Strategic Priorities are key areas of focus identified by the City Council to guide decision-making and resource allocation.  They provide a framework for addressing pressing issues and achieving long-term goals, ensuring alignment and coherence in city initiatives and projects.  

These priorities are typically reviewed during the 2-year budget cycle.  The current Strategic Priorities are:

• Economic Resilience
• Housing Access
• Inclusive Growth Management
• Responsible Environmental Stewardship
• Transformational Capital Projects

The Action Plan outlines goals and tactics aimed at advancing the Strategic Priorities selected by City Council.  City teammates provide Action Plan updates to the City Council every six months at City Council Study Sessions.

View Action Plan reports.

The DEI Action Plan outlines the City of Rochester's strategic approach to promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.  After completing a thorough DEI audit in early 2021, the City developed a set of ambitious DEI goals to guide its efforts in the years to come.  This plan serves as a comprehensive framework for fostering an inclusive environment within the organization and the broader community. 

View DEI Action Plan reports.

Our Legislative Priorities report outlines key areas where the City of Rochester is seeking state and federal support to advance our community's well-being and development.  These priorities are strategically identified to address pressing needs and opportunities, ensuring that our city remains resilient and responsive to the evolving landscape.  From advocating for funding for critical infrastructure projects to championing policies that promote economic growth and sustainability, our legislative agenda reflects our commitment to serving the best interests of our residents and stakeholders.  Through collaboration and advocacy, we aim to secure the necessary resources and support to drive positive change and prosperity for all who call Rochester home.

View current and past Legislative Priorities

Current Priorities 

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.