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All Civic Engagements

Skill building to inspire and grow deep listening to learn and enhance understanding of different viewpoints

 

The following are Upcoming and Past Beam-Aware Civic Engagements

 

 

 

 


 

Title Start Date Description Tags
June 2024 United Way BIPOC Leaders Panel and Small Group Conversation Jun 04, 2024 04:00 PM Join other BIPOC individuals to learn about ways to get involved in our community! BIPOC Leaders Panel and Small Group Conversation ('Diversity', 'compassion', 'key', 'civic engagement', 'CMRC', 'united way')
Recap of the Rochester Disagreeing Better Workshop Apr 30, 2024 06:30 PM We will review and practice skills from the Disagreeing Better Workshop held April 24 in Rochester. This meeting is open to all, even if you don’t attend the April 24 event. You don’t need to be a Braver Angels member. The event is free, though donations are welcomed. ('civic engagement',)
Skills for Disagreeing Better Convened by Braver Angels, MPR and UMR Apr 24, 2024 06:00 PM • 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 ('UMR', 'MPR', 'openbeam', 'key', 'civic engagement')
United Way of Olmsted County: Community Involvement Session Mar 07, 2024 02:00 PM Join other BIPOC individuals to learn about ways to get involved in our community! ('Diversity', 'compassion', 'key', 'civic engagement', 'CMRC', 'united way')
Feb 23, 2024: The Year of Respect Feb 2024 Feb 23, 2024 07:15 PM This is a magnificent mission worthy of every effort we can individually and collectively give. 2024 The Year of RESPECT is a community-wide initiative that strives to reshape our attitudes and actions toward each other. Join us in this HEAD and HEART experience, as we take actionable steps to build a kinder community that is a light and example for the world. Let’s do this Together! ('networking', 'key', 'civic engagement')
Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans: 2024 Holiday Get-Together Feb 02, 2024 01:00 PM You are invited to join the for a holiday get-together! Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans ('networking', 'civic engagement')
Ukrainian Fundraiser Breakfast Jan 27, 2024 08:00 AM Supported by Rochester Kiwanis Clubs and VFW Post 1215 ('civic engagement',)
Courageous Change Collective Jan 24, 2024 08:00 AM A three day deep dive workshop for folks working to build equitable systems! Join us for an experiential learning opportunity exploring three new tools & frameworks developed by the Community Engagement for Equitable Systems collaborative: ('sustainability', 'civic engagement')
2024: The Year of Respect--Mission: Kick-Off Jan 19, 2024 05:30 PM We have two REMARKABLE guests plus a GREAT evening planned that will both bless and INSPIRE YOU. George Thompson back in the day was not allowed to attend High School with white students. Today George is one of Rochester's most respected citizens. To know George is to love the man...He is an INSPIRATION. Israel Rocha has an equally inspiring story. Within the past two years Israel went from a life long drug addict who was homeless to DRY, marrying his girl friend, uniting their family and 7 year old son PLUS gaining sobriety. His presence exudes valuing people of all kinds. The Rocha's now have an apartment and bless others. Other guests will lift your spirit as we talk about what will happen this year in 2024 Year of RESPECT. ('networking', 'key', 'civic engagement')
Dec 19, 2024: The Year of Respect--Mission:Valuing Others Strategy Meeting Dec 19, 2023 03:30 PM Get acquainted: A wide spectrum of leadership are involved We will introduce the tool "Your Story-My Story" to meet people and observe a fun resource benefiting all. Summarize the introductory meetings ('networking', 'openbeam', 'civic engagement')
Dec 12, 2024: The Year of Respect--Mission:Valuing Others! Dec 12, 2023 03:30 PM You and many other community leaders are invited to join in this effort to begin to bring about positive change in 2024. We need your influence during the next 12 months to transform a negative environment into a community which is Full of Respect, and Who Value Others! ('networking', 'key', 'civic engagement')
C.E.R.T. 2nd Annual Gala Sep 16, 2023 05:00 PM A Night of Soulful Jazz ('public safety', 'Diversity', 'cmrc', 'civic engagement')
United Way: Community Connections Feb 28, 2023 12:00 PM This event is part of United Way’s issue-based series Community Connections previously known as President's Roundtable. Community Connections provides attendees with the opportunity to learn, network, and discuss innovations that are critical to helping our community thrive. ('civic engagement',)
Caring Conversations Sep 29, 2022 06:00 PM ('community', 'civic engagement')
C.E.R.T. 1st Annual Awards Banquet Sep 16, 2022 06:00 PM ('public safety', 'Diversity', 'civic engagement')
Commemoration of Peace Plaza May 18, 2022 01:30 PM ('arts', 'dmc', 'civic engagement')
City Council President Brooke Carlson: Community Talks May 13, 2022 11:30 AM ('networking', 'civic engagement')
Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement (MAVA) Oct 27, 2021 09:00 AM ('social services', 'civic engagement')
September 2021 Night Market Sep 18, 2021 05:00 PM NIGHT MARKETS ARE A PART OF DAILY LIFE AND ENTERTAINMENT ACROSS ASIA, AND WE’RE BRINGING IT TO ROCHESTER! ('welcoming', 'food', 'Culture', 'civic engagement', 'CMRC')
August 2021 Night Market Aug 21, 2021 05:00 PM ('food', 'Culture', 'CMRC', 'civic engagement')
Document Actions

