realities.
Now in its 26th year, the Residents Academy has become a staple for those curious about local government or looking to get involved in shaping Bloomington’s future. Over the course of 10 sessions, residents will experience presentations, guided tours, live demonstrations, and conversations with city officials and department staff.
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Among the highlights of the upcoming 2025 program are a tour of Switchyard Park—an ambitious transformation project that turned a former railway hub into Bloomington’s largest and most celebrated public park—and the chance to ride in the bucket of the Bloomington Fire Department’s 100-foot aerial ladder truck for a sweeping view of the city skyline. Participants will also explore the historic Near West Side neighborhood and go behind the scenes at the Bloomington Animal Shelter to learn about its services and programs.
While the experiences are engaging and sometimes even thrilling, the underlying goal of the Residents Academy remains focused on public education. Topics covered include the basic structure of city government, how municipal departments differ from county, state, and federal counterparts, and the challenges of managing public funds while meeting community needs.
“We are honored to continue offering this long-standing and well-regarded program to our neighbors,” said Angela Van Rooy, HAND’s neighborhood services program manager. “We often hear from Residents Academy participants that they learned about the program through a friend or family member, which is a true testament to the program’s success and impact.”
The program is also a gateway for residents interested in becoming more involved in public life. Attendees learn about opportunities to serve on boards and commissions, giving them a direct voice in the city’s direction. Participants also get a firsthand look at the city’s approach to complex issues like housing, sustainability, and infrastructure improvement.
Since its launch in 1999, the Residents Academy has served as a bridge between the local government and the people it serves. It aims to demystify the day-to-day operations of departments ranging from public works and planning to animal care and neighborhood services, fostering a deeper understanding of civic responsibility.
Applications for the 2025 session are due by Monday, July 7. Notifications of acceptance will be sent out by July 15. While all are welcome to apply, preference will be given to individuals living within Bloomington’s city limits.
Accessibility remains a top priority for the program, and mobility accommodations are available. However, due to the hands-on nature of the sessions, the program will be held fully in person.
Interested residents can apply by visiting bloomington.in.gov/residentsacademy and completing the online application. Those who prefer a paper version can request one by contacting Angela Van Rooy at [email protected] or by calling 812-349-3505.
For anyone curious about the inner workings of local government or looking for a meaningful way to get more involved in their community, the Residents Academy offers a rare and rewarding chance to see the city from a whole new angle.
