Community Events/News

Start Date Title Tags Description
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.
Apr 19, 2024 05:00 PM RPS School Board Listening Session ('Education', 'community') Hosted by Pamoja Women
Apr 19, 2024 11:30 AM Panel Session for Still We Rise: Rochester’s Black Legacy ('community',) This special event is open to all community members, while centering black voices and lived experiences. Lunch will be provided by Jersey Jo’s. Registration is required for food planning purposes. Please use the link below to register.
Apr 17, 2024 07:00 PM Barbershop Talk: Racism in Rochester ('diversity', 'community') Moderators: Bud Whitehorn, Andre Crockett, Tawonda Burks; In response to the racial slur written in cups on a bridge crossing East Circle drive near Century High school this weekend, a group of our local community leaders are coming together to have a conversation about racism in Rochester at a Community Town Hall. This event will be Wednesday from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Century High School.
Apr 17, 2024 04:00 PM Community Involvement Session: Candidate Training ('Education', 'Diversity') Join United Way of Olmsted County and BIPOC community leaders for a training for individuals interested in running for office
Apr 16, 2024 05:00 PM Journie: Open Road Workshop ('youth', 'Education', 'diversity', 'CMRC') The main objective is to enhance access to higher education opportunities for minorities and low-income families in Olmsted County.
Apr 13, 2024 10:00 AM Our Kids and Our Future: A Vision for Rochester Public Schools ('youth', 'Education', 'tech', 'community')
Apr 11, 2024 06:30 PM Stories Embracing Inclusion with Compassion ('community engagement',) Meeting Hunger with Compassion
Apr 10, 2024 12:00 PM Empowering Women in the Workplace ('DMC', 'Diversity', 'CMRC', 'key') Heather will provide a brief overview of the significant legislative milestones enacted by the Minnesota Legislature since women's Suffrage. Additionally, she will delve into Minnesota-specific data concerning women, shedding light on pertinent details regarding recent legislation and its implications for women in the workforce.
Apr 10, 2024 10:00 AM April 10, 2024 Coalition for Rochester Area Housing Alliance: "Rural Trends 2024: Housing Supply and Demand" ('RAF', 'housing', 'openbeam', 'key') "Rural Trends 2024: Housing Supply and Demand" (Ben Winchester from the U of M Extension office) "Economic Vitality Funding Update" (Taryn Edens, City of Rochester)
Apr 09, 2024 10:00 AM RPS April 2024 Family Engagement Meeting ('RPS', 'diversity', 'rps', 'community', 'key', 'education') Youth Voice & Student Leadership, with a presentation facilitated by Sarah-Louise Henry, RPS Coordinator of Youth Empowerment, Department of Equity and Engagement.
Apr 04, 2024 06:00 PM 2025 Minnesota Joint Disparity Study Public Forum 2 ('diversity', 'Entrepreneurship')
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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 InTheCityForGood@gmail.com 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 DBeal@familyservicerochester.org 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.



2024-25 Positive Behavior Data Review and Initiatives Update

July 15, 2025 RPS Board Updates

AI Summary of data

PB Editorial

Last Updated August 02, 2025



Graham Park Exhibition Center Construction

Groundbreaking Construction began Wednesday on a $48.7 million project at Graham Park, Rochester. The centerpiece is an 80,000-square-foot exhibition center with a performance arena seating 1,500 people.

Last Updated August 01, 2025



Rochester Sports and Recreation Complex

July 28, 2025 City Council Study Session 

Last Updated July 26, 2025



LINK - Bus Rapid Transit New Budget Increase

DMCC Special Board Meeting July 22, 2025 Approving Budget Increase

City Council July 20, 2025 New Budget Increase: A nearly $73.2 million contract for construction of key elements of Rochester’s Link Bus Rapid Transit project is spurring a call for added transit aid.

Last Updated July 24, 2025



2024 Housing Coalition Investments

July 2025 Reports

May 2025 Reporting on 2024 Investments:

$8,491,000 supporting 11 projects totaling over $77M

Last Updated July 18, 2025



RPS 5 Year Budget Reduction Strategy

RPS Board Presentation July 15, 2025 

AI generated summary of budget reduction strategy 

Last Updated July 16, 2025



Future Development of Graham Park

OLMSTED COUNTY Commissioners to review exhibition center construction contracts

PB Editorial - Need to include Seneca Site and County/City planning together

PB Reporting on background of the project including engaging local governments 

 

Last Updated July 15, 2025



Mayflower mixed housing project

Mayflower mixed housing project summary 

North side of Second Street Southwest across the street from Ronald McDonald House.

Last Updated July 12, 2025



Life Style Medicine Podcasts

Energy Medicine

Rochester Clinic featured on The Exam Room podcast by Chuck Carroll alongside Rochester's Mayor Kim Norton.

 

Last Updated July 05, 2025



DMC 2015-2025 Review and Next 10 Years

DMC’s next decade will focus on deepening its impact—through infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and community engagement—while continuing to support Rochester’s evolution into a vibrant, health-focused destination.

Last Updated July 01, 2025



Mayo Clinic Platform 2025 Conference

June 3–4 in Minneapolis, PlatforMed 2025 Proceedings

Featuring: leaders from Google, Thrive Global, Mount Sinai, Nvidia, and the Gates Foundation. 

Last Updated June 27, 2025



MN 2025 Joint Disparity Study — External Stakeholder Group Meeting

Copilot Analysis and Summary of City of Rochester Procurement Profile Summary

Copilot Analysis and Summary of Hennepin County Procurement Profile Summary

Comparison between Hennepin County and Rochester 

Last Updated June 26, 2025



Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN)

Spring 2025 Nonprofit News

Financial Planning; Federal Funding Importance; Nonprofit Services; etc

Last Updated June 25, 2025



City of Rochester 2026-2027 Budget Planning

June 23, 20225 Study Session: 2026 Capital Improvement Plan & Outside Agency Funding Budget Update

May 27, 2025 City Council Study Session ; Apr 28, 2025 City Council Study Session Materials

Press Release: The City of Rochester is beginning its 2026-2027 budget process and invites residents to learn more about the factors shaping the City’s financial outlook.

Last Updated June 23, 2025



2025-2026 RPS Budget and 2026-27 Cut Projection

The Rochester School Board has officially approved a $445 million budget for the 2025–26 school year, setting the stage for a year of stability and strategic investment in local education. 

RPS 2026-2027 Budget Cut Projection

 

Last Updated June 22, 2025



Rochester International Relations Committee

Activities

1H 2025 Meeting Materials

Sister City Trip Log 

Last Updated June 21, 2025



NAACP, Rochester Chapter

Juneteenth 2025 Celebration Report 

Rochester NAACP Statement on Racist Hate Incident Targeting Black Child in Public Park

Last Updated June 20, 2025



Multicultural Center Concept Enablement

One Page Summary of Concept - Fact Sheet

Detailed Project Description

Last Updated June 17, 2025



Financial Aid Support Sessions

2025 Summer Financial Aid Sessions  

Locations: RCTC, Rochester Public Library

Information for CBO hosting Financial Aid Sessions

Last Updated June 14, 2025



State Funding Supports Silver Lake Skate Park and Traffic Calming Grants

June 10, 2025 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – The City of Rochester is grateful for state funding and legislative actions this session that will help enhance public spaces and improve quality of life for residents.

Last Updated June 11, 2025