City of Rochester Begins Work on the Unified Development Code

The City of Rochester is currently updating the Unified Development Code (UDC). The UDC is the City’s zoning ordinance, which directs how private property can be used. For example, a zoning ordinance allocates acceptable areas within Rochester for residential uses, commercial uses, industrial...

10/05/2020 11:25 AM

City Provides Supports for Women Minority Veteran Business Enterprise with Three Business Focused CARES Funded Grants

Three City of Rochester grant programs are helping local businesses, especially those owned by women, minorities, and veterans. Earlier this year, City Council approved a plan to use three grant programs to allocate more than $1 million and prioritizing the funds for women, minority and veteran...

09/30/2020 8:13 AM

City of Rochester seeks community input for the Sustainability and Resiliency Action Plan

Residents are encouraged to provide their perspectives on their experience as a member of the Rochester community and visions for the future via a Polco Survey. The City has worked with the Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association (IMAA) to offer the survey in Arabic, Somali and Spanish.

09/25/2020 1:46 PM

Artists Selected and Announced for Local Mural Project to create Employment and Increased Vibrancy throughout the City

The City of Rochester, in partnership with RNeighbors, is pleased to share that 15 artists have been selected for the creation of permanent outdoor painted murals throughout Rochester neighborhoods in the fall of 2020. This partnership is part of the City Council’s Support for People initiative...

09/22/2020 8:26 AM

Rochester receives grant for the evaluation of the Silver Lake Power Plant as a historic site

The City of Rochester has received Minnesota Historical & Cultural Heritage Grant for the evaluation of the Silver Lake Power Plant as a historic site.

09/17/2020 2:34 PM

Early absentee voting for November 3 General Election begins September 18

The General Election will take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Early absentee voting begins September 18, 2020, both by mail and in person.

09/17/2020 8:35 AM

City Announces Launch of CARES Funded Nonprofit Relief Grant Program

The City of Rochester, in partnership with Rochester Area Foundation (RAF), announces the opening of the Nonprofit Relief Grant program. Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding will be used to support the project, as part of the City’s overall $5.1M...

09/15/2020 2:13 PM

City of Rochester Begins Recruitment Process for Next City Administrator

The City of Rochester, in partnership with search firm Baker Tilly, have started the recruitment process for the next City Administrator. The position is available due to current City Administrator Steve Rymer’s decision to relocate closer to family. It is the intent of the City Council to have...

09/15/2020 7:51 AM

Information Regarding Homicide Case in Rochester, MN

On September 13, 2020, at approximately 1:41 p.m., the Rochester Police Department received a call of a possible deceased person at 402 31st St NE, Olympik Village Apartments. Officers responded to the apartment and located a 23 year old deceased female and a two year old deceased female...

09/14/2020 1:16 PM

East Center Street and 11 Avenue NE/SE Intersection Improvements Virtual Open House and Public Engagement Portal is now live

The Public Works Department has launched a Virtual Open House and Public Engagement Portal for the East Center Street and 11 Avenue NE/SE Intersection Improvements Project.

09/14/2020 12:30 PM

Olmsted County and the City of Rochester celebrate Welcoming Week; encourage residents and visitors to build connections with immigrants and refugees

People of all backgrounds call Olmsted County and the City of Rochester home – including those who were not born in the United States. To recognize the importance of immigrants and refugees in our community and affirm the significance of inclusive spaces to our collective prosperity, Olmsted...

09/11/2020 8:54 AM

City of Rochester Supports Community with No Tax Levy Increase in Recommended 2021 Budget

City of Rochester teammates will provide an overview of the recommended 2021 Operating budget and 2021-2026 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) budget during the September 14, 2020 City Council Study Session. For 2021, there is no recommended tax levy increase. This is the first of a three part...

09/10/2020 3:10 PM

Rochester Ready Highlights COVID-19 Business Relief Efforts

Recognizing the value Rochester businesses bring to the local economy and the important experience they create for residents, visitors, patients and employees, several organizations, under the Rochester Ready coalition created in June of 2020, will continue to work to keep businesses viable.

09/09/2020 1:18 PM

Rochester Recreation Center ONLINE

09/08/2020 1:11 PM

RPU to Partner with the City of Rochester, Olmsted County and Three Rivers Community Action to Provide Utility Bill Relief for Residential Customers

Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) announced today a partnership with the city of Rochester, Olmsted County, and Three Rivers Community Action to provide utility bill relief for qualifying residential customers.

09/08/2020 1:10 PM

Rochester residents encouraged to apply for the Rochester Home Rehabilitation Loan Program

The Rochester Home Rehabilitation Loan Program provides deferred loans for residents to make home improvements related to health, safety and energy efficiency.

09/08/2020 8:46 AM

City of Rochester Parks & Recreation Department Announces Launch of Urban Forest Master Plan Project

The urban forest is comprised of all the trees that exist on both public and private property. Currently, tree canopy coverage city wide is 28%. The City of Rochester Parks and Recreation department is in the process of building an Urban Forest Master Plan to guide the management and growth...

09/03/2020 8:52 AM

Parks & Recreation Department Announce Community Partners for Conservation Corp Program

The City of Rochester Parks and Recreation department is pleased to announce multiple community partners have agreed to assist with staffing for the Rochester Conservation Corps, which is meant to support those impacted by COVID-19 and who are currently unemployed or underemployed. The City...

08/31/2020 5:15 PM

Mayor Encourages the Rochester Community to MOVE in September Challenge

The City of Rochester is pleased the announce Mayor Kim Norton’s Move with the Mayor September MOVE challenge. Community members are encouraged to move for 30 minutes or more each day and track their activity. Completed activity logs can be submitted to the Mayor’s Office by October 5, 2020...

08/31/2020 9:15 AM

A Milestone Met for Transportation Planning in Rochester, MN

Small Starts Federal Grant Application Advances for a Rapid Transit System

08/31/2020