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Community Events/News

Start Date Title Tags Description
Jun 27, 2024 10:00 AM Free Legal Consulation with Immigration Lawers () Immigration lawyers will offer free legal consultations exclusively for asylum seekers by appointment
Jun 26, 2024 06:30 PM Sixth Street bridge project update planned at second open house ('community engagement',) A public open house to provide updates on Rochester’s Sixth Street bridge and riverfront improvement project is planned for June 26.
Jun 25, 2024 04:00 PM 2024 Village Farmers Market Kickoff ('time-sensitive', 'Diversity', 'CMRC') Farmer's Markets start on Tuesday June 25, 4 - 7 pm, and run all Tuesdays through early October.
Jun 25, 2024 01:00 PM Compassion Story Telling at RochesterFest ('compassion', 'community') Compassionate Rochester MN hosts 5 individuals who will share a story of receiving compassion with a tragic loss, growing compassion as immigrants making a home in Rochester, and responding with a compassionate heart in the culture of service in our community.
Jun 25, 2024 01:00 PM June 2024 Rochester Vision 2050 Community Engagement ('co-design', 'governance', 'community', '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.
Jun 24, 2024 04:30 PM CMRC June 2024 Meeting ('diversity', 'disability', 'community', 'c2c', 'key', 'CMRC', 'united way') CMRC Updates, ISAIAH; Three Rivers Community Actions on Housing; Mobilizing Olmsted County Voices for Equity; Vision 2050
Jun 23, 2024 12:00 PM 2024 Walk Around the World ('diversity', 'imaa', 'youth', 'Culture', 'education') In partnership with IMAA, Walk Around the World celebrates the multicultural diversity that represents Olmsted County and celebrates the contributions that refugees and immigrants bring to the community. The event also recognizes World Refugee Day that occurs on June 20th. Join us for cultural performances, ethnic food, vendors, and cultural and community agency booths. This fun, FREE family event is on June 22, 2024, from 12-4pm with a rain date of June 23, 2024. There will be plenty of activities to keep your kids active and entertained!
Jun 20, 2024 06:00 PM ISAIAH Vote Yes for Our Schools ('education',) Campaign Summit & Training
Jun 20, 2024 05:00 PM PossAbilities: The Art of Theatre - Skills Class ('diversity', 'disability', 'art', 'community') Skilled actress and theater director Amanda Leyawiin is partnering with PossAbilities for a fun night of improv and learning theatrical skills.
Jun 19, 2024 02:00 PM NAACP: Juneteenth 2024 Virtual Edition – Launches Tomorrow at 2 PM ('diversity', 'community engagement') ROCHESTER, Minn. — The Rochester Branch of the NAACP is excited to announce that it will be launching a virtual Juneteenth edition tomorrow on June 19th at 2 PM. This virtual edition that will be live on Rochester NAACP’s website provides an opportunity for all community members, and well as those who may have missed last Saturday’s 19th annual community celebration due to weather related concerns.
Jun 19, 2024 09:30 AM Juneteenth Jubilee Breakfast ('diversity',) Come join us for a morning of celebration and unity at the Empire Event Center. Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast spread. Juneteenth or “Freedom Day” is a day of recognition, restoration and celebration.
Jun 16, 2024 01:00 PM Punch 9 for Harold Washington Feature Documentary ('diversity', 'community', 'civic engagement', 'Diversity', 'NAACP') Supported by the Office of the Mayor, Rochester City DEI, in partnership with the NAACP
Jun 13, 2024 10:00 AM Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemoration ('veterans',) Vietnam-era Veterans and their families, allies of the United States during the Vietnam War and all Minnesotans who wish to thank our Veterans.
Jun 15, 2024 12:00 PM Juneteenth 2024 Freedom Day-Love Wins ('diversity', 'Culture', 'NAACP') Join us and the community for a fantastic fun filled family event with the community, sponsors, and community collaborators. Juneteenth is very important to the African American community and is a day to honor the emancipation of slavery back in 1865.
Jun 13, 2024 08:00 AM 2024 Next Level Conference: TOGETHER, FASTER AND STRONGER ('Education', 'Diversity', 'Entrepreneurship') Welcome to REIMAGINE, the annual gathering of professionals, experts, business owners, and thought leaders in the business sector. Our conference is a unique platform where people come together to exchange ideas, build networks, and foster lasting partnerships. This year’s inaugural event promises to be bigger and better than other events you’ve been to thus far, with an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops, and ending with an expo.
Jun 13, 2024 06:00 PM Homes for Our Neighbors - What if we treated housing like a human right? ('Housing', 'ISAIAH', 'key') In 2020, Olmsted County was forecast to need 18,000 additional units of housing by 2030. With higher growth due to Mayo Clinic’s expansion, the need will be even greater. Olmsted County is a leader in Minnesota for its commitment to locally-owned and -controlled housing. On June 13, come learn more about how Olmsted County is leading, and call on our county commissioners and local partners to dream even bigger to address our community’s urgent need for affordable, healthy, and climate-friendly homes.
Jun 13, 2024 05:30 PM June Valuing Others Together Thursday Night Lights ('civic engagement',) Digging Deeper...Awesome Questions to discuss with a new friend
Jun 13, 2024 03:00 PM June 2024 Rochester Vision 2050 Community Engagement ('governance', 'community', '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.
Jun 13, 2024 01:00 PM 2Q 2024 June Health HAPP Meeting ('CHNA', 'community', 'Health/Wellness', 'Health', 'public sector work product', 'key', 'health work product') Mobilizing Olmsted Voices for Equity (M.O.V.E.) Update, LGBTQIA+ Co-Design Work Discussion, 2024 CHAP Satisfaction Survey, Community Announcements and Sharing
Jun 12, 2024 12:00 PM Investing in Community: Equitable Planning and Design Strategies in the Twin Cities and Beyond ('DMC', 'Diversity', 'Housing', 'key', 'CMRC') As Rochester continues to grow, how can equitable design and planning strategies be utilized to help communities realize the benefits of improvements that are happening in their communities? This presentation will speak to anti-displacement strategies being utilized in the Rondo neighborhood of St. Paul, MN, through the Reconnect Rondo initiative; equitable engagement strategies in Rochester and El Paso, and the way that culture and context can shape park design in Denton, TX. The presentation is intended to start a conversation about how Rochester can learn from these projects and other initiatives to achieve equitable and restorative development.
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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.



