The West Bloomington project utilizes quality-of-life planning as its framework. This approach brings together traditional neighborhood planning (grassroots outreach, identification of neighborhood physical improvements), asset-based planning (building on the strengths of the neighborhood to achieve a unique path toward success), and economic development and workforce planning (focusing on market-based variables to expand opportunities for residents and workers).

Key program goals include expanding investment in housing and other real estate; increasing family income and wealth; stimulating economic activity and connecting neighborhoods and residents to the mainstream economy; improving access to quality education; and supporting healthy environments and lifestyles.

Bloomington Mayor Steve Stockton said in remarks at the first Task Force meeting, “Bloomington is the fastest growing metropolitan region in Illinois. But new growth cannot come at the expense of our older neighborhoods. We want a demonstration project to make an area as nice as anywhere else – a place where people want to live and work.”