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Community Events/News

Start Date Title Tags Description
Aug 15, 2026 12:00 PM 6th Annual Rochester Community Back-to-School Party ('Education', 'Diversity', 'UMR') Come out and celebrate with us as we support local families—offering free haircuts, school supplies, and more to help every child start the school year confident and prepared for success.
Jul 30, 2026 11:00 AM 2026 IRC International Friendship Date ('Diversity', 'global', 'governance', 'culture', 'education') International Friendship Day at Thursdays Downtown Thursday, July 30, 2026 11 am to 8:30 pm Peace Plaza
Jul 24, 2026 09:00 AM Disability Summit ('disability', 'Diversity') The Disability Summit is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible experience for all attendees. Available accommodations include: • CART captioning • ASL interpretation • Sensory room access • Additional accommodations upon request
Jul 23, 2026 06:30 PM LWV-R Candidate Forum Olmsted County Commissioner District 6 ('time-sensitive',)
Jul 22, 2026 07:00 PM Rochester CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE FORUM: Ward 5 () All are welcome to attend these forums, which are sponsored by "In the City for Good
Jul 21, 2026 06:30 PM In the City for Good: Rochester Mayor Candidate Forum ('Education',) Hosted by In the City for Good
Jul 20, 2026 06:30 PM LWV-R Olmsted County Commissioner District 2 ('time-sensitive', 'community engagement', 'governance')
Jul 20, 2026 10:00 AM Healthy Brain Workshop 4: Sound Bowl Healing and Stress Management ('lotus', 'education', 'health') This workshop explores how stress affects the brain and body and introduces practical tools to support cognitive resilience and well-being.
Jul 16, 2026 06:30 PM 2026 LWV Rochester CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE FORUM ()
Jul 15, 2026 06:30 PM 2026 LWV-R Candidate Forum Rochester City Council Ward 5 ('time-sensitive',)
Jul 15, 2026 12:00 PM Winona State Adult & Continuing Education () Creating Thriving Environments: A Practical Trauma-Informed Approach to Leadership and Workplace Culture
Jul 14, 2026 06:00 AM MN Truth Council ('faith', 'ISAIAH') A Community-Led Hearing
Jul 11, 2026 01:00 PM Somalia Independence Day Celebration 2026 ('Culture', 'Education', 'Diversity') Music - Food - Bounce House - Soccer - Face Painting - Community Resources
Jul 09, 2026 11:30 AM The Declaration of Independence and Liberty, Then and Now ('education', 'community engagement') A Community Conversation brings community members together to reflect upon the principles of the Declaration of Independence, the importance of these principles in our daily lives, what our shared values are as residents of Minnesota and the United States, and how we envision the country will look 250 years into the future.
Jun 27, 2026 01:15 PM International Relations Committee RochesterFest Parade ('community engagement', 'civic engagement') ONE NATION MANY STORIES
Jun 27, 2026 03:00 PM Rochester Branch of the NAACP Presents Line-Ups and Legacy ('diversity', 'education', 'NAACP') The Rochester Branch NAACP is excited to present Line-Ups and Legacy, a powerful Men’s Health Month theatrical performance and community event designed to uplift, inspire, and empower men, boys, fathers, families, and the broader community through storytelling, health, leadership, and legacy.
Jun 24, 2026 10:00 AM League of Minnesota Cities 2026 Annual Conference ('sustainability', 'transportation') Discover timely, practical sessions designed to equip city leaders with the tools, insights, and connections to power their communities forward.
Jun 23, 2026 06:15 PM Olmsted County CarePortal Active Community Gathering ('faith', 'community health', 'community engagement') Join with other CarePortal churches, agencies and community leaders to learn, connect and be inspired. It's time to celebrate 2,500 children served, the many meaningful connections made and introduce NCRC in the next chapter of CarePortal in Olmsted County!
Jun 23, 2026 04:30 PM Bush Fellowship Information Session ('united way',) Join us on June 23 for an information session about the Bush Fellowship Program, a self-designed leadership program that supports individuals in furthering their skills and capacity to lead effectively.
Jun 23, 2026 09:30 AM Jun 2026 Mayor's International Relations Committee Meeting ('Diversity', 'global', 'governance', 'culture', 'key', 'education') Coordinate the Sister Cities Program; support international affairs in the city; provide a welcoming and supportive climate for international residents
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October 2021 Activities

