2025
1. Sep 2025
September 21, 2025
Dear Community Beam Friends,
Attached is a list upcoming events and community community news.as of today, September 21, 2025.
For the up-the--date list, please visit:
- Upcoming Community Events — Community Beam
- Noteworthy Past Community Events — Community Beam (including detailed meeting notes or recordings)
- Latest Community News — Community Beam
In particular, I'd like to call your attention to next Tuesday's "German Delegation Visits Rochester to Explore Climate, Transportation, and Economic Partnerships
| Sep 23, 2025 10:30 AM | German Delegation Visits Rochester | The City of Rochester and Olmsted County will host a delegation from Germany, led by the Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, Oliver Krischer, on Tuesday, |
Rochester-Area Community Events
Calendar View LINK
Please Contact us if you have an event to post on Beam
| Start Date | Title | Description | Location | Tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 23, 2025 09:30 AM | Sep 2025 Mayor's International Relations Committee Meeting | Coordinate the Sister Cities Program; support international affairs in the city; provide a welcoming and supportive climate for international residents | City Hall, Room 104 | ('Diversity', 'global', 'governance', 'culture', 'key', 'education') |
| Sep 23, 2025 10:30 AM | German Delegation Visits Rochester | The City of Rochester and Olmsted County will host a delegation from Germany, led by the Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, Oliver Krischer, on Tuesday, | ('culture', 'global', 'key', 'governance') | |
| Sep 23, 2025 06:00 PM | (Spanish) How to Start a Business from Scratch | Training Topics: Accounting/Budget, Business Plan, Business Start-up/Preplanning, Legal Issues, Managing a Business, Marketing/Sales, Tax Planning Description: How to Start a Business from Scratch - Part 1: In the first two classes, you will learn the fundamentals of starting a business from scratch, including conceptualizing viable business ideas and initial strategic planning. The focus will be on generating innovative ideas and evaluating their market potential using tools like the Business Model Canvas and SWOT analysis. | 221 First Ave SW, Suite 600 6th Floor of the MNBio Business Center, Rochester MN 55902-3295 | ('networking', 'diversity', 'Entrepreneurship') |
| Sep 25, 2025 09:30 AM | Sep 2025 DMCC Board Meeting | Agenda To Be Announced | Mayo Civic Center 30 Civic Center Drive SE Rochester, MN 55904 | ('DMC', 'community') |
| Sep 25, 2025 06:00 PM | Get Amped: The Basics of Electrifying Your Home By Electrify Everything MN | Learn about the steps to electrifying your home and the resources available to help at this City of Rochester-sponsored workshop. | 4001 West River Parkway NW Suite 100 Rochester, MN 55901 | ('sustainability', 'community') |
| Sep 27, 2025 11:00 AM | Oktoberfest 2025 Presented by DBS Group | Location: In the Heart of the City, on 1st Avenue between 4th Street and 2nd Street SW (Just like Thursdays Downtown). This event will be a great boost for our downtown businesses following this summer’s construction. | Peace Plaza | ('culture',) |
| Sep 30, 2025 03:00 PM | RAF - Community Grant Reviewer Orientation | Learn about the inspiring impacts of our local nonprofit organizations as you assist with reading and scoring grant applications in a selected focus area. | ('RAF',) | |
| Oct 02, 2025 04:30 PM | Journie Inc.’s Fall Open House | • D.A.P. (Data Advocacy Policy): Amplifying Black voices, addressing inequities, and advocating for just policies. • 8 Steps to Promotion: An 8-week workshop series equipping youth with essential life skills, mentorship, and advocacy. | Griot Arts, 115 N Broadway Ave, Rochester, MN 55906 | ('RPS', 'Education', 'mentoring') |
| Oct 04, 2025 09:00 AM | Sensory-Friendly Vaccination Clinic | Olmsted Medical Center is partnering with RT Autism Awareness Foundation and the Autism Society of Minnesota to vaccinate individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other sensory needs against the flu. | Olmsted Medical Center Rochester Northwest Clinic 5067 55 Street NW Rochester, MN 55901 | ('health', 'community engagement') |
| Oct 05, 2025 04:00 PM | ICAM - Garba & Dandiya Night | Get ready to dance the night away with Anushka Pandit and Bhargav Upadhyay and their group at the Garba and Dandia night at the Dance Festival of India! | Chateau Theatre, Rochester, MN | ('Culture', 'arts') |