Two types of event information being shared in the following:

1. A list of Beam aware upcoming community events of all types. 

2. A list of noteworthy past events that have one or more of the following contents: presentation slides, video recordings as well as takeaways. 

Upcoming Events
MN Paid Leave Jun 04, 2026 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM — Rochester Cultural Center 1515 US-14, Rochester, MN 55904
Braver Angels Minnesota: Common Ground Workshop Jun 06, 2026 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM — Rochester Public Library
Co-Design as Civic Infrastructure Jun 10, 2026 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM — Zoom
Jun 2026 Coming to the Table Jun 10, 2026 05:30 PM - 07:00 PM — Rochester Public Libery
Livingworks Asist Jun 11, 2026 - Jun 12, 2026 — Rochester Area Foundation- 12 Elton Hills Drive
Rochester's Sister City - German Trip Jun 12, 2026 - Jun 22, 2026
Preparing for a loan - Spanish Language Jun 13, 2026 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM — Rochester Cultural Center 1515 US-14, Rochester, MN 55904
NAACP: Juneteenth Celebration Jun 13, 2026 12:00 PM - 05:00 PM — Soldiers Field Memorial Park
2026 Juneteenth Community Celebration Jun 13, 2026 12:00 PM - 05:00 PM — Soldier's Field Memorial Park
2026 Juneteenth Jubilee Breakfast Jun 19, 2026 09:30 AM - 11:30 AM — Empire Event Center.
Upcoming events…
Community News

This panel displays the latest community news. For a standalone view please click this LINK.



Sherman Mixed Housing Mayo Civic Center Parking Lot

May 2026 DMCC Board Meeting: Status Update

June 3, 2024 City Council Meeting 

Council action is requested to continue development negotiations with Sherman Associates and conditionally approve development assistance of up to $13,000,000 in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance and up to $3,000,000 in DMC General State Infrastructure Aid.  

Last Updated May 24, 2026



Mayflower mixed housing project

May 2026:DMCC Board Meeting, Mayflower Project Update

Jul 2025 Mayflower mixed housing project summary; North side of Second Street Southwest across the street from Ronald McDonald House.

Feb 2025 DMCC Board Meeting 2nd Street Public Realm and Mayflower

Last Updated May 24, 2026



United Way Studies of Financial Hardship

2025 ALICE Info: United Way 2025 Study

2024 ALICE Info: Post Bulletin Reporting; United Way 2024 ALICE  (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report 

Last Updated May 24, 2026



West Transit Village Housing Development

May 2026 DMCC Board Update

April 1 2026 AEON Affordable Housing Townhall

May 2025 DMCC Board Meeting Report

Feb 2025 DMCC Board Meeting Memo

PB reporting re Jan 6 City Council Meeting

"A final plan for dividing a 14.1-acre Mayo Clinic parking lot into developable sections is expected to be reviewed Monday by the Rochester City Council. The site, being dubbed “West Transit Village,” sits between Second Street Southwest and Cascade Lake. It is currently used as a Mayo Clinic employee shuttle lot, and Mayo Clinic plans to construct a 2,500-stall parking structure."