FORUM  WITH INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT DR. KENT PEKEL- October 21, 6:30 to 8:00:

In the City for Good will be presenting an online forum to give all in the community an opportuniy to hear from Rochester Public Schools Interim Superintendent Kent Pekel. Dr. Pekel will give an overview of his time so far in the district, along with more information on the strategic plan he will be proposing. Interested Rochester residents may submit questions ahead of time or during the meeting to be used in a Q&A time period after his primary presentation. The October 21 forum will be from 6:30 to 8.

 

Steering Committee- Tuesday, October 5, 4:00 p.m.

Topic: In the City for Good Steering Committee

Time: Oct 5, 2021 04:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

 Join Zoom Meeting

Contact [email protected] for Zoom info. 

 

Housing Team- Monday, October 11 7:00 p.m.

Our next In the City for Good Housing Team meeting will be on October 11 at 7 pm. We will be discussing the proposed Unified Development Code with Ryan Yetzer, Interim Deputy Director, Community Development for the City of Rochester leading the discussion along with others in the Community Development area. We will especially focus on what some of the proposed changes could mean related to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and the role of ADUs in addressing the concerns around the affordability of workforce and senior housing. This will be an online meeting, with the link to be sent out later this week.

 

Age-Friendly- Oct 12th and 26th 2:30 to 4:00

Meeting Information:

Age-Friendly Olmsted County Planning Group

Tues. Oct 12 and 26

2:30pm - 4pm

 

Contact [email protected] for Zoom info

 

Social Services/Social Justice- Watch for info of upcoming November meeting

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Purpose of the site
A sub-site of Community Beam, the City4Good website is being prototyped by openBEAM.net  to help the "In the City For Good initiative" to better collaborate.
Community Status/News

This panel displays the latest community news. For a standalone view please click this LINK.



RPS Long Term Technology Plan

July 7, 2026 RPS Board Meeting: The Long Range Technology Plan (LRTP) serves as a comprehensive roadmap, defining the strategic direction for technology deployment and technical support within the district over the next three to five years.

Last Updated July 10, 2026



America's City for Health (ACH)

Jul 2026 PB Op Ed on America's City for Health and Wellness 

May 2026: DMC University Trademark Handling -The DMCC holds several DMC-related trademarks, including “Destination Medical Center,” “Discovery Square,” and “America’s City for Health.” 

References: Reimagine what can be done to fulfill the vision of ACH -- info LINKS

Last Updated July 09, 2026



Silver Lake Stadium Concept

The Rochester City Council has unanimously approved a six-month exclusive negotiation agreement with Madison-based Landmark Development to explore a potential sports-focused redevelopment of the Silver Lake Power Plant site.

Last Updated July 08, 2026



Mayo Clinic Bold. Forward. Unbound.Grainger Linear Park

Jul 6, 2026 City Council Lourdes Grainger Linear Park The project involves the construction of a 30-foot linear park

Last Updated July 07, 2026



Peace Plaza paver adjustment plan

Jul 6, 2026 City Council Meeting Paver Improvement

2025: City Council Study Session PB Reporting; DMCC Board Meeting Proceedings; Public Media Reporting: Post Bulleting, Star Tribune

 

Last Updated July 07, 2026



Sherman Mixed Housing Mayo Civic Center Parking Lot

July 6, 2026: City Council Meeting - Extension of agreement

May 2026 DMCC Board Meeting: Status Update

June 3, 2024 City Council Meeting 

Council action is requested to continue development negotiations with Sherman Associates and conditionally approve development assistance of up to $13,000,000 in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance and up to $3,000,000 in DMC General State Infrastructure Aid.  