| Oct 08, 2025 04:30 PM | Ready to Lead 2025 Fall Cohort | Ready to Lead brings together a small group of people to teach the basics of how to participate in and lead meetings, what to expect and how to contribute in a meaningful way, and the roles and responsibilities of board/committee volunteers. You’ll graduate feeling confident with your new skills; have a community mentor, and an expanded network of friends. | Rochester Area Foundation | ('networking', 'leadership', 'community engagement') |
| Oct 09, 2025 06:00 PM | SBDC - Foundations of Effective Marketing Part 1 | Marketing Success starts with clarity. Brand Identity. | SBDC Offices | ('diversity', 'health', 'Diversity', 'Entrepreneurship') |
| Oct 10, 2025 08:30 AM | Weaving a Wider Community | Seeing and countering racism in our own backyard -- Key note speakers via Zoom: Jenna Grey Eagle, Dr. Ron Ferguson; Rochester Site Guest Speaker: Justin Terell | Olmsted County Human Services Campus - Whitewater & Cascade Rooms 2100 Campus Dr. SE Rochester, MN 55904 | ('diversity', 'Diversity', 'workforce') |
| Oct 16, 2025 06:00 PM | SBDC - Foundations of Effective Marketing Part 2 | Marketing Success starts with clarity. Brand Identity. | SBDC Offices | ('diversity', 'health', 'Diversity', 'Entrepreneurship') |
| Oct 21, 2025 08:30 AM | 2025 Entrepreneurs First (E¹) Summit & Expo | Rochester, MN — IgniteMN is proud to host the 2025 Entrepreneurs First (E¹) Summit & Expo on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota – Rochester Campus. The E¹ Summit is Southeast Minnesota’s premier gathering for entrepreneurs, innovators, and community partners. This free, full-day event offers inspiration, networking, and resources for entrepreneurs at every stage—from idea to scale. | Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota – Rochester Campus | ('Entrepreneurship',) |
| Oct 22, 2025 06:00 PM | How to Start a Business - In English | Training Topics: Accounting/Budget, Business Financing, Business Plan, Business Start-up/Preplanning, Legal Issues, Managing a Business, Marketing/Sales, Tax Planning Description: How to Start a Business from Scratch - Part 2: In the final classes, you will dive into the practical implementation of your business idea, addressing key aspects such as legal and financial structure, initial marketing strategies, and preparing to launch your venture into the market. Additionally, you will learn to establish basic accounting systems and financial management to ensure operational soundness from the outset. | 221 First Ave SW, Suite 600 6th Floor of the MNBio Business Center, Rochester MN 55902-3295 | ('diversity', 'community engagement', 'Entrepreneurship') |
| Oct 23, 2025 06:00 PM | Stay Cool, Stay Warm: Heat Pumps Demystified | Learn about energy efficient air source heat pumps, their benefits, and how to choose the best option for your home. | Development Services and Infrastructure Center (4001 West River Parkway) | ('sustainability',) |
| Oct 24, 2025 05:30 PM | IMAA Pearl Gala Annual Fundraiser 2025 | United for Humanity: Building Bridges to Belonging | J. Powers at the Hilton, 3rd Floor | ('imaa', 'diversity') |
| Oct 29, 2025 08:00 AM | 2025 C2C Annual Education Summit | Join us for an inspiring day of learning and community collaboration at the Cradle 2 Career Annual Education Summit! From Insight to Impact: Shaping the Future of Our Systems. | Mayo Civic Center | ('C2C', 'education') |
| Nov 20, 2025 06:00 PM | Hot Stuff: Electrifying Water Heating, Cooking, and Clothes Drying | Learn about upgrading your home appliances to energy efficient options at this City of Rochester-sponsored workshop. | 4001 West River Parkway NW Suite 100 Rochester, MN 55901 | ('sustainability',) |
Latest Community News
September 19, 2025: Second Street LINK Transit Construction
City, DMC PSA:
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September 16, 2025: Maxfield Housing Status Report Sep 2025
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September 13, 2025: Building Bridges Discussions
Admin Messages Presentation Slides for Conversations
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September 13, 2025: Mayowood Road RedevelopmentSeptember 10, 2025 Housing Alliance Meeting
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September 13, 2025: Housing as an Element of America's City for Health
DMC Housing Presentation at Rochester Housing Alliance September, 2025 Meeting
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September 11, 2025: City of Rochester 2026-2027 Budget Planning
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September 09, 2025: Plug into the Future: A Residential Electrification JourneyThe City of Rochester is offering another set of workshops to help residents improve indoor air quality, reduce utility costs, and enhance housing safety.
