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2024 Legislative Priorities
CITY OF ROCHESTER 2024 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES - ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON 12/11/2023
City Vision, Principles, and Priorities
Rochester at a Glance
State Priorities
Riverfront Public Realm & Redevelopment
Airport Solar Array Parking and EV Charging Stations
Transit Operations Facility Expansion and Electric Vehicle Fleet Conversion
Public Infrastructure Accessibility and Energy Improvements
Affordable Living and Housing
Resources for Continued Water Quality and Stewardship
Transportation & Transit
Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
Parkland Dedication
Parking Fine Revenue Sharing
Other Areas of Support
Federal Priorities
2023 Mayor and City Council Members
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Table of Contents
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CITY OF ROCHESTER 2024 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES - ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON 12/11/2023
Action Plan
Foundational
Principles
City
Vision
- Environmental Stewardship
- Fiscal Responsibility & Sustainability
- Public Safety
- Social Equity
- Compassion
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.
Action Plans will be developed to identify
goals, actions, and performance
indicators that help advance priorities.
VISION, PRINCIPLES, AND PRIORITIES
Organizational
Vision A vibrant, compassionate,
innovative team.
Strategic Priorities - Affordable Living
- Economic Vibrancy and Growth Management
- Quality Services
In order to achieve these priorities, the Council has committed to a legislative and process structure
that emphasizes Strategic Governance and Inclusive Decision-Making:
• Service delivery models consider partnerships
where City is not always the leader
• Decision-making is informed by citywide
communication and engagement strategy with
Diversity/Equity/Inclusion (DEI) at the forefront
• Teammates create action plans/annual
commitments aligned with Foundational
Principles and Strategic Priorities
• Policy and operational actions reflect equitable
community investment
Strategic Priority:
Affordable Living
Strategic Priority:
Economic Vibrancy and
Growth Management
Strategic Priority:
Quality Services
Areas of Focus
• Housing variety and affordability
• Transportation options and access
• Equitable regulatory landscape and
creative incentives
• Access to opportunities and
amenities
• Owner-occupied affordable housing
• Increasing ownership opportunities
for Black, Indigenous, People of Color,
and Seniors
Areas of Focus
• Create clarity, alignment, and unity with
economic development partners in defining
City leadership and community values
• Establish competitive and sustainable
approach to effectively allocate DMC
resources, Legislative allocations, and City
revenue
• Develop implementation tools and
strategies for Comprehensive Plan to ensure
current decisions reflect future projections
• Adopt design guidelines that better reflect
Council and community values
Areas of Focus
• Cultural and recreational
opportunities that provide access
and equity
• The organization and services reflect
changing demographics and needs
identified by the community
• Operations are sustainable,
integrated, and easy to navigate
• Service delivery is optimized,
cost effective, and reflect our
Foundational Principles
2
The City of Rochester is the third largest city
in the State of Minnesota, with a population
of over 125,000*, which is anticipated to grow
by 50% over the next 20 years. Rochester
is home to major employers including
Mayo Clinic and hosts a strong small
business community. Factors such as civic
engagement, affordable housing, a strong
regional economy and great education
options have helped the community stand
out for years.
Community at a Glance
• Median Age: 37
• Total Households: 49,984
• Median Home Price: $273,000
• 77% of white households are
homeowners compared to 22% of
black/African Households
• 26.8% of residents are BIPOC
(approximately 40% of students at
Rochester Public Schools are BIPOC)
• 14.1% of residents are foreign born
• 82% of residents speak English only,
and 18.7% speak a language other
than English
• 16% of residents are age 65 and
older
• 12.4% of residents have a disability
• 6% of residents are veterans
• 7.4% of residents are below poverty
income level
Regional Center:20,000 commuters daily
3 million visitors annually
Incorporated
in1854
Square miles
55 Population125,000*
• Gold LEED City• AAA Bonding Rating• Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for almost 50 years• Top 3 Best Places to Live in the U.S. - Livability• Top 7 Most Beautiful Cities in MN - World Atlas• Top 25 Best Place to Retire - Forbes• Top 4 Best Cities to Buy a House in America - Niche Magazine
• Top 6 Best Small College Areas – University Business• First American City to become an Intercultural City (ICC)• Inclusive Workforce Employer (I-WE) Designation from Workforce Development Board of Southeast Minnesota
Awards & Accolades
*2022 estimate
Rochester at a Glance
CITY OF ROCHESTER 2024 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES - ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON 12/11/2023
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Riverfront Public Realm
& Redevelopment
Project Overview
The City of Rochester seeks funding
to repurpose existing riverfront
property (aging parking ramp, surface
parking lot, and vacant commercial
building) to provide needed ADA
accessibility improvements in
skyway and other Riverfront public
realm improvements. The project
includes design, engineering,
further environmental analysis, site
remediation and preparation, limited
demolition, and construction of public
realm improvements, including trail
improvements, tree planting, public
wayfinding, public amenities, and
related infrastructure for the reuse
of properties in the city of Rochester
near the Government Center and
Zumbro River area envisioned by the
Rochester Riverfront Area Wide Plan.
