You are here: Home / Community Activities / Key DEI Events

Key DEI Events

 

This is a collection of what is deemed to be events having impacts on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.  

 

See the Diversity Beam for notable DEI projects. 

 

Start Date Title Description Tags
Mar 12, 2026 07:30 AM 1Q 2026 County Health Assessment and Planning Partnership (HAPP) 2024 -2026 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) Updates Derrick Fritz, CHAP Coordinator3. Mental Health Clubhouse Model Laura Sutherland, SE MN Adult Mental Health Initiative and Michelle Cross, Community Member. Overdose Spike Response Team Abby Tricker, OCPHS5. Core Agency Updates CHAP Core Group6. Community Announcements and Sharing ('CHNA', 'mental health', 'Health', 'key', 'addiction')
Mar 11, 2026 12:00 PM Unlocking Potential: Lowering barriers, creating new pathways, and empowering emerging developers This presentation will review an evaluation report by the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund (GMHF) of Minnesota's efforts from 2021–2025 to pair Emerging Developer Programs with Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) Preservation initiatives. ('city', 'dmc', 'diversity', 'Housing', 'key', 'community engagement')
Mar 11, 2026 10:00 AM Rochester Area Housing Alliance March 2026 Any Path Home Overview; TABLE Initiative Overview; Legislative Update – Minnesota Housing Partnership; $1.5 Million Coalition NOFA Released ('RAF', 'Housing', 'key', 'Homelessness', 'housing')
Mar 10, 2026 10:00 AM Mar 2026 RPS Family Engagement Our March meeting will focus on RPS Student and Family Wellbeing, with a presentation by Koni Grimsrud, RPS Director of Student Wellbeing, and Sarah Clarke, RPS Coordinator of Mental Health. They will share an overview of the programs, staff positions, initiatives, and resources currently supporting RPS students and families. We will also include brief highlights from RPS Family Engagement and share relevant announcements. ('RPS', 'education', 'diversity', 'mental health', 'health', 'key', 'Education')
Mar 03, 2026 06:00 PM Town Hall: Using Advanced Technology in Policing Mayor Norton Partners with Rochester Police Department to Host Town Hall on Advanced Policing Technology ('public safety', 'key', 'governance')
Mar 02, 2026 07:00 PM Citizens Commission on Immigration Ambassadors Immigration Discussion Reflect on how immigration connects to our own family and community stories; Examine the Constitution’s framework for the roles of Congress, the executive branch, and the courts; Connect to real-world experiences in Minnesota ('networking', 'diversity', 'civic engagement')
Feb 28, 2026 12:00 PM Black Excellence Expo For the Rochester Branch of the NAACP, achieving economic stability is a strategic priority. Initiatives like the Black Excellence Expo directly support this goal by uplifting local entrepreneurs, expanding opportunity, and strengthening our regional economy. ('diversity', 'education', 'NAACP', 'Entrepreneurship')
Feb 21, 2026 05:30 PM Ebony Night 2026: Once Upon A Night | Rochester Branch of the NAACP presents UMR Black Student Union The third event in the Black History Month Series, Ebony Night, is an all-student-led production by the University of Minnesota Rochester’s Black Student Union. ('NAACP', 'Diversity', 'UMR')
Feb 21, 2026 10:00 AM Homeownership and Wealth Building Workshop This workshop equips community members with practical tools and knowledge to pursue homeownership and build generational wealth. ('NAACP', 'housing', 'Diversity')
Feb 17, 2026 04:30 PM Ready to Lead 2026 Spring Cohort Ready to Lead brings together a small group of people to teach the basics of how to participate in and lead meetings ('diversity', 'Civic Equity', 'leadership', 'networking', 'community engagement')
Feb 15, 2026 02:30 PM Chinese New Year Celebration Gala Chinese New Year Celebration Gala is a primary annual event of gathering in Rochester Chinese community. The purpose of the event is to celebrate the biggest Chinese holiday, carry forward the Chinese culture and promote the merge with the multiple cultures in Rochester. Usually there are about 600 people attending this event, including Chinese and other ethnics. Stage shows will feature many exciting performances such as singing, dancing, poems, sketch, dramas, instrument playing, and more, mostly with Chinese cultural and artistic style. During the stage show time, we will also have lottery to have some surprising prizes. ('diversity', 'culture', 'Diversity', 'key')
Feb 11, 2026 12:00 PM When Calendars Reflect Community Faith, Equity, and Public Education Are you seeking to enhance engagement in your school or organization? Discover how Hopkins Public Schools broke down barriers to full participation by creating and adopting an equitable calendar. ('city', 'rps', 'dmc', 'diversity', 'key', 'community engagement', 'Education')
Feb 11, 2026 10:00 AM Rochester Area Housing Alliance Feb 2026 Topics include: Natural Gas Franchise Fee --The City of Rochester is looking at whether to create a natural gas franchise fee. This fee could help fund programs that support the community and help the City make smart, long-term investments. ('RAF', 'Housing', 'housing', 'key')
Feb 09, 2026 11:00 AM Part 1: Immigration Justice is Public Health Background and context on immigration, authoritarianism, abolition, and public health; introduction to HIP's Immigration Justice Guide; discussion of actions you can take in your agency and community ('diversity', 'Diversity Council', 'community health', 'Diversity', 'Education')
Feb 06, 2026 06:00 PM Pulitzer Finalist Lee Hawkins--Author of I Am Nobody’s Slave Join us for this year’s premier Black History Month event featuring Lee Hawkins, Pulitzer Prize finalist, former Wall Street Journal writer, and 2026 NAACP Image Awards Nominee who is coming to Rochester, Minnesota from New York. This event is free but seating is limited so free registration is required. ('NAACP', 'Diversity')
Document Actions
Filed under: key

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
Somalia Independence Day Celebration 2026 Jul 11, 2026 01:00 PM - 09:00 PM — RCTC Football Statdium
MN Truth Council Jul 14, 2026 06:00 AM - 08:00 PM — Century H.S.
Winona State Adult & Continuing Education Jul 15, 2026 12:00 PM - 12:40 PM — Virtual
2026 LWV-R Candidate Forum Rochester City Council Ward 5 Jul 15, 2026 06:30 PM - 07:45 PM — Century High School Auditorium
2026 LWV Rochester CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE FORUM Jul 16, 2026 06:30 PM - 08:30 PM — Century High School
Healthy Brain Workshop 4: Sound Bowl Healing and Stress Management Jul 20, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM — 125 Live
LWV-R Olmsted County Commissioner District 2 Jul 20, 2026 06:30 PM - 07:45 PM — Roch Pub Library Aud, doors open at 6 pm
In the City for Good: Rochester Mayor Candidate Forum Jul 21, 2026 06:30 PM - 08:30 PM — Christ United Methodist Church
Rochester CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE FORUM: Ward 5 Jul 22, 2026 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM — Rocheser Area Foundation 12 Elton Hills Dr NW
LWV-R Candidate Forum Olmsted County Commissioner District 6 Jul 23, 2026 06:30 PM - 07:45 PM — Roch Pub Library Aud, doors open at 6 pm
Upcoming events…
Community 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