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September 05, 2025: Downtown Mobility NetworkPress Release: City of Rochester Launches “Reimagining Sixth Avenue W” to Reconnect Downtown Mobility Network
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September 04, 2025: Registration for the 2025 A Litter Bit Better Fall Cleanup September 3, 2025 - ROCHESTER, MINN. – Registration is now open for the third annual A Litter Bit Better fall cleanup, continuing the effort to keep Rochester litter-free year-round. Litter collection in the fall helps prevent it from being trapped under the snow, reducing the amount of litter we see in the spring.
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September 04, 2025: Start-up Funds for International Relates Committee
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September 03, 2025: Volunteer as a Community Grant Reviewer Rochester Area Foundation (RAF) is seeking a diverse team of community reviewers to assist in reviewing nonprofit applications for our Better Communities Grants.
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September 03, 2025: The 6th Street Sessions Press Release: A series of conversations designed to dig into the components of 6th Street Bridge, Neighborhood Safety and Riverside Improvement project.
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September 02, 2025: 2025 Maxfield Report and 2024 Housing Coalition Investments
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August 30, 2025: 2024-2025 RPS Data Analysis 2024-25 Fastbridge Data Analysis and Literacy Plan Update
PB reporting on MCA
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August 30, 2025: RPS 2025 Strategic Planning UpdatersSuperintendent Goals
Strategic Planning Updaters "Rochester Public Schools kicks off rebranding effort to gain an edge in a ‘competitive environment”
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August 29, 2025: SBDC Training Fall 2025
SBDC Admin Message; More About SBDC Trainings: How to start a business, Financial Planning, Marketing SBDC Hispanic Networking |
2. Feb 2025 Events and News
| Start Date | Title | Description | Location | Tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 28, 2025 07:00 PM | The Sound of Gospel Music | The Sound of Gospel Music is an exciting, entertaining musical production that chronicles the impact of gospel music on all genres of American music from folk to big band to hip hop. During Black History month 2024, three Rochester community members attended a production of this program in Minneapolis and were inspired to bring it to Rochester. | Mayo Civic Center | ('art', 'NAACP') |
| Mar 01, 2025 11:30 AM | Common Cause: Community Townhall (A Private Event) | Directly ask your state legislators what they're doing to improve you everyday life! | Zumbro Lutheran Church | ('diversity', 'housing', 'governance', 'Culture', 'health') |
| Mar 01, 2025 12:00 PM | BLACK EXCELLENCE EXPO | Come see and support Black and Minority businesses in the local and surrounding areas | Discovery Square 2 | ('diversity', 'NAACP') |
| Mar 05, 2025 05:30 PM | Launch Coming to the Table | Coming to the Table's mission is "working together to create a just and truthful society that acknowledges and seeks to heal from the racial wounds of the past from slavery to the many forms of racism it spawned." Coming to the Table supports 50+local affiliate groups across eighteen states, including Rochester, MN. | Rochester Public Library | ('networking', 'diversity', 'civic engagement') |
| Mar 08, 2025 07:00 PM | TaikoArts Midwest | TaikoArts Midwest will perform a high-energy, all-ages event at The Historic Chateau Theatre as the culmination of their week-long Sound School residency. We hope to see you there! | Historic Chateau Theatre | ('culture', 'arts') |
| Mar 11, 2025 09:00 AM | RPS March 2025 Family Engagement Meeting: Respectful Conversations Workshop | In-person workshop called Respectful Conversations, facilitated by Amy Anderson, Executive Director for Youth Voice, from the YMCA in the twin cities. | Northrop Community Education Center | ('RPS', 'youth', 'key', 'addiction', 'education') |
