You are here: Home / Community Activities / Diversity, Inclusion & Welcoming Events

Diversity, Inclusion & Welcoming Events

 

 

 

Start Date Title Description Tags
Mar 01, 2025 11:30 AM Common Cause: Community Townhall Directly ask your state legislators what they're doing to improve you everyday life! ('diversity', 'housing', 'governance', 'Culture', 'health', 'key', 'civic engagement')
Feb 26, 2025 10:00 AM A View of Black History Remembering the Past to Create a Better Future ('Diversity',)
Feb 15, 2025 05:30 PM UMR Black Student Union: Ebony Night Harlem Nights Roaring 20s ('diversity', 'Education', 'NAACP', 'UMR')
Feb 12, 2025 12:00 PM Safe Spaces at Work: Creating a Culture of Inclusion and Belonging In today’s evolving workplace landscape, fostering a culture of safety and inclusion is more critical than ever. With ongoing conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), employees and organizations alike are navigating challenges in creating environments where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered. ('city', 'rps', 'dmc', 'diversity', 'key', 'community engagement')
Feb 10, 2025 01:00 PM Advancing Health Equity Empowering Immigrant and Refugee Communities ('health', 'diversity', 'key')
Feb 01, 2025 10:00 AM Reflection to Action: Human Rights, Racial Justice, and Lessons from Skin Deep Skin Deep is a PBS documentary written by Prexy Nesbitt and Marian Marzynski. The documentary examines the fight against legal, institutionalized racism in the United States and South Africa, from the 1950s through the 1990s, through interviews with the people who took their protests against segregation and inequality into the streets and beyond, forcing remarkable changes. To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity. ” - Nelson Mandela ('diversity', 'NAACP')
Jan 30, 2025 06:30 PM Sister City Trips to Japan & Germany Conducted by Ed-Ventures Travel On behalf of the Mayor's International Relations Committee, the purpose of the meeting is to provide information about our Japan and Germany trips and generate interest. ('education', 'diversity')
Jan 25, 2025 12:00 PM 2025 Lunar New Year Celebration Celebrate the Year of the Snake at the 2025 Lunar New Year Festival! Asia Mall invites you to join us on Saturday and Sunday, January 25th and 26th, from 12PM-5PM. This event marks the third official Lunar New Year celebration since our opening. Join us for an unforgettable day of traditional performances, cultural showcases, and community spirit. ('culture', 'Diversity')
Jan 21, 2025 05:30 PM Rochester Area Foundation Racial-Healing Please join our local National Day of Racial Healing Event (details below) 𝐂𝐨-𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐲: Olmsted County and Rochester Area Foundation ('youth', 'anti-racism', 'Diversity', 'Diversity Council')
Jan 20, 2025 08:30 AM January 2025 Annual MLK "We Have A Dream" Virtual Celebration Join us and NAACP Rochester Branch MN to celebrate Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with the annual We Have a Dream Celebration on Monday, January 20 from 8:30am to 10:30am. ('NAACP', 'Diversity')
Jan 17, 2025 05:00 PM 2025 Bowling Night by Journie Discover Journie programs and network. ('Diversity',)
Jan 17, 2025 03:00 PM Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota Policies and Practices to Expect; How to Prepare if You Do Not have Legal or Permanent Status; Overview of Immigration Court Process ('diversity', 'immigrant')
Jan 17, 2025 12:00 PM Messaging Training on Race Class Gender Narrative Learn how to craft messages that fight back against our opposition's divide-and-conquer tactics, cultivate multiracial solidarity, and move people on issues you care about. ('community engagement', 'education', 'Diversity')
Jan 08, 2025 12:00 PM Beyond the Ballot: Black/Diverse Voices in Local Leadership In this episode, we take a deep dive into the transformative role of Black and diverse leaders in local politics and community organizations. Our presenters, Tawonda Burks and Walé Elegbede, will share their journeys, the unique challenges they face, and the powerful ways they are driving positive change. ('city', 'rps', 'dmc', 'diversity', 'key', 'community engagement')
Dec 11, 2024 11:30 AM Pathways to a Vibrant, Just, and Equitable Rochester Destination Medical Center and the City of Rochester, in partnership with Griot Arts and Barbershop Talks, invite the community to the next installment of the Equity Alliance Equity Series. This in-person event, titled Pathways to a Vibrant, Just, and Equitable Rochester, will take place on Wednesday, December 11, at 11:30 a.m. at the Chateau Theatre. The program will feature a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Nicole Asong Nfonoyim-Hara. ('city', 'rps', 'dmc', 'diversity', 'key', 'community engagement')
Nov 23, 2024 01:30 PM Community Upstanding - Townhall One This week’s program effort is focused on Community Upstander Training and will feature Tom Thibodeau, Distinguished Professor of Servant Leadership from Viterbo University. Thibodeau is the founder of the Master of Arts in Servant Leadership, the first master’s degree of its kind in the nation, and a founding member of hospitality and fellowship resource. Thibodeau is a popular professor, talented public speaker, and an extremely active community member focused on ethical life, serving the common good, and addressing homelessness. ('diversity', 'community engagement', 'NAACP')
Nov 16, 2024 10:00 AM NAACP Rochester Branch Elections In accordance with the 2024 National NAACP Election Procedures, the election date was chosen during the Rochester Branch’s August 16 General Membership Meeting. Since then, and with guidance and oversight from the National NAACP, the Rochester Branch established the Branch Nominating Committee in September and the Election Supervisory Committee in October. ('NAACP', 'Diversity', 'governance')
Nov 13, 2024 12:00 PM Equity Alliance Equity Series - Power of Community Benefits Agreement In this episode, we look at best practices to both understand the power of community benefits agreements and how to begin strong campaigns to secure community benefits agreements if the policy is fitting to the needs of the community. ('DMC', 'Diversity', 'Entrepreneurship', 'key', 'latino')
Nov 08, 2024 08:00 AM FREC 2024 Annual Overcoming Racism Conference Morning keynote speakers: Rev. Jim Bear Jacobs and Rev. Pamela Ngunjiri Afternoon breakout workshops ('rps', 'community engagement', 'openbeam', 'key', 'Diversity')
Nov 02, 2024 05:00 PM Rochester Branch of the NAACP, 2024 Freedom Fund Banquet - Let Freedom Ring Featured Entertainment and Performers: • Patricia Lacy-Aiken Renowned vocalist Patricia Lacy-Aiken, who is a seasoned vocalist with Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness, and who had a decade – long global tour with Luther Vandross as a backup singer. • LaSonya Natividad and Madison Parish Ensemble Rochester’s own LaSonya Natividad accompanied by the Madison Parish Ensemble will grace the stage, captivating audience with unique blend of jazz, blues, and a sprinkle of R&B, reflecting deep musical roots and diverse influences. • Heart & Soul Drum Academy The talented youth of the Heart & Soul Drum Academy will deliver an energetic performance of African Djembe drumming and dance, led by founder Baba Jesse Buckner. Their captivating performance showcases the beauty of culture and the power of the arts in empowering young people and community. ('diversity', 'NAACP', 'openbeam')
Document Actions