Last Updated July 06, 2026



Rochester Transit Contract Award

Jul 6, 2026 City Council Meeting: Action Requested: Adopting a Resolution awarding a contract and facilities lease with Via Transit Twin Cities LLC for operating Rochester's public transportation system.

Last Updated July 06, 2026



Co-design Information

Jun 20, 2026 Co-Design as Civic Infrastructure Video Recording and Presentation

Co-Design as Structural Accountability White Paper

 

Last Updated July 02, 2026



City of Rochester Housing Enablement

Jun, 2026 Planning commission supports planned infill project

Apr, 2026 The City of Rochester is now accepting proposals for the sale and redevelopment of two City-owned residential parcels located in the Durand Subdivision and Hilmer’s High View Acres.

Reference: AI Analysis of Infill Strategy

Last Updated June 27, 2026



Rochester International Relations Committee

2026 NewsSpring, Winter Newsletters; Apr 2026 Siheung, Korean Newsletter;  Sister City Visits Germany Visit

2025 News: Sister City Trips: Japan; Rochester Sister City Application (Roles and Responsibilities)

General Info: Sister Cities Relationship Logs; IRC Meeting Logs

Last Updated June 22, 2026



Curriculum Development

Jun 2026: Social Studies Curriculum Three Shifts in the New Standards

Ethnic Studies Strand, Disciplinary Literacy Practices. Centering Student Inquiry

Last Updated June 18, 2026



Housing Program DevCo Rochester

Adopting a Resolution adopting the Housing Program, the issuance of Conduit Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds and the execution of related documents relating to the DevCo Rochester Apartments Project.

Last Updated June 14, 2026



Economic Development News

2026: Health tech firms status

2023 Highlights: 1. 2Q 2023  Economic Report ;  2. Tawonda Burks has joined the RAEDI staff full-time as Director of Operations. In addition to managing the RAEDI Economic Development Center; 3, SBDC 1H 2023 performance report

Last Updated June 13, 2026



Healthy Brain Workshop Series

 2026 Summer Workshop Series 

 

Last Updated June 08, 2026



University of Minnesota Expansion Funding Considerations

Jun 2026: City Council Voted to Approve the funding

May 2026: UMR DMC: Funding Request to contribute to Talent Development Infrastructure

Apr 27, 2026: UMR discussion at City Council Study Session Sales Tax Request

Last Updated June 05, 2026



RPS Proposed Budget Reductions

Jun 2, 2026: School Board 2026 budget

April 21, 2026: School Board Meeting Revised Proposed Leadership Changes 

April 7, 2026: Budget Reduction Impact

Sep 12, 2023 RPS Board Study Session video recording; Proposed Equity Policy; PB Reporting

Last Updated June 04, 2026



1Q 2026 Announcements

Jun 2, 2026: #RochMNTogether Yard Sign Campaign

Jan 5, 2026: Resolution: Reaffirming Rochester’s Support for its Somali Community and Commitment to Inclusion.

2026 Summer Paid Internship Positions: City Clerk, community Development, Communications & Engagement, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Legislative Affairs, Library Communications, Office of the Mayor, Parks & Recreation , Public Music, Rochester Public Utilities Safety, and Transit & Parking.

 

 

Last Updated June 02, 2026



Sports Complex Phase Two Indoor Recreation Option and Next Steps

Jun 1, 2026 City Council Meeting: PB reporting

Apr 27,  2026 City Council Study Session

Last Updated May 31, 2026



Home Innovation Lab - Aging in Place

May 2026: Home Innovation Lab Open House

Dec 2025 DMCC Board Meeting: The Home Innovation Lab will combine research, technology, and design to create and evaluate “tech-enabled age-in-place” living environments that improve health, comfort, and independence for older adults.

Apr 2025 DMC Real Estate Summit: Aging in place talk

Last Updated May 31, 2026



Mayflower mixed housing project

May 2026:DMCC Board Meeting, Mayflower Project Update

Jul 2025 Mayflower mixed housing project summary; North side of Second Street Southwest across the street from Ronald McDonald House.

Feb 2025 DMCC Board Meeting 2nd Street Public Realm and Mayflower

Last Updated May 24, 2026