| Mar 11, 2025 06:00 PM | 507 Experience Kick-off Supper (RSVP Required) | The 507 Experience will offer the people who are part of the area code 507 an opportunity to enjoy uninterrupted time visiting with friends either over coffee or "breaking bread" over a meal. | Empire Event Center | ('compassion', 'faith', 'civic engagement') |
| Mar 13, 2025 05:30 PM | Student Art Show | Any students in Rochester and the surrounding communities, from elementary age up through college can enter. We welcome all mediums! To submit art for the show: email a photo of your work, title of piece, your name and age or grade (school name optional but encouraged), medium, size, and price (if for sale) to [email protected] by February 25th. You will receive further instructions after submission. 2D art must be framed (unless it’s a canvas) and wired for wall display. Feel free to email if you have questions. No fee for student art! Submit one piece, if there is room multiple pieces will be considered. The Student Art Show Reception is March 13th and is open to all. | Gallery 24, 120 Elton Hills Dr. NW #100 | ('youth',) |
| Mar 15, 2025 10:00 AM | Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day! | Get ready for some Irish magic! ☘️ Join us for this fun family event on March 15th, 2025 from 10am - 11:15am where we will learn local history regarding St. Patrick and the Irish in MN, followed by a family art project based on historic Celtic design. Together you can create your own family monogram inspired by Celtic tradition and imagery. $5 for all participants and FREE for HCOC members. | History Center of Olmsted County | ('youth', 'education', 'community engagement') |
| Mar 15, 2025 12:30 PM | MPR Connects! Rochester Smash Boom Best | This years’ will be super-fun!! Molly Bloom, host for Brains On! will be live in Rochester for a very fun, free, children-and-family-friendly afternoon in Rochester - MPR Connects presents Smash Boom Best live! with host Molly Bloom: A Brains On! | Peace Plaza, 15 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55902 | ('youth', 'mpr', 'Education', 'community engagement') |
| Mar 15, 2025 06:00 PM | United Way of Olmsted County Centennial Gala | In celebration of our founding in 1925, get ready to step back in time to the Roaring Twenties! From live music to themed activities, you won’t want to miss this night of vintage elegance – all while supporting a great cause. | J. Powers at the Hilton in Downtown Rochester | ('community engagement',) |
| Apr 16, 2025 09:30 AM | DMC 2025 Real Estate Development and Investment Summit | Mayo Civic Center | ('housing', 'dmc', 'Entrepreneurship') | |
| May 07, 2025 08:00 AM | 507 Experience Day | Intentional Conversations that enhance relationships | Anywhere in the 507 (Phone) Area Code | ('community health', 'civic engagement') |
| Jun 07, 2025 12:00 PM | The Minnesota Juneteenth Experience | Events include: Live entertainment, mini-carnival & Youth Explorations, Health & Wellness Fair | Mayo Civic Center | ('Diversity', 'key', 'Entrepreneurship') |
Document
3. January 2025
Dear Community Friends,
Happy Lunar New Year - Year of the Snake
The following is a list of community events and news that may be of interests to you. In particular, Michon Rogers asked me to bring to your attention the Sister City Trips to Japan & Germany Conducted by Ed-Ventures Travel Jan 30, 2025 06:30 PM
Upcoming Community Events
| Jan 30, 2025 06:30 PM | Sister City Trips to Japan & Germany Conducted by Ed-Ventures Travel | On behalf of the Mayor's International Relations Committee, the purpose of the meeting is to provide information about our Japan and Germany trips and generate interest. | Little Thistle Brewery, 2031 14th St NW | ('Health/Wellness', 'diversity', 'education') |
| Feb 01, 2025 01:00 PM | Certification Workshops | Destination Medical Center, City of Rochester, Equity in the Built Environment Program, and the State of MN Appex Accelerator are partnering to host a series of Free “Certification Workshops” to help Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) and Targeted Group/Economically Disadvantaged/Veteran-Owned (TG/ED/VO) companies apply for certification. | Zoom | ('city', 'DMC', 'workforce', 'Entrepreneurship') |