Two types of event information being shared in the following:

1. A list of Beam aware upcoming community events of all types. 

2. A list of noteworthy past events that have one or more of the following contents: presentation slides, video recordings as well as takeaways. 

Upcoming Events
ICAM Garba & Daniya Night Oct 18, 2026 04:00 PM - 10:00 PM — Mayo Civic Center
Cradle to Career 2026 Annual Education Summit Oct 20, 2026 08:00 AM - 04:30 PM — Mayo Civic Center
America: 250 and Beyond Oct 24, 2026 06:00 PM - 08:30 PM — Mystic Lake Center in Prior Lake
125 LIVE Hosting Listening Session 2 in Rochester Oct 29, 2026 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM — 125 LIVE – 125 ELTON HILLS DRIVE NW
NCRC - Faith & Community Expos Oct 29, 2026 02:00 PM - 06:00 PM — Rochester International Event Center
2026 IMAA Presents Pearl Gala Oct 30, 2026 05:30 PM - 08:30 PM — J. Powers at the Rochester Hilton
2026 Latino Fest Gala Oct 30, 2026 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM — 30 Civic Center Drive SE Rochester, MN 55904
A Restorative Justice Gathering: Mending the Fabric or Our Community Nov 07, 2026 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM — Christ United Methodist Church
Rochester Branch of the NAACP, 2026 Freedom Fund Banquet - We the People: Rochester in Action Nov 07, 2026 05:00 PM - 09:30 PM — Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area (Rochester, MN) 10 East Center Street, Rochester, Minnesota 55904
125 LIVE Hosting Listening Session 3 in Rochester Nov 09, 2026 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM — 125 LIVE – 125 ELTON HILLS DRIVE NW
Upcoming events…
Community News

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



Annual Action Plan - Community Development Block Grant Allocations

  • 2027 Annual Action Plan - Community Development Block Grant Allocations; Video Recording, Presentation 
  • 2026 Annual Action Plan - Community Development Block Grant Allocations; Video Recording, Presentation 

Last Updated September 20, 2026



Sherman Mixed Housing Mayo Civic Center Parking Lot

Sep 18, 2026: Ground Breaking

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 September 18, 2026



Momentum 30

Four pillars to drive Momentum 30

Case for Investment

Last Updated September 17, 2026



2027 Olmsted County Tax Levy

Sep 16, 2026 Press Release: Preliminary 2027 Olmsted County levy: $151,350,166, Preliminary 2027 Olmsted County billed levy: $149,769,949 (amount to be billed to taxpayers due to 2026 levy overpayment being applied to 2027).

