Bloomington’s Commitment to Community Well-Being

2025 National Champion for Transformation in Health & Wellness

Bloomington, Minnesota has earned one of the nation’s highest distinctions for local government — recognition as the Best in Governance Award National Champion for Transformation in Health & Wellness. This honor is based entirely on what residents reported in the National Community Survey (NCS), making it a true reflection of lived experience and community trust.

A City Where Health Thrives

Bloomington residents see their community environment as one that promotes good health where more than three fourths of residents rate overall health and wellness opportunities as excellent or good. Recent improvements in health and wellness are especially notable. Ratings sharply increased across multiple indicators since 2024:

• Affordable mental health care: +18 points
• Preventive health services: +13 points

Demonstrating Bloomington’s appreciation of health and wellness services, residents voted in favor of a local options sales tax in 2024 to fund a new community health and wellness center. The new facility will replace a dated Public Health building and will house Public Health services along with full fitness and recreational offerings. The facility, which will provide a modern and inclusive space, is scheduled to open to the public in 2027.

These improvements also place Bloomington higher than the national benchmark for both community characteristics. Availability in affordable quality health care also experienced a nice jump since Bloomington’s previous survey,

Residents in Bloomington express powerful confidence in their community’s health-supporting conditions from services to accessible care to wellness programs.

A standout 80% of residents rate local health services positively, demonstrating strong satisfaction with providers and the systems that support them.

Wellness Rooted in Community Design

Healthy communities are more than hospitals and clinics — they are places where social connection, public space, and amenities support well-being. Bloomington excels here too:

• High-quality parks and recreation: 89% positive ratings, higher than national average
• Rising sense of community and opportunities to support vulnerable neighbors

Residents also report strong access to healthy food options, a core component of a community where wellness is possible for everyone .

Bloomington at a Glance

Located just south of Minneapolis, Bloomington is home to a diverse mix of neighborhoods, business districts, and regional attractions like Mall of America — but residents make clear that its people-focused services and commitment to quality of life are what set it apart.

A National Leader in Community-Driven Health

Bloomington’s recognition as the national champion represents more than strong survey results — it reflects a strategic and measurable transformation in how the city supports the health of its residents. With continued momentum and resident partnership, Bloomington demonstrates how cities can build environments where every person has the opportunity to thrive.

Ready to see how your community compares and where health and wellness can grow next?

Explore how Polco helps communities measure trust, engage residents, and turn feedback into action. Learn more or request a demo at Polco.