Project Funding Details
$23.275M state request (50% of total project cost)*
*Amount may be updated with additional information.
Estimate based on components listed.
Project is able to be phased into components and into
design, construction and other stages.
Background
This riverfront redevelopment project would
provide economic, environmental, and social
vibrancy through enhanced connection to nearby
downtown, University of Minnesota Rochester
(UMR), city services, and regional attractions. Public
investment in the public realm is key to achieving
goals around resiliency, public access, accessibility,
and building reuse. The project would support local,
diverse businesses and programming that grow
entrepreneurial endeavors.
Creating Opportunities for America’s City for Health
2.5 Acres Transformed
• Enhanced connection to downtown, University
of Minnesota Rochester (UMR), city services,
and regional attractions
• Leverage the riverfront as a destination and
natural corridor that better connects the trail
system to downtown
• Support local, diverse businesses and
programming that grow entrepreneurial
endeavors
• Improve accessibility, ensure universal access,
and connectivity to streetscapes, skyways,
subways, buildings and the riverway
• Expand economic development opportunities
and activate the public realm
Project Components- Budget
Riverfront Trail
Parking Ramp Demo
& Skyway Rebuild
Riverfront Public Realm
Redevelopment & Expansion
$4.75 million
$8.5 million
$18.3 million
$15 million
Riverfront Public Realm Redevelopment
Reconnecting Rochester to Economic, Environmental, and Social Vibrancy
Current State Concept
Concept
Community Engagement
View the full plan at:
www.qr1.be/LHYK
or scan the QR Code.
Creating Opportunities for America’s City for Health
2.5 Acres Transformed
• Enhanced connection to downtown, University
of Minnesota Rochester (UMR), city services,
and regional attractions
• Leverage the riverfront as a destination and
natural corridor that better connects the trail
system to downtown
• Support local, diverse businesses and
programming that grow entrepreneurial
endeavors
• Improve accessibility, ensure universal access,
and connectivity to streetscapes, skyways,
subways, buildings and the riverway
• Expand economic development opportunities
and activate the public realm
Project Components- Budget
Riverfront Trail
Parking Ramp Demo
& Skyway Rebuild
Riverfront Public Realm
Redevelopment & Expansion
$4.75 million
$8.5 million
$18.3 million
$15 million
Riverfront Public Realm RedevelopmentReconnecting Rochester to Economic, Environmental, and Social Vibrancy
Current State Concept
Concept
Community Engagement
View the full plan at:
www.qr1.be/LHYK
or scan the QR Code.
CITY OF ROCHESTER 2024 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES - ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON 12/11/2023
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Airport Solar Array Parking & Electric
Vehicle Charging Stations
Project Overview
As part of the Rochester International Airport (RST)
commitment to environmental stewardship and
sustainability, incorporating renewable energy into
the airport campus will help the City meet its 100%
renewable energy goal by 2030. The installed solar
panels are expected to generate enough electricity
annually (871,000 kWh) to cover approximately half the
terminal building’s current power needs. The system will
offset of 824 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year.
There would be 12 parking stalls with electric vehicle
(EV) charging access. A portion of the passenger
parking would be reconstructed to improve pavement
conditions and accessibility for users. The covered
parking lot area (half of the total parking lot) would
feature covered parking and shelter for an estimated
200 vehicles. This is part of a larger Airport Parking
Improvement Project, which include a larger terminal
energy efficiency project pending federal funding.
Project Funding Details
$3 million state bonding request (50% of project cost)
$1 million City of Rochester airport reserves
$2 million federal funding request
$6 million total project cost
Background
The Rochester International Airport is a critical
gateway for SE MN. Air ambulance operations,
cargo carriers transporting medical supplies, and
patient travelers rely on RST. There are 168,000
passengers annually that use the airport and 103
million pounds of cargo, including 30,000 medical
patient samples that arrive daily to the airport
for processing and evaluation by Mayo Clinic
laboratories.