Last Updated September 16, 2026



Braver Angels News

  • 2026 - Oct events: Sep 2026 Newsletter; Aug 2026 Newsletter, Mar 6 Volunteer Opportunities, Feb Citizens Commission on Immigration Outreach
  • 2025, 24 - Mar 2025 Newsletters: End birthright citizenship? Apr 2024 Braver Angels Newsletter: 2024 National Convention; National Debate: Should we be colorblind?

 

Last Updated September 16, 2026



RPS Family Engagement Opportunities

Sep 2026: Care Giver & Parent Empowerment (CAPE); Supporting Youth: Mental Health  

Apr 2026 Family Engagement Policy Meetings

Jan 2026 Announcements: Family Engagement, Caregiver and Parent Empowerment 

Last Updated September 11, 2026



Reimagining 6th Ave West - Project Update

Sep 9, 2026 City Council Update

Mar 2 2025 City Council: Memo, Video, Presentation

Sep 2025 Press Release: City of Rochester Launches “Reimagining Sixth Avenue W” to Reconnect Downtown Mobility Network

Last Updated September 10, 2026



CHATEAU THEATRE OPERATING ANALYSIS UPDATE

Sep 9, 2026 City Council Action Chateau Strategy

Aug 10, 2026 City Council Study Session  Council to review planning-level capital investment needs identified through both the City’s facility assessment and the Legends Global operating analysis.

Last Updated September 08, 2026



Director of Equity & Organizational Development Introduction

 Sep 2026: Introducing Crystal Fairchild, Director of Equity & Organizational Development

 

Last Updated September 06, 2026



6th Street Bridge RAISE grant

Aug 2026: Revised to "Up to $19.9 million from USDOT." 

Aug 2022: The City of Rochester has been awarded a $19.9 million dollar United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant.

Last Updated August 24, 2026



Rochester Public Transit

Aug 23, 2026 City Council Study Session: Transit Financial Sustainability - Rochester Public Transit (RPT) is currently operating under financial conditions that are not sustainable over the long term.

Last Updated August 24, 2026



Rochester, MN Supplemental Budget

2026 Aug 23 City Council Study Session, Apr 13 City Council Study Session on 2027 Supplemental Budget

2022-08-22 City Council Study Session on 2023 Supplemental Budget

Last Updated August 23, 2026



Economic Vibrancy & Growth Management

Aug 24, 2026 City Council Study Session: Economic Mobility Updates

Sep 2024 City Council Study Session: City teammates providing an update on this work, specifically regarding legacy public infrastructure projects, Unbound, infrastructure investments and regulatory milestones.  

Last Updated August 23, 2026



OpenBeam events log

Sep 2026: Metrics LINKS

Aug 2026: Tech related info

Aug 2026 Notable Beam Events Log: Topics Include: Q2 Real Estate Stats; Workforce Housing & Regional Workforce Trends; Building Trust in an Age of Skepticism; Land Use Revenue Analysis; Tax Increment Financial Studies

Last Updated August 21, 2026



Broadway 309-317 Appeal of Certificate for Appropriateness

Aug 17, 2026 City Council Meeting: In a 4-3 vote, the Rochester City Council overturned a decision by the Heritage Preservation Commission to reject a redevelopment proposal for five historic buildings on the 300 block of South Broadway Avenue.

Aug, 2026  PB reporting

Last Updated August 20, 2026



Transportation: ROCOG Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)

2027-2030: Transportation Improvement Plan, Press Release

2024 - 2027 Transportation Plan 

2023 - 2026 Transportation Plan: The Rochester-Olmsted Council of Governments (ROCOG) has released a draft of the 2023-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), for a 30-day public comment period. 

Last Updated August 18, 2026



National Community Survey

2026 City Survey: Open to residents responses

2024 and 2022 NCS Surveys: Presentation/Reports

2018 City Survey.: June 2018 Resident Survey Summary

Last Updated August 17, 2026



SBDC Rochester, Spring 2025

Sep 2026: Small Business Support Series

SBDC Apr 2025 Business Workshops...SBDC Day and workshop opportunities: "If you have an upcoming business event or celebration, please let us know! We would love to stop by for a RIBBON CUTIING for any of your business." milestones:

 

Last Updated August 14, 2026



Homelessness Dashboard, Street Medicine, The TABLE and Any Path Home Info

Aug 14, 2026:Homeless Info: Any Path Home Dashboard; Mayo Clinic Street Medicine

Mar 2026 Rochester Area Housing Alliance: Any Path Home and The TABLE

 

Last Updated August 14, 2026



Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Barriers Study

Aug 10, City Council Study Session: Equitable Economic Development

Apr 2025 City Council Study Session:  (1) DBE Study Session to City Council April 17, 2023 , (2) Memo to DMCC Board; 

Last Updated August 13, 2026