| Feb 10, 2025 01:00 PM | Advancing Health Equity | Empowering Immigrant and Refugee Communities | Hill Theater, RCTC Campus | ('health', 'diversity') |
| Feb 11, 2025 10:00 AM | RPS Feb 2025 Family Engagement Meeting: RPS Chemical Health Counseling | During this session, our team of RPS Chemical Health Counselors will share insights into their work and its connection to families. This is a valuable opportunity to learn how they support students, access helpful resources for families, and partner with family-facing staff. | Virtual | ('RPS', 'education', 'key') |
| Feb 15, 2025 05:30 PM | UMR Black Student Union: Ebony Night | Harlem Nights Roaring 20s | Chateau Theatre | ('Education', 'UMR') |
| Feb 20, 2025 07:00 PM | History Center: Seeking A New Understanding of MN's Role in the Underground Railroad | Hear about the recent discovery of documentation | History Center | ('education',) |
| Feb 28, 2025 07:00 PM | The Sound of Gospel Music | The Sound of Gospel Music is an exciting, entertaining musical production that chronicles the impact of gospel music on all genres of American music from folk to big band to hip hop. During Black History month 2024, three Rochester community members attended a production of this program in Minneapolis and were inspired to bring it to Rochester. | Mayo Civic Center | ('art', 'NAACP') |
| Mar 15, 2025 06:00 PM | United Way of Olmsted County Centennial Gala | In celebration of our founding in 1925, get ready to step back in time to the Roaring Twenties! From live music to themed activities, you won’t want to miss this night of vintage elegance – all while supporting a great cause. | J. Powers at the Hilton in Downtown Rochester | ('community engagement',) |
Community News
January 27, 2025: Channel One Winter 2025 Newsletter Overcoming Rural Food Insecurity
"At Channel One, 2024 was a record setting year. Across the region, we served over 32% more shopping visits compared to 2023 – 80% more compared to 2022."
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January 27, 2025: Local family foundation gifts $250,000 to Ronald McDonald House Per PB ePaper Reporting
ROCHESTER — Ronald McDonald House Charities Midwest has received one of its largest individual donations to date, courtesy of a local foundation, the charity announced Thursday, Jan. 23, at its Rochester house.
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January 25, 2025: Rochester International Relations Committee1. 2025 Sister City Trips: Japan, Germany
2. Rochester Sister City Application (Roles and Responsibilities) 3. Meeting Info: Dec 2024 Meeting Minutes; Dec 2025 Mtg Agenda
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January 21, 2025: 2024 – 2026 OLMSTED COUNTY COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CHIP) A Collaborative Community Effort Led by: Olmsted County Public Health Services, Olmsted Medical Center, and Mayo Clinic
The Community Health Assessment and Planning (CHAP) Process is about improving the health and well-being of residents in Olmsted County. Every three years the community conducts a health needs assessment to determine Olmsted County’s health priorities; formulate a plan to address the needs; and publish an annual progress report. Olmsted County Public Health Services, Mayo Clinic, and Olmsted Medical Center engage with diverse partners across our community to lead this process.
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January 21, 2025: Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation Guidebook W.K. Kellogg Foundation Publication: Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation Guidebook: "Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) is a proven method for activating our collective dreams for our children. It enables communities to look at the root cause of the issues children and families face, namely racism; to begin healing from trauma and the embedded belief system that upholds racism; and to envision and build a more equitable future."