City Council and Mayor-Better Public Hearing Meeting

Aug 10, 2026 Study Session: Video, Presentation, Reports

Feb 9, 2026 Study Session: Report, Video, Presentation; Summarizing interviews, survey responses, scorecard and public forum 

Last Updated August 11, 2026



2026 City of Rochester: 2020 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Updates

Aug 10, 2026 City Council Study Session :The accompanying reports and presentation demonstrate how departments are integrating equity into their everyday work.   

Last Updated August 09, 2026



CHATEAU THEATRE OPERATING ANALYSIS UPDATE

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 August 09, 2026



Air Quality News

Aug 2026: Rochester Air Quality Alliance Marks Mid-Year Progress on Community Air Quality Initiatives

Sep 2025: The City of Rochester is offering another set of workshops to help residents improve indoor air quality, reduce utility costs, and enhance housing safety.

Last Updated August 07, 2026



Community Health Improvement Plan Priorities and Updates

2027 - 2029 Health Planning Improvement Priorities

2026 CHNA Newsletters: Jul 2026Jan 2026, 

2025 Newsletters: Admin Message, Oct 2025 Newsletter 

Ref: PB Report

Last Updated July 23, 2026



Housing as an Element of America's City for Health

Jul 2026: PB reporting -- Downtown population and housing boom

Sep 2025: DMC Housing Presentation at Rochester Housing Alliance September, 2025 Meeting 

  • Video Recording
  • Presentation Slides

Last Updated July 21, 2026



America's City for Heath and Older Adults Needs

Jul 2026: AARP Tech and Agining 

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 July 20, 2026



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