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

August 4, 2026 – ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA – The Rochester Air Quality Alliance (AQA), a collaborative effort between the City of Rochester, Olmsted County and Destination Medical Center, continues to advance efforts to better understand local air quality, expand public access to air quality information and strengthen collaboration among organizations working to support a healthier community.

During the first half of 2026, the AQA published its first annual report, completed a spring evaluation of its community air quality sensor network, launched a new Community Sensor Host pilot program, expanded outreach to prospective members and partners, and continued public education and communications efforts.

“The Air Quality Alliance has made significant progress over the past year, moving from establishing the foundation for this collaborative effort to implementing initiatives that increase access to local air quality information and create new opportunities for community participation,” said Kayla Betzold, Sustainability Coordinator with the City of Rochester. “The work underway in 2026 will help us better understand the needs of our sensor network, strengthen community partnerships and guide the future direction of the Alliance.”

Earlier this year, the AQA published its first annual report on its website, highlighting progress made during 2025, including the expansion of Rochester’s community air quality sensor network and formalized collaboration among participating organizations.

This spring, the AQA also completed its annual evaluation of the PurpleAir sensors that make up its community monitoring network. Sensors were temporarily co-located with regulatory-grade monitoring equipment operated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to evaluate sensor performance and data quality. Results from the evaluation are helping the Alliance assess the long-term needs of the network and explore sensor technologies and monitoring approaches that can provide reliable, accessible air quality information to the community.

The Alliance also launched a new Community Sensor Host pilot program, creating opportunities for local organizations and neighborhood groups to host PurpleAir sensors and participate directly in Rochester’s air quality monitoring network. The pilot is intended to increase community engagement, expand awareness of local air quality conditions and strengthen connections between the sensor network and the neighborhoods it serves.

During the remainder of 2026, the Alliance will continue implementing its annual work plan, with a focus on completing and evaluating the Community Sensor Host pilot program, planning for the long-term future of the sensor network, expanding organizational partnerships and increasing community education and outreach.

Visit the Rochester Air Quality Alliance website to view local air quality information and explore the 2025 Annual Report, visit.