CITY OF ROCHESTER 2024 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES - ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON 12/11/2023
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Transit Operations Facility Expansion
& Electric Vehicle Fleet Conversion
Project Overview
The City of Rochester seeks funding for
a bus facility that would provide storage,
maintenance, and charging for a fleet
of electric buses that will be deployed
for the first bus rapid transit (BRT, the
LINK) line in greater MN that is expected
to start operation in 2026. The facility
will be a dedicated space with charging
infrastructure and safe maneuvering
space for BRT line’s 60-foot buses. The
facility would also provide additional
office space, dispatch area, training
space, and other administrative space
to support the service expansions and
also include charging and storage for
a micro-transit pilot program that was
funded in part from the state legislature
in 2023. Additional resources would
allow for conversion of existing 68 bus fleet that services 32 fixed routes currently with diesel
buses to electric and electric conversion of paratransit vehicles that provide origin-to-destination
transportation service for over 30,000 trips annually for people who cannot use Rochester Public
Transit's fixed route service due to a disability.
Project Funding Details
Transit Facility: TBD (50% of building cost)*
Fleet conversion is phase-able based on available resources (Approximate cost of 1 electric 45-
foot bus is $1 million)
Background
The current transit vehicle and maintenance facility is not equipped for the additional or changing
vehicle type that will be used for the LINK bus rapid transit line that will begin operations in
2026. This bus rapid transit line, the first in Greater MN and one that will be fare free, will utilize
12 electric buses, which require charging infrastructure. At 60 feet long (accordion), these BRT
electric buses will also be larger than the current 45 foot buses used for the Rochester Public
Transit system. Thus adequate maneuvering with entry/exit in the storage and maintenance
facilities is key for worker safety and efficient use of transit infrastructure. The use of electric
buses for this purpose, and other public service and transit vehicles, will help achieve greenhouse
gas emission reductions. Within .25 miles of the current 32 fixed routes served by diesel buses,
30% are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) households and 11% of population meet
poverty guidelines.
The envisioned new transit facility would be located adjacent to the current transit facility, which
will be repurposed into a public works and parks and recreation department facility. State funding
for this facility would allows the future building to have renewable energy components, compliance
with SB 2030 requirements, and other goals for the City of Rochester and State of Minnesota.
The City has begun investing in some electric vehicles for specific use based on specific funding.
Holistic, sustainable funding for electric vehicle conversion, similar to state and federal programs
through the Inflation Reduction Act and other sources for fleet conversion, bus conversion, and
other vehicles would accelerate this active and investment, along with greenhouse gas emission
reductions at a faster pace.
*Cost estimate will be updated
CITY OF ROCHESTER 2024 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES - ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON 12/11/2023
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Public Infrastructure Accessibility
& Energy Improvements
Project Overview
The City of Rochester seeks funding for
needed accessibility and energy improvements
to the public buildings and right-of-way
public infrastructure that aligns with city
and state goals around equity, accessibility,
and greenhouse gas reductions and climate
resiliency.
This request has two components:
1. Accessibility improvements to right-of-
way public infrastructure, which could
include sidewalks, ramps, and other public
infrastructure
2. Design and study of accessibility and energy
improvements at the Mayo Civic Center
The Mayo Civic Center project could include
ADA improvements to the skyway entry ramp
(pictured) to decrease the slope, installation
of rooftop solar (35,000 square feet),
consideration of additional accessible parking,
energy improvements to reduce cold air entry
into the building during the winter, and other
improvements.
Project Funding Details
State Request: $2.4 million (total current project scope is estimated at approximately $4.8M):• $4 million of ADA projects currently in the city’s capital improvement plan (CIP)
• $800,000 for design and study of energy and space improvements to Mayo Civic Center and
adjoining publically-owned theater space, art center, and exterior park spaces (Mayo Park)
Background
The $946,034 received by Rochester via the 2023 accessibility funds from the state legislature
(Chapter 68, sec 17. Subd. 14) will be used to further implement parts of the city’s ADA Transition
Plan, including intersection improvements for accessibility along a safe routes to school project,
sidewalk infrastructure, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) scattered site defects in city.
The city currently budgets $586,000 annually for ADA improvements. Approximately $4M in projects
are included in the city’s capital improvement plan which details future needed projects. Additional
funding would allow additional projects to be completed in the plan.
In 2022, the Mayo Civic Center provided an estimated $22 million community-wide tourism
economic impact. With over 200,000 square feet of space used for a variety of public and regional
uses, the space is also ripe for additional investment in energy efficiency and accessibility.
CITY OF ROCHESTER 2024 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES - ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON 12/11/2023
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Affordable Living & Housing
Issue
The 2020 Maxfield Housing Study of the City of Rochester and Olmsted County demonstrated a
need for over 18,000 housing units through 2030, including over 5,400 senior housing units, over
5,000 rental units (including market rate, naturally occurring affordable, and subsidized), and
over 5,600 new and existing single-family homes. In 2023, approximately 200 single family and 500
multifamily permits have been issued.
