You are here: Home / Community Events/News

Community Events/News

Start Date Title Tags Description
May 09, 2024 05:00 PM Journie: Open Road Workshop 2 ('youth', 'Education', 'diversity', 'CMRC') The main objective is to enhance access to higher education opportunities for minorities and low-income families in Olmsted County.
May 09, 2024 08:30 AM Southeast Minnesota Community Mental Health and Wellness Conference ('mental health', 'education', 'Health')
May 09, 2024 09:00 AM Women of Wellness (WOW) Conference 2024 ('diversity', 'community engagement') Forge meaningful connections with like-minded individuals, as you share in the collective journey towards greater well-being and fulfillment
May 08, 2024 12:00 PM Working Toward Equality for Minnesotans of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage ('DMC', 'Diversity', 'Housing', 'Asian', 'key', 'CMRC') The Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans is an executive branch, non-cabinet agency tasked with the responsibility of working for the implementation of economic, social, legal, and political equality of Asian Pacific Minnesotans. The council serves Minnesota’s Asian Pacific Islander communities through advocacy, engagement, and cultivating strong partnerships.
May 08, 2024 10:00 AM May 2024 Coalition for Rochester Area Housing Alliance (1st Generation Down Payment Assistance Program ) ('RAF', 'housing', 'openbeam', 'key') Presentation & Discussion: 1st Generation Down Payment Assistance Program
May 07, 2024 10:00 AM MDH: Improving community and belonging through community design process ('community engagement', 'mental health', 'co-design') How can we improve community mental well-being and happiness through community co-design? Learn about three very different community development projects that improved the mental well-being of local communities through human centered design process.
May 04, 2024 09:00 AM Tenth Annual Earthfest Export ('sustainability', 'MPR') While the impacts of climate change are increasingly coming into focus in Minnesota, many of us are left wondering how we can help accelerate action and solutions to the challenges of climate change. From collective action to developing a climate solutions mindset, this talk will explore the multitude of opportunities we all have to help accelerate climate action in our communities, and beyond.
Apr 30, 2024 06:30 PM Recap of the Rochester Disagreeing Better Workshop ('civic engagement',) We will review and practice skills from the Disagreeing Better Workshop held April 24 in Rochester. This meeting is open to all, even if you don’t attend the April 24 event. You don’t need to be a Braver Angels member. The event is free, though donations are welcomed.
Apr 30, 2024 05:30 PM DMC: How Parking Explains the World ('DMC', 'transportation', 'transit', 'key', 'ISAIAH') Author Henry Grabar ignited a national discussion with his book Paved Paradise, a discussion that recently had him cited by the White House.
Apr 30, 2024 03:00 PM 2024 Rochester Area Volunteer Fair ('community engagement',) Discover how you can take action and share your talents through volunteering
Apr 29, 2024 03:30 PM Study Session: Rapid Transit & West Transit Village/DMC Update ('transit', 'transportation', 'key') Project Schedule, FTA Critical Path; City/Mayo Agreements; Communications Planning; DMC Updates (Business Development; Historic District)
Apr 27, 2024 01:00 PM Free Dermatology Clinic By ZVMS ('Health', 'Financial Stress') Funded by United Way of Olmsted County, Services include: Skin & Spot Checks, Foot Care, Acne, Skin infections & rashes
Apr 25, 2024 06:00 PM The Power of Encouragement ('Civic Equity', 'community engagement') Special Guest: Gwendolyn Amstutz First Lady of Encouragement Healthcare Administration; Additional Guest: Dr. Kent Pekel Rochester Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Pekel is a Master Encourager of students, parents, and teachers.
Apr 25, 2024 05:30 PM VIRTUAL COMMUNITY FORUM ON YOUTH SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION ('Health', 'community') Virtual Community Forum on Youth Substance Use Prevention! We are a dedicated team committed to fostering community dialogue and promoting awareness about the critical issue of youth substance use.
Apr 24, 2024 06:00 PM Skills for Disagreeing Better Convened by Braver Angels, MPR and UMR ('UMR', 'MPR', 'openbeam', 'key', 'civic engagement') • More understanding of the values and concerns of people who differ from you politically • Better skills for listening in a way so that the other person feels heard • Better skills for sharing viewpoints in a way the other person might hear -- even if they disagree
Apr 24, 2024 09:30 AM DMC 2024 Real Estate Developer and Investment Summit ('EDA', 'community engagement', 'housing', 'key', 'real estate') Welcome to the 2024 Real Estate Developer and Investment Summit presented by Destination Medical Center and ULI Minnesota! Join us on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at the Mayo Civic Center for an exciting day of networking and learning about the scale and scope of opportunities in Rochester, MN. At this event, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with real estate developers and investment professionals from around the region. Whether you’re an experienced investor or just starting out, this summit is designed to provide valuable insights and opportunities specific to the Rochester, MN market.
Apr 23, 2024 01:00 PM April 2024 Rochester Vision 2050 Community Engagement ('co-design', 'governance', 'community', 'key', 'openbeam') Our city has undertaken a broad array of initiatives to create a bright future for her citizens and constituencies. These should be guided by a clear, optimistic, aspirational vision. 2050: Far enough for limitless possibilities; close enough to begin today to serve Rochester’s next generation and beyond. Vision 2050 Steering Committee guides this initiative A large volunteer group will put “Vision in Action”, using co-design to engage the community to share ideas and priorities for Rochester’s future.
Apr 22, 2024 05:00 PM Community Townhall Uplifting Student Voices ('community health', 'diversity', 'community') Convened by NAACP, Rochester, MN
Apr 22, 2024 04:30 PM CMRC April 22, 2024 Meeting ('diversity', 'openbeam', 'key', 'Diversity', 'CMRC') Topics: City of Rochester DEI Action Plan Updates ; CMRC Collaboration Status
Apr 20, 2024 11:00 AM NAACP Not In Our Town ('Diversity', 'community') We, the Rochester Branch of the NAACP, stand united in condemning the recent hateful incident involving the use of a racial slur against black and brown people in the immediate vicinity of Rochester Century High School. This reprehensible act not only undermines the values of our community but also sends a disturbing message to our youth who should feel safe and respected.
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