Last Updated May 24, 2026



Loom Apartments (Onward)

May 2026 DMCC Board Meeting: Status Update

Dec 2025 DMCC Board Meeting: Request for Extension Authorize an extension of the $4 million GSIA allocation to this project until August 15, 2026.

May 2025 DMCC Board Meeting

Last Updated May 24, 2026



DMC Interim Wayfinding

May 2026 DMCC Board Meeting

Last Updated May 23, 2026



Discovery Square Biolbab In Rochester

May 2026 DMCC Board Meeting: Biolabs Status

December 2025 DMCC Board Meeting:

  • Request for Action Memo
  • Business Development Quarterly Review about Biolabs

Last Updated May 22, 2026



University of Minnesota Expansion Funding Considerations

May 2026: UMR DMC: Funding Request to contribute to Talent Development Infrastructure

Apr 27, 2026: UMR discussion at City Council Study Session Sales Tax Request

Last Updated May 22, 2026



Discovery Walk

May 2026 DMCC Board Meeting Discovery Walk Update - Completion

March 2021 DMCC approval for Bid

Last Updated May 22, 2026



DMC STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL

May 2026: Consider a recommendation to approve up to $3 million in DMC General State Infrastructure Aid (GSIA)

Last Updated May 22, 2026



Healthy Home Helpers

City of Rochester Launches “Healthy Home Helpers” Program to Support Healthier, More Efficient Homes

Last Updated May 22, 2026



RPS 2030 Strategic Plan Reviews

May 19. 2026 RPS Board Voting

Apr 12, 2026 RPS Board Meeting: High School 

Mar 17, 2026 RPS Board Meeting: Middle School

Mar 3, 2026 RPS Board Meeting: Elementary School & Early Childhood 

Last Updated May 20, 2026



Does Rochester need a new entertainment venue?

A feasibility study is underway for a performing arts center, but what does the city already have?

Last Updated May 18, 2026



Age-Friendly Olmsted County (AFOC) Update

May 2026 AFOC 2023-2025 Action Plan  Report Report

Apr 2025 Aging in Place Action Update

Last Updated May 12, 2026



Ambassadors for Equity and Belonging Program

Rochester Area Foundation is piloting a new type of cohort centered around the concept of “belonging” as a strategic framework,

Last Updated April 29, 2026



Any Path Home push against homelessness

Apr 23, 2026 In the City for Good Forum; Mar 11, 2026 Rochester Area Housing Alliance Discussion

Feb 5, 2025 Post Bulletin Reporting Abstract; Mar 10, 2024 City Council Study Session Update

 

Last Updated April 27, 2026



RCTC Sports Facilities

Apr 27, 2026 City Council Study Session Community Engagement Rochester Regional Sports Center, Stadium & Sports Fields

Last Updated April 26, 2026



Graham Park Exhibition Center Groundbreaking

Apr 24, 2026: Oak View Group to run exhibition center.

Aug 2025: 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 April 24, 2026



Rochester Sports and Recreation Complex

Apr 24 PB Reporting: Bill on sports complex 

City Council Discussions:

  • Dec 8, 2025 City Council Meeting
  • Oct 6, 2025 City Council Meeting
  • July 28, 2025 City Council Study Session 

PB Summary; Sample of community feedbacks on Facebook

Last Updated April 24, 2026



America's City for Health (ACH)

DMC University Trademark Handling :The DMCC holds several DMC-related trademarks, including “Destination Medical Center,” “Discovery Square,” and “America’s City for Health.” 

Reimagine what can be done to fulfill the vision of ACH info LINKS

 

Last Updated April 23, 2026