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Community Events/News

Start Date Title Tags Description
Sep 09, 2025 09:00 AM Virtual Event – Local and Statewide Affordable Housing Aid: Case Studies ('housing', 'governance') In 2023, the Minnesota Legislature approved the Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) program, funded by a 0.25% Metro sales tax for use in the 7-county Twin Cities Metropolitan area, and a Statewide Affordable Housing Aid (SAHA) program funded through appropriations. Cities and counties have discretion to spend funds on a broad range of eligible affordable housing projects, including for emergency rental assistance.
Sep 08, 2025 06:00 PM Public Hearing 2 - Rochester 2040 Comprehensive Plan ('city', 'governance', 'community') Recognizing that cities are dynamic places shaped by shifting economic, social and technological trends, the Comprehensive Plan is designed to be a living document. To remain relevant and actionable, it is updated every five years.
Sep 07, 2025 01:00 PM Cascade Lake Park: Celebrate New Public Art Installations with Artist Cassandra Buck ('Culture', 'art') – All are invited to attend a series of special events celebrating the completion of public art installations by MNPAiR (Minnesota Parks Artists in Residence) artist Cassandra Buck. Installed at three local parks — Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo, Quarry Hill Nature Center, and Cascade Lake Park — these vibrant works highlight nature, community, and connection to place. Each celebration will include a short artist talk, a hands-on public art activity for all
Sep 03, 2025 05:30 PM Coming to the Table September 2025 ('compassion', 'Diversity', 'community') This session's theme will be 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲: 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭, and will focus on ways our community can positively support our immigrant neighbors.
Aug 30, 2025 07:00 PM Quarry Hill Nature Center: Celebrate New Public Art Installations with Artist Cassandra Buck ('art',) – All are invited to attend a series of special events celebrating the completion of public art installations by MNPAiR (Minnesota Parks Artists in Residence) artist Cassandra Buck. Installed at three local parks — Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo, Quarry Hill Nature Center, and Cascade Lake Park — these vibrant works highlight nature, community, and connection to place. Each celebration will include a short artist talk, a hands-on public art activity for all
Aug 28, 2025 05:00 PM Sketches of Minnesota ('Culture', 'arts', 'community health') The Minnesota Humanities Center, Danger Boat Productions, and Rochester Art Center look forward to seeing you this Thursday, Aug. 28th for Sketches of Minnesota.
Aug 27, 2025 05:00 PM Public Hearing 1 - Rochester 2040 Comprehensive Plan ('city', 'governance', 'community') Recognizing that cities are dynamic places shaped by shifting economic, social and technological trends, the Comprehensive Plan is designed to be a living document. To remain relevant and actionable, it is updated every five years.
Aug 26, 2025 09:30 AM Aug 2025 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
Aug 23, 2025 01:00 PM Oxbow Park: Celebrate New Public Art Installations with Artist Cassandra Buck ('art',) – All are invited to attend a series of special events celebrating the completion of public art installations by MNPAiR (Minnesota Parks Artists in Residence) artist Cassandra Buck. Installed at three local parks — Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo, Quarry Hill Nature Center, and Cascade Lake Park — these vibrant works highlight nature, community, and connection to place. Each celebration will include a short artist talk, a hands-on public art activity for all
Aug 22, 2025 11:00 AM IRC and World Festival ()
Aug 21, 2025 06:30 PM C4G Library Discussion Forum ('c4g', 'rpl', 'key') All are welcome. Please join us. Share this with those in the community for this important discussion. This is an opportunity for input on Library plans and added considerations for our public library system. Discussion Moderator: Jim Miner; Special Guest Library Representative: Library Director Karen Lemke
Aug 20, 2025 12:00 PM DMC Going Local, Thinking Big: A Conversation with Steve Grove ('DMC', 'education', 'community') How can cities grow without losing their sense of place? Join us for a thought-provoking discussion with Steve Grove—author, former Google executive, and CEO of the Star Tribune—as he sits down with DMC Executive Director Patrick Seeb to explore how communities like Rochester can grow with equity, health, and purpose. Grove will share insights from his new memoir, How I Found Myself in the Midwest, and reflect on leadership, reinvention, and what it takes to thrive in today’s world. Books will be available on-site from Garden Party Books. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about the future of Rochester and the power of local leadership
Aug 19, 2025 05:00 PM Nonprofit Big Brothers Big Sisters Open House ('mentoring',)
Aug 16, 2025 12:00 PM Back to School Block Party 2025 ('youth', 'education', 'community engagement') Community organizers are gearing up for Rochester’s annual Back to School Block Party, a beloved community event that supports local families and helps students start the school year with confidence.
Aug 13, 2025 11:00 AM Bullpen | Mayo Clinic Pitch Fest ('EDA', 'STEM', 'America City for Health', 'DMC', 'Health') This is an opportunity to introduce yourself to an elite ecosystem of Life Science Dealmakers to share your expertise and innovations:
Aug 14, 2025 05:30 PM Olmsted County M.O.V.E.: Multicultural Resource Community Center Presentation ('community engagement', 'CMRC', 'key', 'public sector work product') Presentation to Olmsted County M.O.V.E. Council Culture Center Proposal
Aug 13, 2025 10:00 AM Rochester Housing Alliance Aug 13, 2025 ('RAF', 'housing', 'governance', 'openbeam', 'key') Half Year Real Estate Stats; Presentation/Discussion: Maxfield 2025 Housing Needs Update
Jul 29, 2025 09:30 AM One Minnesota Listening Tour – Rochester Stop ('commerce', 'education', 'diversity', 'Diversity Council') This summer, we’re traveling across the state to listen, connect, and co-create. Join us in Rochester for a day designed to deepen community dialogue, foster regional partnerships, and surface insights that will shape how Minnesota engages across differences, distance, and more.
Jul 22, 2025 09:30 AM July 2025 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
Jul 19, 2025 04:30 PM ICAM: Utsav 2025 (Festival of Colors) ('Culture', 'Diversity') 5K Run/Walk; DJ Music/Dance, Food Mela, Color Splash
Document Actions
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.



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