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Community Events/News

Start Date Title Tags Description
May 16, 2026 12:00 PM 2026 Rochester PRIDE ('community engagement', 'Diversity', 'LGBTQ+') Join us for five fabulous hours of live entertainment, family-friendly fun, and community celebration in the heart of our city.
May 16, 2026 01:00 PM RPS Oskate Wacipi (to play powow) ('education', 'community engagement') Join us at John Marshall High School in celebrating youth, culture, and community! Rochester Public Schools' annual powwow is a community gathering with drumming, dancing, youth recognition, and unique Native-made crafts and food such as frybread tacos.
May 14, 2026 10:15 AM 2026 MaxAbility Reverse Job Fair () An opportunity to tap into a diverse workforce of candidates who are ready to transition from school to work
May 13, 2026 12:00 PM PossAbilities: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow ('city', 'dmc', 'diversity', 'transit', 'key', 'community engagement') This presentation will cover the rich history of PossAbilities and the mission at hand. PossAbilities creates opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to contribute to and connect with the community. A mission that has stayed strong and consistent, which leads us to our vision for the future: the Achievement Hub.
May 13, 2026 10:00 AM Rochester Area Housing Alliance May 2026 ('RAF', 'Housing', 'housing', 'key') Welcome & Greeting – Partner Spotlight; Introduction to Two Discovery Square; Update: Q1 Real Estate Stats;
May 12, 2026 10:00 AM FAMILY ENGAGEMENT POLICY MEETING ('Education', 'community engagement') Connect with parents and caregivers of students attending RPS Title I Schools.
May 07, 2026 08:30 AM Southeast Minnesota Community Mental Health and Wellness Conference ('mental health', 'Health') The annual Southeastern Minnesota Conference on Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing is designed primarily for community members to learn, connect with local resources, and support their overall mental wellness, with providers warmly welcomed to attend and share the event with those they serve. This year’s theme, Breaking Silence, Building Strength, emphasizes a collective effort to raise awareness, provide education, and reduce mental health stigma.
May 02, 2026 08:00 AM Rochester Fire Department to Host “Women Explore Fire Day Minnesota” () The Rochester Fire Department (RFD) is partnering with fire departments across Southeast Minnesota - Region 15 for Women Explore Fire Day Minnesota, a coordinated statewide initiative designed to introduce women to careers and volunteer opportunities in the fire service.
Apr 30, 2026 05:00 PM Disparity Awareness Project ('diversity', 'Housing', 'Health') Be part of real policy change and better resources for Black Minnesotans
Apr 30, 2026 04:00 PM Dream. Build. Belong Club House Model ('mental health', 'Health') A possibility of bringing a Clubhouse right here to Rochester — and your voice can help shape what that looks like! This is still in the early stages, and community input is essential in determining whether this vision moves forward.
Apr 28, 2026 11:30 AM Black Legacy Book Signing ('Health/Wellness', 'Health', 'community health') Join Pastor Andre Crockett, founder of Barbershop Social Services, at Griot Arts for a book signing of his book, Rochester Black Legacy.
Apr 25, 2026 10:00 AM 2026 Cambodian New Year Celebration ('Culture', 'diversity') On behalf of the Board of Directors of The Buddhist Society, Inc., Watt Dhamma Visudhi Karam, it is our great honor to respectfully invite Your Excellency to attend our Cambodian New Year Celebration.
Apr 23, 2026 07:00 PM HOUSING THE UNHOUSED ROCHESTER HOUSING UPDATE FORUM ('Housing', 'key', 'Homelessness') Update on Any Path Home with Courtney Dugstad; MICAH- Introduction to housing initiatives by MICAH; Perspectives on Homelessness in Rochester
Apr 21, 2026 12:30 PM Falls prevention and emergency preparedness workshop ('aging', 'Health') Olmsted and Goodhue County residents ages 55 and older are invited to a free Falls Prevention and Emergency Preparedness Workshop on Tuesday, April 21
Apr 20, 2026 10:00 AM ELECTRIC POWER WILL THERE BE ENOUGH IN 2030 – 2035 – 2040? ('governance',) PEOPLES ENERGY COOPERATIVE PRESENTERS: GWEN STEVENS, PEOPLE'S ENERGY COOPERATIVE; TIM McCOLLOUGH, ROCHESTER PUBLIC UTILITIES
Apr 19, 2026 05:30 PM Stories from Minnesota: We Belong ('ACHLA', 'Diversity') Award-winning storytellers, podcasters, speakers, etc. Fundraiser for ACHLA & SMIILD toward instability & legal defense of local immigrants.
Apr 18, 2026 10:00 AM What's The Difference? Condos, Townhomes, and Cooperatives ('aging', 'Housing', 'Health/Wellness') Join Jim to learn about the housing alternatives for seniors within our community. He
Apr 15, 2026 09:30 AM RAVA 2026 Annual Spring Volunteer Fair ('community engagement',) The Rochester Area Volunteer Administrators are happy to invite you to participate in our Annual Spring Volunteer Fair! It will take place on Wednesday, April 15th, at 125 Live. The Volunteer Fair will be open to the public from 9:30 am- 12:30 pm. Set-up for participating organizations will start at 9 am. There is free parking available at 125 Live.
Apr 14, 2026 10:00 AM Apr 2026 RPS Family Engagement ('RPS', 'education', 'diversity', 'key', 'Education') Raising Kids in a Digital World, with a presentation and conversation facilitated by Jodi Dworkin, Ph.D., from the University of Minnesota.
Apr 12, 2026 03:00 PM Still We Rise: Rochester's Black Legacy with Pastor Andre Crockett ('diversity',) Join Rev. Andre Crockett of Barbershop Social Services to discuss his new book Rochester Black Legacy. The book collects stories of the local Black community in Rochester and how they shaped our city's history.
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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.



Lifestyle Wellness

Jul 2026: Brain Health Series Workshops

Apr 2026: Rochester Mayor Proclamation 

March 2020: Rochester Mayor Proclamation  

Lotus Health Foundation Workshops 

Last Updated July 17, 2026



Sports Complex Phase 2 - Indoor Facilities

Jul 13, 2026: City Council Study Session - Funding Options for Indoor Phase 2 

Apr 27, 2026 City Council Study Session Community Engagement Rochester Regional Sports Center, Stadium & Sports Fields

Last Updated July 14, 2026



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