Office of the Mayor - Rochester, MN

09/11/2026

Know a student with great ideas for Rochester?

Parents, teachers, and caregivers: Help encourage the next generation of community leaders!
Students in grades 4–6 are invited to participate in the Mayor for a Day Essay Contest for a chance to win $100 and be featured in Minnesota Cities magazine.

Help spread the word and encourage a young person to share their ideas!

Learn more: https://www.lmc.org/about/mayor-for-a-day-essay-contest/

Deadline: December 11, 2026.

02/11/2026

Starting or growing a small business comes with challenges, and the City of Rochester is working to make the process easier.

In the November edition of Rochester Voices, Mayor Kim Norton is joined by City of Rochester Community Development Director Irene Woodward and Rochester Downtown Alliance Executive Director Shawn Fagan to discuss Rochester's participation in the Regulatory Justice Initiative.

They share what they've learned about the challenges entrepreneurs face, opportunities to simplify the process and next steps to better support local businesses.

Watch the November Rochester Voices: https://youtu.be/bWxOeg5K7qQ

Learn more about the Regulatory Justice Initiative: https://www.rochestermn.gov/council-administration/mayor-s-office/regulatory-justice-initiative/

30/10/2026

The City of Rochester is seeking community members interested in serving on City boards and commissions. These volunteer opportunities offer residents a chance to share their perspectives, contribute to local decision-making, and help shape the future of our community.

Current openings include:

• Citizens Advisory on Transit
• Music Board (Wards 1, 2, 4, or 6)
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Commission
• Public Utility Board
• Sustainability and Resiliency Commission
• Zoning Board of Appeals

Applications are accepted year-round, but apply by November 11, 2026, for priority consideration for current vacancies.

Learn more about each opportunity and apply: https://www.rochestermn.gov/news/posts/city-of-rochester-seeking-applicants-for-boards-and-commissions/

28/10/2026

Tune in to the latest episode of the Growing Destinations Podcast as Mayor Kim Norton reflects on her eight years in office, the lessons learned, Rochester’s growth, and her hopes for the city's future.

This week on the Growing Destinations Podcast, Kim Norton - Serving as Mayor in Rochester, MN is reflecting on her eight years in office and what's next. She discusses the challenges, accomplishments, and lessons of her tenure, how Rochester has evolved, and what she hopes for the city's future.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or online: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918007/episodes/20028420

26/10/2026

There’s still time to recognize someone making a difference in Rochester!

Nominations for the 2026 Mayor’s Medal of Honor are open through October 31. If you know someone whose service, leadership or contributions have had a positive impact on our community, consider nominating them for recognition.

Submitting a nomination is simple: complete the online form and tell us, in up to 400 words, why your nominee deserves to be recognized.

Submit your nomination by October 31: https://qr1.be/J1PFVW

21/10/2026

One final walk!

Join Mayor Norton for her final Move with the Mayor Community Walk as part of the Polio Walk.

• Saturday, October 24
• 8–9 a.m.
• RCTC Sports Center (851 30th Ave. SE)

Come walk, connect and get moving with the community. Registered participants in the HealMint wellness initiative can also pick up their smart rings at the walk.

Learn more: https://healmint.org/move-with-mayor-norton/

15/10/2026

What would you do if you were mayor for a day?

Rochester students in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade are invited to put their ideas into action by participating in the League of Minnesota Cities' annual Mayor for a Day Essay Contest!

This is a great opportunity for young people to get creative, think about their community, and share what matters most to them.
Students have a chance to win $100 and be featured in Minnesota Cities magazine.

The deadline to enter is Friday, December 11, 2026.

Learn more and submit your essay: https://www.rochestermn.gov/news/posts/rochester-students-invited-to-enter-mayor-for-a-day-essay-contest/

12/10/2026

There are many ways to make a difference in our community—and the Mayor’s Medal of Honor recognizes them.

With 14 award categories, the program celebrates Rochester community members for contributions ranging from community service, education and sustainability to diversity, heroism, arts and culture, and more.

There is also a Youth Serving Community award recognizing young people who are making a difference in Rochester.

Explore all 14 categories and think about someone whose contributions deserve recognition: https://www.rochestermn.gov/council-administration/mayor-s-office/mayors-medal-of-honor/ -image-22

Nominations are open through October 31: https://qr1.be/J1PFVW

09/10/2026

Keep moving with the Mayor this weekend!

Join Mayor Norton tomorrow for a Community Walk at Silver Lake.
• Saturday, October 10
• 8–10 a.m.
• Silver Lake Three Links Shelter (840 7th St. NE)

You can also learn more about the HealMint community wellness initiative and register to receive a smart ring to help track your wellness journey.

Learn more: https://healmint.org/move-with-mayor-norton/

08/10/2026

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