City of Bloomington appoints new housing and redevelopment authority administrator

The City of Bloomington announced that Aarica Coleman has been appointed as Bloomington’s next housing and redevelopment authority administrator.

Coleman emerged from a strong pool of candidates as the individual best suited to take on this important opportunity in a moment of great community and organizational need.

She comes to Bloomington from the city of Minneapolis, where she served as a senior project coordinator in community planning and economic development, working to manage homebuyer programs; coordinating community engagement; serving as a liaison for public-private development initiatives; managing federally funded programs and city-owned rental property.

Coleman also served Hennepin County as a Property Manager Specialist in the Tax Forfeited Land unit, working with municipalities and community organizations in land development projects, technical assistance and community engagement.

Prior to her time in government, she served in the private sector as a compliance technician and manager for Sand Companies.  “The HRA has an important dual function in Bloomington, serving the present-day needs for housing by individuals and the future revitalization of the entire community through redevelopment,” Bloomington City Manager Jamie Verbrugge said.

“Aarica will bring a unique blend of professional experiences combined with tremendous leadership and people skills to continue moving the HRA forward.”

Coleman is a licensed real estate broker and a certified Housing Development Finance Professional through the National Development Council. She has served on the Commercial Land Trust Initiative Advisory Board, Minneapolis Area Realtors Board of Directors, and the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. 

“Aarica is joining an exceptional team of professionals. Her experience, knowledge and leadership skills will be an important addition to our staff at the Bloomington HRA and the City of Bloomington,” HRA Commissioner Mark Thorson said. “We are excited to have her on board as we continue with our important work in redevelopment, affordable housing, and neighborhood revitalization.”

Coleman’s first day as Housing and Redevelopment Authority Administrator will be on or around November 9.

“I am excited to join the HRA team,” Ms. Coleman said. “I look forward to working with the community and our stakeholders for equitable outcomes, where impact matches our intent.”