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January 18, 2025: Sustainability Associate Internship Opening Sustainability Associate Intern to support the Rochester Air Network (RAN) program and other sustainability initiatives.
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January 18, 2025: One Olmsted: Celebrating 2024 successes of diversity, equity, and inclusion One Olmsted – Olmsted County’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiative – is about envisioning and developing a workplace and community where everyone is treated equitably. Olmsted County staff continue to make progress toward this vision and some highlights of their work in 2024 are noted below.
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January 17, 2025: Mayor Kim Norton Participates in 93rd U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter MeetingMayor Communication January 17-19, 2025: City of Rochester Mayor Kim Norton to attend the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) 93rd Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C.
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January 16, 2025: Immigrant RIghts and immigration services Collection of Information regarding legal services for those who live or work in Southern Minnesota.
Helpful resources Links
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January 15, 2025: Rochester Branch NAACP Announces Leadership and New Executive Committee The Rochester Branch of the NAACP proudly announces the election of its new officers and Executive Committee members for terms beginning January 2025. The newly elected officers were sworn in on January 11, 2025, during the Rochester Branch NAACP Executive Leadership Retreat.
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January 13, 2025: CAAL Ignite Grant The Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL) is thrilled to announce the launch of CAAL Ignite, a new grant program offering $10,000–$15,000 to individuals, nonprofits, and small businesses in Minnesota’s Asian American community.
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January 11, 2025: $2.5 Million RAISE Grant Awarded for Planning and Design of South Broadway Avenue ImprovementsThe City of Rochester has been awarded $2.5 million in Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). This grant will support the South Broadway Avenue Planning Project, which aims to improve safety and connectivity on South Broadway Avenue between 4th Street and 9th Street Southeast. The RAISE funding will be utilized for planning and design phases of the project.
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January 08, 2025: Rise for Youth 2025 2025 Summer Program Application Open: "RISE for Youth welcomes applicants from groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in medicine and biomedical sciences including African American, Hispanic, Native American/American Indian and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander students. Additionally, students who have demonstrated an interest in supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in education, healthcare, or another related area are eligible to participate."
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January 08, 2025: West Transit Village Housing City Council Per PB reporting:
"A final plan for dividing a 14.1-acre Mayo Clinic parking lot into developable sections is expected to be reviewed Monday by the Rochester City Council. The site, being dubbed “West Transit Village,” sits between Second Street Southwest and Cascade Lake. It is currently used as a Mayo Clinic employee shuttle lot, and Mayo Clinic plans to construct a 2,500-stall parking structure."
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January 02, 2025: "Heritage language and culture teacher" PELSB is excited to announce the launch of another Heritage Language Pathway Portfolio Cohorts for teachers seeking K-12 World Languages and Cultures licensure to teach their heritage language and culture!
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January 02, 2025: Minnesota Department of Education Funding Opportunity Minnesota Multi-Purpose Community Facility Projects to Support Community Revitalization, Connectedness and Equity by Promoting Education, Work and Health – FY25
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December 30, 2024: Childcare Affordability Legislative IdeasPB ePaper Reporting: Child care costs in Minnesota are up to $16,000 for one child per year, according to a 2023 study from the Minnesota Department of Human Services — a number that places Minnesota fourth in the nation for highest child care costs, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
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December 18, 2024: Olmsted County shares 2025 budget information The 2025 budget for Olmsted County and the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) combined totals $428,667,792.
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December 16, 2024: Olmsted County rolling out new mobile crisis response process in 2025Press Release: ROCHESTER, Minn. – Mental health continues to be a top concern for Olmsted County residents. When someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, timely assistance from trained mental health professionals is critical.
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December 14, 2024: City Housing Support
Home Ownership Creation Program - Prairie Ridge: "NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Common Council of the City of Rochester, MN hereby approves the contribution of $4,000,000 to the Prairie Ridge development to support the creation of 201 for-sale homes via the Home Ownership Creation Program. PB Reporting regarding TIF $14M Requests (Sherman and Prairie Ridge) 2024-12-14
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