The City of Rochester has a racial homeownership
gap, similar to the state as a whole: 22% of BIPOC
(Black, Indigenous, People of Color) households are
homeowners, compared to 76% homeownership rate
for overall Olmsted County population. A recent local community engagement co-design effort
related to BIPOC homeownership was made up of
key stakeholders from financial/lending institutions,
realtors, community housing support stakeholders,
developers/builders, and BIPOC community. The final
report highlighted themes of education, navigation, belonging, safety and security, structural racial
barriers, mentorship, and representation as facets in
the barriers and opportunities to address the racial
homeownership gap.
Problem Approximately one-third of Rochester’s households have a need for affordable housing. While
different measures might be used to define affordability, the general definition most often used is
that housing costing more than 30% of a household’s income is not affordable. The greatest need
is for housing options at 30-55% Area Median Income (AMI), housing options at 70-90% AMI level
are also needed to address new job growth in construction, education and health care sectors.
CITY OF ROCHESTER 2024 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES - ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON 12/11/2023
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Affordable Living & Housing Continued
Solutions
• Support for increased state funding for housing infrastructure bonds (HIBs) and general
obligation bonds, as well as sources for public housing rehabilitation, to help address the
immediate and growing need for affordable housing.
• Policies that will prevent and reduce evictions and increased notices of, and protections
for, those being displaced especially during the winter. This could include funding for Family
Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP) and other similarly aimed programs.
• Support energy efficient new affordable housing, as it will benefit
lower-income residents by lowering monthly costs and the possibility
that costs of poorly constructed buildings are shifted onto its
residents, in addition to aiding in the city’s climate action plan.
• Support programs and funding for the preservation of current
housing stock, including reenacting the “This Old House” program,
and tenant protections.
• State funding to assist local efforts around increased access to
home ownership including BIPOC home ownership
• Funding the Greater Minnesota Housing Naturally Occurring
Affordable Housing (NOAH) Fund.
• Support the League of MN Cities efforts around housing and race
equity that align with the city’s goals, including reducing racial
disparities in home ownership and cost burdens for renters.
• Examine tools and changes to assist with lot availability and first-
time homebuyers.
• Consider tools and incentives for conversion of vacant commercial/
office property into housing
• Changes to 4d program that will provide for additional local flexibility
and usage.
• Changes to MN Housing Finance Agency scoring criteria to reward
projects that utilize existing transportation and other service
infrastructure.
• Targeted funding for temporary homeless sheltering, warming
houses and other support, including increased mental health and
chemical dependency treatment programs to reduce future growth
in homelessness and to protect our residents struggling with these
issues. This includes support for the Emergency Services Grant
Program (ESP), aid dedicated to providing homeless services, and programs to support capital
investment in local facilities.
Impact
These solutions will help implement the near-term and long-term Affordable Housing Policy
Recommendations from the 2020 Affordable Housing Study to support the creation and retention
of affordable housing in Rochester. These solutions would also help implement the BIPOC homeownership report recommendations.
CITY OF ROCHESTER 2024 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES - ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON 12/11/2023
Issue
The State of Minnesota’s new regulations for lake and river eutrophication standards require the
City of Rochester to have a more stringent phosphorus limitation on wastewater treatment plant
discharge (less than 1 mg/l). This will require different treatment technology than is currently at
the Water Reclamation plant. The Point Source Implementation Grant (PSIG) is a program that
provides local governments 80% grant funding up to $7 million to help fund some of the costs to
meet these new requirements.
Amounts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called ‘forever chemicals’ in ground
water and water sources is of heightened interest at the state and federal level. Rochester is
participating in a recent measuring effort in partnership with the MN Pollution Control Agency
(MPCA) for measuring PFAS being discharged to the Water Reclamation Plant (WRP).
The City is developing strategies to help human and natural systems become more resilient
to changes in precipitation levels and weather patterns. A large part of that planning involves
assessing vulnerabilities and developing plans to improve stormwater infrastructure resilience and
reduce localize flood risk, improve the resilience of wastewater systems, and adapt community
services to meet the needs of residents and businesses prior to, during, and after an extreme
event.
Problem
To ensure that the City of Rochester is able to access these PSIG funds in the future, it is
important to include the Public Funding Authority (PFA) bonding request and final legislative
appropriation at a funding level that will support the requests coming from local government for
this grant money. Rochester has requested PSIG funds and is on the project priority list (#35 on
the project priority list and 20th on the funding list due to shovel ready status) ..
PFAS chemicals take many years to degrade and are very prevalent in commonly used products.
