The City of Bloomington has announced a proposed reorganization plan to split its Economic and Community Development Department into two distinct entities, each with a renewed focus on supporting economic growth and enhancing neighborhood vitality. This strategic restructuring, which will not increase city staffing levels, is designed to streamline city processes, making Bloomington a more business-friendly community while prioritizing neighborhood improvement initiatives.
The proposed reorganization will narrow each department’s scope, enabling more targeted support for community-beneficial projects. “We’re excited to reorganize to ensure we are working with and helping developers in the most effective and efficient way possible,” said City Manager Jeff Jurgens. The goal, he explained, is to create a seamless process for developers and business owners, ultimately positioning Bloomington as an ideal place to do business.
The new structure introduces expanded roles for several key city leaders. Samantha Mlot, now tasked with helping developers navigate city processes, will serve as a dedicated advocate for developers and business owners, guiding them through start-to-finish project support. “This role is all about making it easier to get projects across the finish line and fostering a more efficient, business-friendly environment,” Jurgens said.
Ellen Robertson, previously a Senior Economic Development Specialist, will take on an elevated position as Economic Development Manager. In this role, she will lead efforts to recruit and retain businesses, analyze development proposals, and create incentive programs that position Bloomington as a premier national destination for private investment. “Ellen’s dedication and deep understanding of business growth will be invaluable as the newly established Department of Development works to foster a resilient economy and growth opportunities within the City,” Jurgens noted.
Under the new structure, the Economic and Community Development Department will split into two specialized departments:
- The Department of Community Impact will oversee grants, community development projects, downtown Bloomington, and code enforcement, focusing on enhancing livability and community engagement. Led by Melissa Hon, a 23-year veteran in municipal work, this department will spearhead neighborhood revitalization efforts and implement programs to strengthen community ties. “The City Council has set neighborhood revitalization as a key housing priority, and this reorganization will allow Melissa to build a robust program here,” Jurgens said. Hon’s expertise in community engagement and policy design will be central to her department’s mission to enrich Bloomington’s neighborhoods.
- The Development Services Department will handle economic development, planning, zoning, permitting, and inspections, creating a business-friendly, efficient environment for developers. Kelly Pfeifer, known for her strengths in project management and risk assessment, will lead the department. Her team will work to streamline regulatory processes and build a more accessible and welcoming atmosphere for business growth and investment.
The reorganization is part of a broader initiative to position Bloomington as a business-friendly city without adding full-time employees. Recent efforts, such as the launch of a development-focused website (www.buildingbloomington.com) and the hiring of a process improvement consultant, underline the City’s commitment to supporting developers and fostering a robust local economy.
The City Council will consider an ordinance to approve this reorganization at its meeting on Tuesday, November 12. If approved, the plan will bring Bloomington closer to its vision of balanced growth, resilient economy, and vibrant community life.