Help
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.



Olmsted County Health Focus Topics

1Q 2026 HAPP Meeting:

Overdose SPIKE, Mental Health Club House

Last Updated March 17, 2026



DMC Private Investment Status

 Annual Report to DEED Prep 

  • Mar 2026 DMCC Exec Committee Meeting - Video Recording, PB Reporting - Private Investment Status
  • Mar 2025: DMCC Exec Committee Briefing " Overall private investment related to the Destination Medical Center initiative bounced back in 2024, but non-Mayo Clinic development continued to decline in the DMC district for the sixth year."

Last Updated March 15, 2026



Rochester Learning Center Mural Night

UMR and ALC Collaboration Research Study Introduction

The Artist Mindset Research Study

 

Last Updated March 14, 2026



City SUPPORTING TRANSFORMATION - BOLD. Forward. Unbound.

City Council Study Session:

Mar 2026 Video Recording, Presentation

Feb 2025 Video Recording Link, Presentation, Collaboration Commitment

Last Updated March 10, 2026



America's City for Heath and Older Adults Needs

Mar 2026: Tech Enabled Aging In Place Talks Postings

Oct 2025 AI Summary of Dave Beal's PB Op Ed: "Include older adults in Rochester's Plans"

Last Updated March 09, 2026



Braver Angels News

Listen to (and learn from) the other side

  • 2026 - 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 March 06, 2026



2025-26 RPS Superintendent Goals Check

Feb 3 2026 Midyear Review: 

  • Video Clip
  • Talking Points 

Last Updated March 04, 2026



Development Assistance Agreement Relating to the Citywalk Apartments for Tax Increment Financing

Mar 2, 2026: Rochester Economic Development Authority 

Approving and Authorizing the Execution of Development Assistance Agreement (Citywalk Project)

Last Updated March 03, 2026



Downtown Mobility Network

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 March 03, 2026



RPS 2030 Strategic Plan Design

Mar 3, 2026 RPS Board Meeting: Background Memo, Video Clip, Presentation 

Last Updated March 03, 2026



Public Office Candidate Trainings

Two sets of candidates training programs: 

1. Ready to Run: Community Partners Training: March 11, March 25, April 1

2. Chamber of Commerce Sponsored Training: March 7, March 28 

Last Updated February 28, 2026



City Council and Mayor-Better Public Hearing Meeting

Feb 9, 2026 Study Session: Report, Video, Presentation

Summarizing interviews, survey responses, scorecard and public forum 

Last Updated February 27, 2026



Hope at Home

Nearly $60,000 has been distributed to help prevent evictions

The Hope at Home Fund, created by Family Promise Rochester

Last Updated February 26, 2026



2026 and 2025 Action Plan Updates

Feb 2026 Action Plan Update

Jan 2025 City of Rochester’s Action Plan, first implemented in 2021, serves as our roadmap for success. It outlines current initiatives aimed at advancing City Council's Strategic Priorities. 

Last Updated February 26, 2026



Downtown Historic District Investment

Feb 23, 2026 City Council Study Session 

DMCC Board Meeting Dec 10, 2025

  • Request Memo
  • Video Recording
  • Presentation 

Last Updated February 26, 2026



Olmsted County Press Release:

We are Water MN Traveling Exhibit Feb 25 thru Apr 20, 2026: A statewide partnership that deepens connections between Minnesotans

and the water we rely on.

Last Updated February 19, 2026



Rochester Area Volunteer Administration

2026: April 15 Volunteer Fair

2023: RAVA October 19 2023 Meeting Notes; RAVA Meeting Notes: 6/15/2023 featuring inclusive language and use of pronouns; 2. 2021 survey announcement 

2021: Survey

Last Updated February 18, 2026



DMC 2025 5 Year Plan Updates

Feb 5, 2026 DMC Board Meeting: Final DMC Plan Update

Dec 15, 2025 DMC Board Meeting  :Request for Action; Video Recording; Presentation';2025 5-year plan draft

References: Nov 2025 City Council Study Session Materials; Feb 2026 DMCC Annual Report

Last Updated February 10, 2026



MDH 2026 Announcements

MDH Regional Listening Sessions March 5, 2026 

Feb 2026 MDH Minnesota Health Equity Networks Newsletter

 

Last Updated February 07, 2026



Rochester as a Compassionate City

Feb 2, 2026 City Council Meeting

Council Initiated Action - Reaffirming Rochester as a Compassionate City

Last Updated February 03, 2026