Residents and commercial and industrial businesses discharge PFAS laden wastewater which flows
to WRP and is not treated by conventional treatment technologies. PFAS treatment at the WRP is
not economically feasible, so source identification and reduction is the primary solution. Sampling
for PFAS, identifying sources, and finding alternative products is time-consuming and expensive. It
is also a global problem that cannot be solved one City at a time. Funding is needed to cover the
cost of sampling and much more research is needed on sources and alternative products.
Currently there are funds available to assist with climate related assessments and planning
however implementation funding is not available. The current funding mechanisms are set up to
address water quality impairments and not proactive planning associated with climate adaptation.
Without funding support for implementation projects, there will be delays in implementation or the
need to scale back needed projects.
Resources for Continued Water
Quality & Stewardship
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CITY OF ROCHESTER 2024 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES - ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON 12/11/2023
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Resources for Continued Water
Quality and Stewardship (Continued)
Solutions
• Support the inclusion of Public Facilities Authority (PFA) request’s for Point Source
Implementation Grant (PSIG) in state legislation (i.e. state bonding bill) at an amount that
would fully fund projects awaiting funding from previous years and newly-added shovel ready
projects to allow for funding of Rochester’s project.
• Assistance with managing additional PFAS requirements in wastewater with funding for
sampling, assistance with research and consumer education, and/or banning PFAS materials
at the source, along with a narrowly focused protection for municipalities to provide time to
develop holistic reduction strategies that protect human health.
• Support continued funding for climate resiliency efforts
• Encourage innovative projects that provide multiple benefits such as climate resiliency, water
quality, and recreational opportunities.
Impact
The MPCA recently changed the regulation on phosphorous limits for surface water. Increasing
Rochester’s chance to receive PSIG funding will support construction and work on current
wastewater and storm water treatment facilities to meet these standards and improvement
the water quality in Rochester. Without this PSIG funding, the City of Rochester would pay an
additional $7 million to upgrade the Water Reclamation to assure that the new lake and river
regulations are met.
By partnering on monitoring and potential funding for managing, cleaning up and measuring PFAS,
the issues associated with these chemicals may be more likely to be addressed in a productive
manner. Banning PFAS materials at the source would reduce additional and future needs for
remediation and other costly impacts on local communities.
By providing implementation funding, Rochester could move forward with valuable climate
adaptation projects like our Section 7 pond that will reduce the rate of flood water entering the
city and further consideration of building the resiliency hubs that will be identified through our
climate resiliency hub assessment and planning project.
CITY OF ROCHESTER 2024 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES - ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON 12/11/2023
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Transportation & Transit
Issue
Similar to other cities in Minnesota, Rochester is beginning to face major financial constraints due
to the cost of maintaining and repairing the city’s network of streets, in addition to a commitment
to complete streets, active transportation, bridge replacement, and street reconstruction.
Currently, there are over 100 miles of streets that are at least
51 years or older in the city. The City of Rochester will be the
first bus rapid transit and fare-free system outside the metro
area when the LINK opens in 2026 providing a 2.1 mile corridor in
the community that has over 3 million visitors annually, 20,000
commuters daily, and the 125,000 residents. Reliable and suitable
funding of a variety of state, federal and other resources is vital
to a vibrant transportation and transit system for Rochester and
the region, such as:
• The Local Bridge Replacement Program (LBRP; Minnesota State
Statue 174.50) provides local agencies transportation funding
for the reconstruction, rehabilitation or removal of bridges or structures in their local road
system through general obligation state bond funds via the state bonding/capital investment
bill;
• Greater MN Transit operations funding that currently helps support our fixed-route bus system;
and
• MNDOT programs such as Safe Routes to School and Transportation Alternatives that align with
the city’s active transportation plan.
Problem
Bridge maintenance and replacement costs are heavily outpacing the bonding dollars that have
been passed by the legislature. In addition, the funds available for the program vary with each
legislative appropriation. Due to the similar age of bridges in the community, an increased and
continued need for bridge repairs and replacements is anticipated in the future. In order to
address the necessary work and plan for these important infrastructure projects, there needs
to be consistent and adequate funding into the Local Bridge Replacement Program via the state
bonding bill. The City of Rochester has an upcoming bridge preservation project for the key
corridor of 37th Street NW (Bridge #55519) that could benefit from this program’s funding. The
project cost is estimated to be $2.2M.
