Our Priorities

Rochester is a City that cares. Where all people are treated with dignity and respect. Where residents, employees, and visitors enjoy a high quality of life. Where business and industry thrive, and where the land and environment are renewed and sustained for the benefit of all. It is a welcoming and diverse community. 

• Renowned for its reputation as a center for growth and innovation.
• Characterized by its safe and friendly neighborhoods.
• Committed to health and wellness for its people.
• Connected both physically and socially.
• Dedicated to the sustainable and responsible use of public resources.

In everything that we do, we are committed to the application of these foundational principles. These are the lenses through which we approach our work on a daily basis.

• Compassion
• Fiscal Responsibility and Sustainability
• Inclusive Decision-Making
• Public Safety
• Quality Services
• Social Equity

A vibrant, compassionate, innovative team.

These are the major areas in which we will focus our resources and initiatives to make progress over the next few years.

Economic Resilience

Rochester will foster a dynamic economy by supporting local businesses and attracting new investments while preserving our core economic base.

Housing Access

Rochester will promote policies that support access to a range of housing types to meet the needs of all residents.

Inclusive Growth Management

Rochester will guide growth responsibly by balancing economic development and infrastructure planning with community needs.

Responsible Environmental Stewardship

Rochester will strive to protect our natural resources, integrate environmental responsibility in all City operations, and promote responsible environmental action throughout the community.   

Transformational Capital Projects

Rochester will deliver on major investments and infrastructure projects that will enhance our quality of life for generations to come.

The 2026 Legislative Priorities were adopted by the Rochester City Council on November 17, 2025.

State Priorities

• East Zumbro Sewer and Water Infrastructure for Housing (Bonding)
• Chateau Theater Liquor License Streamlining
• Operations Funding for Bus Rapid Transit in Greater MN
• Local Government Aid & Providing Regional Public Services
• Housing Access
• Resources for Continued Water Quality and Responsible Environmental Stewardship
• Transportation
• Energy, Sustainability & Responsible Environmental Stewardship

Federal Priorities

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Program for assessment and redevelopment of vacant parcels
• USDOT programs such as Bus & Bus Facilities Program, BUILD, Electric Vehicle charging, and other sources that would continue to advance transportation priorities around mode shift and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and community infrastructure investments. 
• National Parks Service (NPS) programs for parks, historic preservation, trails, park development, and/or riverfront development
• National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) funding for public music, alley activation, and community programming and needs related to department mission and council priorities
• Department of Energy and other energy/sustainability related programs that could include affordable housing components, airport energy efficiency, public private partnership opportunities, advanced metering infrastructure, smart thermostats, stormwater management, and other similar aims.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) programs such for individual and public assistance after emergency impacts.
• Congressionally directed spending requests that align with council adopted capital improvement plan, council priorities and council action.

*List subject to updates as opportunities become available that align with city priorities.