In addition to the upcoming bus rapid transit LINK route, the City of Rochester also will continue
to operate a fixed-route system of Rochester Public Transit buses that rely on the limited state
and federal funding for operations. The LINK bus rapid transit system will begin service in 2026 and
operations will be partially funded via partnership agreement with a major local employer which
allows for partial coverage of the fare-free model. The LINK bus rapid transit will require additional
state support for financial coverage of a fare-free operation sustainably. By adding an additional
line of operations to the city’s public transit system that serves the region’s workforce and
economy, additional state funding will be needed for bus rapid transit systems.
CITY OF ROCHESTER 2024 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES - ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON 12/11/2023
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Utilizing traditional funding methods for streets such as the tax levy would place a heavy burden
on the citizens of Rochester. For example, including the $16-20 million needed annually would result
in a increase in the tax levy. Growing to this $16-20 million over time by adding an additional $1
million every year would, in time, increase the city levy by 1.8% for residential properties and 1.75%
for commercial. Additional revenue sources continue to be needed for street infrastructure to
defray the costs of street improvements.
The City adopted an Active Transportation Plan
in 2022 which includes various opportunities for
multi-modal infrastructure that would transform
active transportation into a primary mode of daily
transportation for residents and visitors. However,
a consistent source of funding is not identified
for completing the active transportation network
developed in the plan, which would make the
envisioned multi-modal system a safe and convenient
reality.
Solution
The City supports additional and consistent funding into the Local Bridge Replacement Program.
Support for an increase in funding for the Local Bridge Replacement Program is critical for
necessary community infrastructure of bridges and community benefits from bridges are
maintained and would allow projects like the 37th Street NW bridge preservation, which serves
regional traffic, to be accomplished.
Additional, dedicated, reliable, and predictable funding for bus rapid transit system operations
from the state will be needed to provide the fare-free model of operations for the LINK in addition
to the existing Rochester Public Transit system of 32 fixed route buses that provided over 2 million
rides in 2022.
Residents would benefit from additional funding for multi-modal projects, as guided by the
active transportation plans and policies adopted by city council. Additional funding of state
programs such as Safe Routes to School and Transportation Alternatives would allow for additional
investment in the active transportation infrastructure used by Rochester residents and visitors
regularly.
Impact
Bridges connect workers to jobs, people to necessary
services, and provide critical access between different
cities and regions. Allowing bridges to continue in states
of disrepair will result in complications for safety,
mobility, and economic activity in the City of Rochester
and the State of Minnesota. Safety is a top priority and
funding for preservation of bridges like the 37th Street
NW Bridge can safely support travel lanes and better
serve those utilizing and relying on the bridge.
The LINK bus rapid transit system will reduce greenhouse
Transportation & Transit Continued
CITY OF ROCHESTER 2024 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES - ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON 12/11/2023
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gas emissions, provides an accessible option for getting to work, home, school, and leisure
activities along the route which will go through the downtown corridor. It also helps Rochester
meet its goal to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips into downtown by nearly 30% in the next 20
years.
Funding for safe, viable, and convenient transportation options, including active transportation
options, and networks could offer more appealing alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle use
and help meet citywide greenhouse gas reduction and vehicle miles traveled reduction targets, in
addition to reducing housing and transportation cost burdens.
Transportation & Transit Continued
Active Transportation Plan
OCTOBER 2022
CITY OF ROCHESTER 2024 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES - ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON 12/11/2023
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Sustainability & Environmental
Stewardship
Issue
The City of Rochester has opportunity to be a leader in greenhouse gas emission reductions,
sustainability, and environmental stewardship. In 2017, Minnesota’s building sector made up
40.6% of the total energy consumed in the state, 19.5% of which was from within the commercial
buildings sector, including high-rise multifamily buildings), building efficiency of public spaces
including at the Rochester International Airport, city service buildings, and future geothermal
and solar components to heat and cool city hall, the Rochester Public Library, Mayo Civic Center,
Rochester Art Center, and Rochester Civic Theater. Nearby private properties expected for
redevelopment also provide potential opportunity for renewable energy projects.
Current efforts on transportation and building efficiency, along with Rochester Public Utilities
(RPU) commitment to 100% renewable power generation by 2030 has set the City on track to
surpass its original goal of 30% reduction in greenhouse gas (ghg) emissions by 2025. In September
of 2022, the Rochester City Council adopted updated ghg emissions reduction goals in accordance
with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Rochester’s new ghg targets include a
50% reduction in ghg emissions by 2030 and a 100% reduction in emissions by 2050.
Problem
Funding for renewable energy and energy efficiency
projects is complex and dynamic as technology
advances and opportunities for redevelopment
and facility management practices are evolving.
Additional funding from the federal Infrastructure
Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA), MN Department of
Commerce, Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and other
funding sources at the state or federal level could
be a catalyst in allowing renewable and energy
efficiency projects in Rochester’s public and
private spaces.
Solution
• Ability for cities to adopt the State of Minnesota SB 2030 Energy Standard in order to curb
the energy use and carbon emissions of local buildings (SB 2030 must be met by all projects
receiving general obligation bond funding from the State of Minnesota, however it can also be
voluntarily applied to any new or renovated building during the design phase).
• Federal funding allocated to the state for renewable energy, energy efficiency, or other green
building projects should be readily made available to cities, including municipal utilities and
municipal airports, with particular emphasis on projects that are able to align with greenhouse
gas emission goals or other state and city goals.
• Clarification to the ECO statute to strengthen and enhance electrification incentive
opportunities and better align with the 100% renewable energy goals
• State funding and incentives for electric vehicle fleet conversion and EV Chargers for public use
• Resources, funding, and tools to incentivize decarbonization for large existing buildings
Impact
Buildings must become more efficient if the State’s carbon-reduction goals are to be reached.
The State is currently not on track to meet its statutory greenhouse gas reduction goals of 30%
reduction from 2005 levels by 2025, nor is it on track to meet the 80% reduction by 2050 goal.
CITY OF ROCHESTER 2024 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES - ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON 12/11/2023
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Parkland Dedication
Issue
Currently, new residential development results in only partial provision of public park spaces
in the community. Current legislation allows the municipality to require dedication only if the
property is ‘subdivided.’ Minneapolis and St. Paul have received special legislation that allows their
municipalities to require parkland dedication when most development occurs. This authorization
was handed down due to the amount of development/redevelopment of existing parcels in the
Twin Cities that does not require subdivision of the property but still generates need and impact
for the park system. Rochester is in a similar situation.
Problem
Rochester is experiencing redevelopment/development challenges similar to those of Minneapolis
and St Paul whereby we are anticipating 10,000 new residential units over the next 20 years along
with multiple types of commercial & retail development in the downtown core. If legislation allowing
a modification to the enabling legislation is not provided, the development of these properties
will not be making contributions toward the public park spaces they will be demanding the city
provide. Recent examples of redevelopment that could not collect parkland dedication despite the
increased demand on the parks system include: 1) the Bryk multifamily property (created 180 units;
previously 6 vacant lots on 1.2 acres), 2) the Benaiah on Broadway (created 27 units; previously 4
developed lots with 4 units), and 3) Northern Heights (created 66 units; previously 2 vacant lots
on 2.4 acres). These types of projects greatly increase the need for parkland without providing
any associated funding to support their resident’s desires. Even with a nominal per unit park
dedication charge similar to what the metro area charges the funding provided would be a step
towards enhancing existing older parks and trails serving these community members.
Solution
The City supports legislative solutions in conjunction with League of MN Cities and other cities that
would allow cities to enact parkland dedication requirements without the current requirement that
the property be ‘subdivided.’
Impact
The purpose of this legislation is twofold. First, this is intended to equalize the terms of
development across the entire spectrum of properties in the community. Secondly, it aims to
provide adequate parkland improvements serving the downtown area. Additional park usage and
demand from residents was particularly evident during the pandemic and will continue into the
foreseeable future.
CITY OF ROCHESTER 2024 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES - ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON 12/11/2023
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Parking Fine Revenue Sharing
Issue
As part of the State government’s efforts to raise revenues without resorting to tax increases,
the State government enacted a $3 parking ticket tax in July of 2003, followed by the enactment
of an additional $1 parking ticket tax in July of 2006. The amount charged for a Rochester
parking ticket was $9, with $5 going to the City of Rochester and $4 going to the State. In 2009,
the Legislature passed an Omnibus Public Safety Appropriations Bill, which increased the state
imposed parking ticket revenue from $4 to $12.
Problem
The City issued 22,254 tickets in 2022 and was required to pay
$267,048 to the state for the surcharge. As it currently stands,
the City’s ability to adjust the parking fee for the purpose of
covering the cost of enforcement, as well as collection and
enhancing the revenues, is hindered by this substantial surcharge.
Solution
Eliminate the State surcharge on parking tickets.
Impact
The main purpose of the City’s parking ticket charge is to ensure
there is adequate turnover in the parking meters to provide
spaces for individuals who come into the downtown area for
shopping, eating, or entertainment. The State’s surcharge
does not contribute operationally to the management and
implementation of the program.
CITY OF ROCHESTER 2024 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES - ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON 12/11/2023
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Other Areas of Support
The City of Rochester supports:
The legislative platforms adopted by the League of
Minnesota Cities, to the extent they
do not conflict with the City’s Legislative Priorities, or
related Council action, including:
Preserve and increase state funding to Rochester for accessibility infrastructure, public
safety, microtransit, housing and homelessness, and other similar funding.
State & Local Cybersecurity Grant awards to be based with consideration of city size and
needs.
Legislative authority to advance Public Private Partnerships (P3) and design build for public
infrastructure projects
Incentives to encourage reinvestment in historic properties through tools such as the
Mills Act in California where local governments can create programs that limit property
tax increases when qualified investments are made and also State’s Historic Tax Credit
program.
• Protecting local government aid (LGA) funding and updating
formula
• Fire Department Recruitment, Retention, and Pension Plan
Membership Eligibility issue
• Ongoing funding for mental health injury prevention and
treatment related to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
to address ongoing duty disability expenses
• Alternatives to print newspaper publication requirements
• Protecting local authority related to development fees,
zoning, and planning
• Transportation infrastructure funding tools such as impact fee and public infrastructure
utility.
• Efforts around racial equity in Minnesota
• Veterans preference promotional probationary period
• Updates to the arbitration process
• Updates to open meeting law requirements for interviews
• Allow virtual meetings attendance for boards and commissions
• State involvement in massage therapy regulation, including consideration of a centralized
database
• State funding to local governments in implementing the Data Practices Act (in 2022,
Rochester experienced a 341% increase in data requests sine 2018)
• Liquor license updates such as allowing cities to issue full intoxicated liquor licensure for
businesses such as food halls, health/wellness service providers, group art classes, bridal
boutiques, museums, and art exhibits in the City of Rochester; also consideration of
special district permissions for liquor licensing for downtown area.
CITY OF ROCHESTER 2024 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES - ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON 12/11/2023
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Other Areas of Support Continued
Evaluation of Minnesota Rules to allow flexibility for School Districts to design schools on
smaller sites in urban areas
Updating Minnesota Statute to align with federal interpretation by Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) to allow for small commercial/retail at transit stops
Additional funding and economic flexibility for coordination with state and federal
partners around federal funding opportunities
Funding for retrofitting sprinklers in privately owned multi-family properties
Local fee options and continued, permanent state funding to support emerald ash borer
and urban forestry
Funding for the state arts board, including regional grants that can help provide additional
opportunities for Rochester Public Music, Rochester residents, and visitors.
Funding for the Greater MN Parks and Trails priorities, to the extent they do not conflict
with the City’s Legislative Priorities, or related Council action.
Partnerships and funding around workforce development and readiness through
Department of Employment and Economic Development and others.
Removing regulatory barriers and giving all local jurisdictions in Minnesota the option to use
Ranked Choice Voting
Support intellectual freedom and access to information in alignment with the Library
Board's Freedom to Read Resolution adopted on October 19, 2022. Support MN Library
Association efforts to provide more stability and funding for library services, with the
understanding it would not diminish local government aid or other city funding.
CITY OF ROCHESTER 2024 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES - ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON 12/11/2023
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2024 Federal Priorities*
The City of Rochester works with Sustainable Strategies DC to continuously evaluate federal
opportunities including those from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Inflation
Reduction Act (IRA) that are in alignment with city priorities. Some examples of 2024 federal
priorities could include:
• Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Small
Starts Program Rapid Transit Funding for
LINK bus rapid transit
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Brownfields Program for assessment and
redevelopment of vacant parcels
• USDOT programs such as Bus & Bus
Facilities Program, USDOT Reconnecting
Communities, RAISE, 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.
• Congressionally directed spending requests that align with council adopted capital
improvement plan, council priorities and council action.
As a member-city, Rochester also joins with priorities from the National League of Cities to the
extent they do not conflict with the City’s Legislative Priorities, or related Council action.
*List subject to updates as opportunities become available that align with city priorities.
City of Rochester
201 4th Street SE
Rochester, MN 55904
Questions?
Heather Corcoran, Legislative Affairs & Policy Director
hcorcoran@rochestermn.gov 507-269-9893
Alison Zelms, City Administrator
azelms@rochestermn.gov 507-328-2004
Aaron Parrish, Deputy City Administrator
aparrish@rochestermn.gov 507-328-2006
Cindy Steinhauser, Deputy City Administrator – DSIC
csteinhauser@rochestermn.gov 507-328-2015
Mayor Kim Norton Brooke Carlson
City Council President
Patrick Keane
City Council Member
1st Ward
Mark Bransford
City Council Member
2nd Ward
Norman W. Wahl
City Council Member
3rd Ward
Kelly Rae Kirkpatrick
City Council Member
4th Ward
Shaun C. Palmer
City Council Member
5th Ward
Molly Dennis
City Council Member
6th Ward
2023 Mayor and City Council Members